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Thursday, September 17, 2026

Arizona Cardinals Get 1st Star Turn On HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’

  • NFC West contenders will be spotlighted on second “in-season” edition of reality series.
  • Cards were passed over for the Dallas Cowboys last year.
Syndication Arizona Republic

The Arizon Cardinals will finally get their shot on HBO Sports’ “Hard Knocks.”

The NFL announced the NFC West contenders will be featured on the second installment of “Hard Knocks In Season.” The reality TV series will premiere on HBO in November, while also streaming on HBO Max.

The Cardinals have never been featured on the Emmy Award-winning “Hard Knocks” franchise, which launched in 2001. 

The Indianapolis Colts were the subject of the first in-season installment of “Hard Knocks” last year. The Dallas Cowboys were picked over the Cardinals for the traditional training camp version last season.

This year’s preseason version of “Hard Knocks” premieres Aug. 9 with “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Detroit Lions.” It will run for five episodes.

After starting 7-0, the Cardinals finished 11-6 last season, losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Playoffs.

With star quarterback Kyler Murray seeking a new contract, there should be plenty of drama for HBO and NFL Films producers to mine in Glendale, Arizona.

“Last season ‘Hard Knocks’ made an unprecedented leap, documenting an NFL regular season in real time for the first time ever with the Indianapolis Colts,” said Keith Cossrow, vice president and senior coordinating producer for NFL Films.  

“It was a vivid and illuminating look at the life of an NFL team. This season, we are eager to build on that success and go even further with one of the most exciting teams in the NFL.

“We can’t wait to get to work in Arizona, and we thank Michael Bidwill, Steve Keim, Coach Kingsbury and the entire Cardinals organization for this opportunity.”

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