Browns will be featured on HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’

HBO’s “Hard Knocks” will shine a national spotlight on the Cleveland Browns this summer as the franchise attempts to claw its way back toward respectability in the aftermath of an 016 season.

The Browns will be featured on the 13th season of the hit documentary series during training camp. Five hourlong episodes will air from 10-11 p.m. on consecutive Tuesdays beginning Aug. 7 with the season finale Sept. 4, five days before the Browns will open the regular season at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The team, HBO and NFL Films announced the news Thursday morning.

This will be the first time the Browns have been the subject of Hard Knocks. The NFL had repeatedly asked them to be on the show throughout the years, and the team finally agreed. Crews from NFL Films will begin to shoot footage at Browns headquarters in Berea in the next few weeks.

Episodes have averaged 3.9 million viewers during the past four seasons, according to a news release.

“NFL Films has always been exceptional at bringing fans closer to the game and they do an outstanding job with every show they produce, including HBO’s Hard Knocks,” Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in the release. “We have been asked multiple times about being featured on Hard Knocks, and we really felt like it was our turn this year and the timing was right. We want to be great partners in this league, and we also recognize Hard Knocks gives fans a special opportunity to learn more about our team and players.

“Organizationally, we are confident about where we are headed, but we have a lot of work to do in order for this franchise to earn the respect of our fans on the field. We understand winning is ultimately most important to our fans. We’re looking forward to partnering with HBO and NFL Films to show how our team is working hard at training camp to prepare for the 2018 season.”