The WORST episodes of Starting 5

Every episode of Starting 5 ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of Starting 5!

This captivating sports series follows Jimmy Butler, Anthony Edwards, LeBron James, Domantas Sabonis and Jayson Tatum throughout the 2023-24 NBA season.

Last Updated: 11/4/2025Network: NetflixStatus: Ended

7.11

18 votes

#1 - Love & Basketball

Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 10/16/2025

Shai silences last year's champions while juggling fatherhood and fame. James rewrites his personal playbook. A tough loss tests Tyrese's confidence.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.21

14 votes

#2 - Changing of the Guards

Season 2 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/16/2025

Tyrese and Shai face off in a potential Finals preview. Jaylen stays grounded as Boston finishes near the top of the league. Kevin suffers a setback.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.21

14 votes

#3 - Ring Chasing

Season 2 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/16/2025

A blockbuster trade rocks the league. Through rumors and doubt, Kevin chases milestones. In Paris, pressure mounts on and off the court for Tyrese.

Watch Now:Amazon Apple TV

7.22

32 votes

#4 - Push

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 10/9/2024

The players reflect on fatherhood as Anthony embraces his new role as a dad. On the court, the teams battle to secure top seeds and playoff berths.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.24

50 votes

#5 - Survival of the Fittest

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/9/2024

Rest and recovery regimens are especially vital for the players as the league's first In-Season Tournament brings playoff-level intensity — and injuries.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.28

18 votes

#6 - Mama's Boys

Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/16/2025

Jaylen reflects on his roots. Shai visits his hometown of Toronto. As the holidays bring joy, a high-stakes clash on the court sparks wild trade rumors.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.28

18 votes

#7 - Time Keeps on Slippin'

Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/16/2025

As the basketball season barrels ahead, our five superstars face different crossroads. But greatness is on the clock — and the grind is unrelenting.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.29

34 votes

#8 - The Struggle Is Real

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/9/2024

Jimmy works on a country music project, Domantas learns of his All-Star snub, and Jayson faces backlash after losing to a shorthanded Lakers squad.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.37

35 votes

#9 - All Star, Baby

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/9/2024

LeBron achieves a historic milestone post-All-Star break, Jimmy plays through grief, and Anthony prepares to welcome his firstborn.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.38

39 votes

#10 - Father Christmas

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/9/2024

The players enjoy a festive morning with their families before the Christmas Day games, where Jayson and LeBron go head-to-head in a holiday showdown.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.41

51 votes

#11 - Meet the Hoopers (2)

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 10/9/2024

Anthony stays focused on competing amid buzz about his bright future, while Domantas strives to balance family life with his demanding road schedule.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.47

64 votes

#12 - Meet the Hoopers (1)

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 10/9/2024

LeBron faces a minutes restriction, Jayson aims to cement his legacy with a championship, and Jimmy taps into his diverse interests for an on-court edge.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.48

33 votes

#13 - I'm Here!

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 10/9/2024

The season ends for Domantas as Jimmy and the Heat take on the 76ers in the Play-In Tournament. Anthony shines in a game against his idol, Kevin Durant.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.67

21 votes

#14 - Play to Win

Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired 10/16/2025

As the road to the NBA Finals begins, Tyrese, Jaylen, Kevin, James and Shai reawaken rivalries and their relentless pursuit of basketball immortality.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.68

37 votes

#15 - Just Be Yourself

Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 10/9/2024

Anthony's playoff run stalls in Dallas. The Celtics advance to the NBA Finals, where Jayson lays it all on the line for a shot at his first championship.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.71

14 votes

#16 - What the Hali

Season 2 - Episode 7 - Aired 10/16/2025

The NBA playoff gauntlet begins. Heartbreak comes for Jaylen and the Celtics as Tyrese leads the Pacers on a red-hot run. Shai dominates against Denver.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.81

32 votes

#17 - Passing the Torch

Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 10/9/2024

With LeBron facing elimination, debates over the next face of the league intensify. The Celtics stay on top, and Anthony aims to end the Nuggets' reign.

Watch Now:Amazon

8.38

13 votes

#18 - Collision Course

Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired 10/16/2025

All the blood, sweat and ice baths have led to this. With legacy on the line, Tyrese and Shai lead their teams on a collision course for the NBA crown.

Watch Now:Amazon