Washington, D.C. — So, get this, the Washington Commanders are going to be featured on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” for the first time ever! The docuseries, focusing on the NFC East division, will also showcase the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants. New episodes will be available on HBO Max every Tuesday in December 2025, and will continue into the 2026 playoffs. This is only the second time HBO has focused on an entire division, following the AFC North in 2024.
Now, let’s talk about the Commanders – they are one of seven NFL teams that have never been on “Hard Knocks” since it started back in 2001 with the Baltimore Ravens. Joining them is the Eagles, who are also making their debut after winning the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Cowboys have been featured three times before, with their last appearance in 2021, while the Giants, who were on the 2024 offseason edition, have never been part of the training camp version. The Buffalo Bills will be headlining this year’s training camp edition in the summer of 2025.
“We are super excited to give ‘Hard Knocks’ fans a summer with the Bills and winter with the Cowboys, Giants, Commanders, and Eagles in the first year of our awesome new deal with NFL Films,” said Nancy Abraham and Lisa Heller, who are the co-executive vice presidents of HBO Documentary and Family Programming, along with Bentley Weiner, the senior vice president of HBO Sports Documentaries, in a press release. “There will definitely be some star power on display.”
The NFC East is known for its competitiveness, with no repeat winner since 2004, making it the perfect backdrop for the series. The Commanders’ inclusion highlights their growing national profile, especially with an impressive 2025 schedule featuring eight standalone games, including a Christmas Day matchup and the NFL’s first game in Spain. With five primetime games, tied for the second-most in the league, the team is definitely getting some well-deserved visibility.
The Commanders’ turnaround from a dismal 4-13 record in 2024 to a stellar 12-5 finish in 2025, which led them to their first NFC Championship appearance since 1991, has caught everyone’s attention. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was named the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year after breaking multiple records, has been a major driving force behind the team’s success. Head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters have also played a crucial role in transforming the team’s roster and culture, earning praise for their strategic overhaul.
So, here’s the deal with “Hard Knocks” – it’s a series produced by NFL Films that gives fans an inside look at NFL teams, capturing everything from training camp to in-season dynamics. The in-season format, introduced in recent years, follows teams through the regular season and playoffs, providing fans with behind-the-scenes access to practices, meetings, and personal stories. For the Commanders, the series will shine a spotlight on their resurgence and the leadership of Daniels, Quinn, and Peters as they navigate the tough NFC East.
The decision to feature the NFC East makes sense given the division’s rich history of rivalries and star players. The Commanders’ journey from struggling franchise to playoff contender adds a redemption narrative to the series, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Viewers can expect coverage of key games, including primetime matchups and international games, as well as insights into the division’s tight playoff race.
HBO’s renewed partnership with NFL Films for 2025 aims to capitalize on the drama of the NFC East and the Commanders’ breakout season. The series will also showcase the Eagles’ post-Super Bowl campaign, the Cowboys’ perennial spotlight, and the Giants’ efforts to bounce back after their 2024 feature. With episodes streaming weekly, the docuseries will build anticipation as the season progresses and heads into the postseason.
The Commanders’ debut on “Hard Knocks” marks a significant milestone for the franchise, highlighting their growing relevance in the NFL landscape. As the team gears up for a high-stakes season, the series will offer fans an unprecedented look at the players and coaches behind Washington’s resurgence.
