HBO’s “Hard Knocks” franchise is expanding into offseason coverage this year for the first time ever.
The network announced Wednesday morning that the New York Giants will be featured on the inaugural offseason “Hard Knocks” starting July 2.
This isn’t the typical training camp “Hard Knocks”; that will still be aired this summer with the cameras following a different team.
The Giants, who have been notoriously hesitant to embrace the HBO docuseries in the past, will be giving viewers an inside look at their offseason process, including the NFL Draft, free agency and rookie minicamps.
“We are incredibly proud that ‘Hard Knocks’ is widely thought of as one of the most successful and entertaining unscripted sports franchises ever produced,” said NFL Films senior executive Ross Ketover. “To be able to expand on the ‘Hard Knocks’ universe, and with an elite franchise in the Giants while they celebrate their 100th season, is a privilege for all of us at NFL Films.”
This seems like a compromise for the Giants, who don’t have to deal with the traditional “Hard Knocks” treatment that owner John Mara has openly loathed, but they still will be featured in the series and will have a chance to do something groundbreaking heading into their milestone 100th NFL season.
“Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants” will premier Tuesday, July 2 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO, with subsequent episodes airing at the same time each week through July 30.