HBO’s acclaimed sports documentary series “Hard Knocks” is set to television history by chronicling an entire NFL division for the first time. The series will follow the AFC North in its latest installment, “Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North,” debuting on Tuesday, December 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Fans can catch the premiere on HBO and stream it on Max.
Innovative Focus on the AFC North
“Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North” promises an in-depth look at the fierce competition for the AFC North crown during the crucial final six weeks of the NFL season. The series will not only cover the regular season’s climactic battles but also carry into the playoffs, featuring whichever AFC North teams make the postseason cut. This installment will see new episodes released every subsequent Tuesday, tracking the progress of the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers right through to January 2025.
Star-Studded Lineup and Unprecedented Access
The 18-time Emmy-winning series will maintain its signature all-access style, bringing viewers into the huddles, homes, and hearts of the teams. This season will spotlight the Pittsburgh Steelers, guided by coach Mike Tomlin, marking their first feature on “Hard Knocks.” The cameras will also follow John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens, Zac Taylor’s Cincinnati Bengals, and Kevin Stefanski’s Cleveland Browns. Star quarterbacks including Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Deshaun Watson, Russell Wilson, and Justin Fields, alongside other notable players like Derrick Henry, Ja’Marr Chase, Myles Garrett, and T.J. Watt, will also be featured, adding depth and personality to the narrative.
Building on a Legacy of Excellence
Keith Cossrow, NFL Films Vice President and Head of Content, shared his excitement about the project, noting the AFC North’s historic achievement of being the first division ever to conclude with all four teams holding winning records. This makes the AFC North a captivating subject for this groundbreaking approach to “Hard Knocks.”
The Ravens, the first team featured in the original “Hard Knocks” back in 2001, along with the Bengals and Browns, who have appeared in the series in subsequent years, are no strangers to the show’s intense focus. This new series promises to deepen the viewing experience by showcasing the high stakes and fierce rivalries that define the division.
“Hard Knocks” Expands Its Year-Round NFL Coverage
Looking beyond the AFC North, “Hard Knocks” is set to cover the NFL year-round. The series will also follow the New York Giants in “Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants” starting July 2, and feature the Chicago Bears in the traditional training camp edition beginning August 6. This expansion ensures that “Hard Knocks” will now encompass every aspect of the NFL season, from the offseason strategies to the playoff clashes.
Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller—Co-Executive Vice Presidents at HBO Documentary and Family Programming—and Bentley Weiner, Vice President of HBO Sports Documentaries, expressed their enthusiasm about broadening the “Hard Knocks” universe. They anticipate a thrilling year for NFL fans, with unprecedented insights into the inner workings of their favorite teams and players.
As “Hard Knocks” continues to evolve, it remains a staple for sports enthusiasts, offering an unrivaled glimpse into the high-pressure, highly competitive world of professional football.
