Hard Knocks (documentary series)

Hard Knocks
GenreSports
Reality television
Documentary series
Created byMarty Callner
Developed byHBO Sports
NFL Films
StarringBaltimore Ravens (2001)
Dallas Cowboys (2002, 2008, 2021)
Kansas City Chiefs (2007)
Cincinnati Bengals (2009, 2013)
New York Jets (2010, 2023)
Miami Dolphins (2012, 2023 in-season)
Atlanta Falcons (2014)
Houston Texans (2015)
Los Angeles Rams (2016, 2020)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2017)
Cleveland Browns (2018)
Oakland Raiders (2019)
Los Angeles Chargers (2020)
Indianapolis Colts (2021 in-season)
Detroit Lions (2022)
Arizona Cardinals (2022 in-season)
New York Giants (2024 Offseason)
Chicago Bears (2024)
Narrated byLiev Schreiber (2001–2002 & 2008–present)
Paul Rudd (2007)
ComposerDave Robidoux
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons19
No. of episodes105
(6 in 2001 and 2002, 5 in each training camp season from 2007 onwards, 9 in 2021 and 2022 in season)
Production
Executive producersSteve Sabol
Rick Bernstein
Ross Greenburg
Marty Callner
ProducersKen Rodgers
Keith Cossrow
Production locationVaries
Running time~55 minutes (commercial-free)
Original release
NetworkHBO
Release2001 (2001) –
present
Infobox instructions (only shown in preview)

Hard Knocks is a reality sports documentary television series produced by NFL Films and HBO.[1] First broadcast in 2001, the show typically follows a National Football League (NFL) team through its training camp and covers the team's preparation for the upcoming football season. Beginning in 2021, the show has also dedicated an additional season of television to following an additional team throughout the NFL regular season. Followed by an additional season to following another team through the NFL offseason starting in 2024.

The series depicts the personal and professional lives of players, coaches, and staff, including their family life, position battles, and even inside jokes and pranks. It particularly focuses on rookies' adjustments to playing in the NFL, usually with emphasis on the team's most recent top draft pick. It usually also chooses to focus on undrafted and journeyman players who are attempting to make the team.

The NFL and HBO have called Hard Knocks "the first sports-based reality series" in television history.[2][3] The 20th season featured the New York Jets in their second appearance on the show, as well as the Miami Dolphins. In 2024, the series expanded to cover a team in the off-season (New York Giants), during training camp (Chicago Bears), and will feature an entire division during the regular season (AFC North).

  1. ^ "Conflicting Reports on New York Giants Being Finalist for HBO's Hard Knocks". Archived from the original on 2014-05-02. Retrieved 2014-04-30.
  2. ^ "HBO Sports, NFL Films and Miami Dolphins join forces for "Hard Knocks: Training Camp With The Miami Dolphins" debuting August 7 - NFL Communications". Archived from the original on 2013-02-08. Retrieved 2012-09-27.
  3. ^ "Hard Knocks - HBO Sports Goes Inside the NFL".