Hard Knocks backdrop
Documentary•Reality

The Best Episodes of Hard Knocks

Every episode of Hard Knocks ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Hard Knocks!

Binge this in 3d 20h•Peaking at 8.7/10

An inside look at NFL training camps. From the top coaches to the rookies trying to make the team, Hard Knocks showcases what it takes to be in the NFL.

Airs on
HBO
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons21

All123456789101112131415161718192021

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Click to reveal
    Hard Knocks Season 13 Episode 2 - Episode 2
    8.7/10(81 votes)

    S13:E2

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Hard Knocks Season 13 Episode 3 - Episode 3
    8.7/10(74 votes)

    S13:E3

    The grind and intensity of training camp produces flare-ups for both players and coaches on the practice field. The Browns play host Tyrod Taylor’s former team, the Buffalo Bills, in their second preseason game.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Hard Knocks Season 17 Episode 5 - Episode 5
    8.7/10(67 votes)

    S17:E5

    Coach Campbell and his staff make roster cuts and get ready for the season kickoff as the Lions finish up training camp.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Hard Knocks Season 13 Episode 5 - Episode 5
    8.6/10(58 votes)

    S13:E5

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Hard Knocks Season 17 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.6/10(127 votes)

    S17:E1

    Enthusiasm is building for the 2022 Lions. In his second season as Head Coach, Dan Campbell welcomes the youngest roster in the NFL back to training camp, including this year’s number two overall draft pick, Michigan native Aiden Hutchinson.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Hard Knocks Season 17 Episode 2 - Episode 2
    8.6/10(86 votes)

    S17:E2

    Week 2 of training camp sees Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell challenging his players, including first round pick Aiden Hutchinson who appears in his first NFL preseason game in front of his hometown Michigan fans.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of Hard Knocks

    READ
  7. Hard Knocks Season 17 Episode 4 - Episode 4
    8.6/10(70 votes)

    S17:E4

    The Lions travel to Pittsburgh to play their final preseason game. With cutdown day approaching, it's the last chance for roster hopefuls.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Hard Knocks Season 17 Episode 3 - Episode 3
    8.5/10(76 votes)

    S17:E3

    The grind and intensity of training camp sets in. The Lions travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts in their second preseason game.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Hard Knocks Season 21 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.5/10(128 votes)

    S21:E1

    Having received their rings, the Super Bowl champion Seahawks head to training camp--and dreams of going back-to-back. Head coach Mike Macdonald looks to inspire the team by bringing up a legendary repeat champion: Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Hard Knocks Season 11 Episode 3 - Episode 03
    8.4/10(35 votes)

    S11:E3

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Hard Knocks Season 12 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.4/10(66 votes)

    S12:E1

    Former Heisman winner Jameis Winston, outspoken DeSean Jackson and Pro Bowl perennial Gerald McCoy, along with rookies and free agents, go through the first week of drills at Buccaneers training camp.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Hard Knocks Season 12 Episode 3 - Episode 3
    8.4/10(43 votes)

    S12:E3

    Jameis Winston leads the Buccaneers to Jacksonville for practice sessions and a nationally televised preseason game with the Jaguars; competition heats up as 90 players vie for 53 roster spots.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Hard Knocks Season 12 Episode 4 - Episode 4
    8.4/10(41 votes)

    S12:E4

    Jameis Winston and the first team unit prepare for the home preseason clash with the Cleveland Browns; the rookie talent show takes place at camp.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Hard Knocks Season 13 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.4/10(111 votes)

    S13:E1

    Training camp begins as 90 players compete for 53 spots, but all eyes are on QB Baker Mayfield. General manager John Dorsey and head coach Hue Jackson welcome a new batch of veteran acquisitions, including QB Tyrod Taylor and receiver Jarvis Landry.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Hard Knocks Season 1 Episode 5 - Training Camp With the Baltimore Ravens #5
    8.3/10(30 votes)

    S1:E5

    The Ravens coaches go through their first-round cuts. The team's rookies stage a talent show where they mock several of the veteran players.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Hard Knocks Season 10 Episode 4 - Episode 04
    8.3/10(38 votes)

    S10:E4

    The Texans begin reducing the roster in preparation for getting down to 53 players by opening day. The team travels to New Orleans to meet Drew Brees and the Saints in the third week of preseason play.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Hard Knocks Season 11 Episode 5 - Episode 05
    8.3/10(36 votes)

    S11:E5

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Hard Knocks Season 13 Episode 4 - Episode 4
    8.3/10(60 votes)

    S13:E4

    Star receiver Josh Gordon returns while players on the margins fight for their place on the team.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Hard Knocks Season 6 Episode 4 - Episode 04
    8.2/10(26 votes)

    S6:E4

    The team visits Long Island for a scrimmage at Hofstra University and faces the Redskins in its third preseason game. Also: a key player gets hurt; a respected veteran is cut as the roster is pared to 75 players; the battle at left guard heats up; the offense continues to struggle.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Hard Knocks Season 7 Episode 5 - Episode 05
    8.2/10(29 votes)

    S7:E5

    The pre-season comes to a close as the Dolphins travel to Dallas to play the Cowboys; coaches evaluate players as they prepare for final roster cuts.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. Hard Knocks Season 10 Episode 1 - Episode 01
    8.2/10(44 votes)

    S10:E1

    Reigning Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt and his fellow Texans kick off training camp in Houston. Head coach Bill O'Brien leads 90 players through the first week of drills, and the team travels to Virginia, where they practice against the NFC East's Washington Redskins.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. Hard Knocks Season 10 Episode 2 - Episode 02
    8.2/10(37 votes)

    S10:E2

    Rookies and veterans show some style and the team gears up for its preseason slate with a home game against the San Francisco 49ers.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. Hard Knocks Season 10 Episode 5 - Episode 05
    8.2/10(37 votes)

    S10:E5

    The Texans travel to Dallas for their final preseason game against the Cowboys. The coaching staff reduces the roster to 53 players in preparation for the Sept. 13 regular season opener with Kansas City.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. Hard Knocks Season 11 Episode 2 - Episode 02
    8.2/10(36 votes)

    S11:E2

    The Los Angeles Rams mark their first home game at the venerable Memorial Coliseum in more than 35 years with the preseason opener versus the Dallas Cowboys.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. Hard Knocks Season 12 Episode 2 - Episode 2
    8.2/10(54 votes)

    S12:E2

    Third-year QB Jameis Winston displays his leadership on the field and in the locker room; kicker Roberto Aguayo learns his fate; Brent Grimes has a revealing conversation with his wife, Miko; players and coaches get game-time action as the Buccaneers travel to Cincinnati to play the Bengals.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Best Episodes Summary

"Episode 2" is the best rated episode of "Hard Knocks". It scored 8.7/10 based on 81 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 8/14/2018. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "Episode 3".