HBO sparks outrage with new Bears Hard Knocks episode unavailable on Max as NFL fans threaten to cancel subscriptions

NFL fans were outraged to see the new episode of Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears unavailable to stream on Tuesday night.

Episode 2 of the five-part series about the Bears ‘ offseason was supposed to come out at 9 pm ET.

HBO

But while it was reported that Hard Knocks was shown on cable as scheduled, NFL fans could only see Episode 1 on Max, HBO ‘s streaming platform at the time of the premiere.

The delay caused outrage among viewers.

“@HBO please air Hard Knocks… you have us all eagerly waiting. I’m only paying this subscription for this show. It doesn’t say released on Tuesdays at 9ish it says 9 PM EST,” one wrote.

“Just canceled my @StreamOnMax account because I don’t pay for false advertisement,” another added.

“WHY ISN’T MY HBO SHOWING HARD KNOCKS,” a third said.

“@HBO What happened to Hard Knocks???? I want my money back,” one wrote.

Max later confirmed issues with the premiere of the new Hard Knocks episode.

“There is a delay for tonight’s episode of #HardKnocks: Training Camp with the @ChicagoBears on Max,” the streaming platform’s X account posted at 9:21 pm ET.

“The episode will be available soon.”

Half an hour later, Max’s support account responded to a fan, “We’re working to add the latest episode of Hard Knocks as quickly as possible.”

Countless Max subscribers seemed to have reached out to the streaming service with complaints.

The episode eventually became available on Max about 90 minutes after the scheduled air time.

Episode 2 was supposed to cover rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze channeling Kobe Bryant’s mentality and six-time Pro Bowl wideout Keenan Allen’s first months with the Bears.

Chicago acquired Allen in a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round pick in March.

NFL important dates

August 1 - Hall of Fame Game - Houston Texans vs Chicago Bears

August 8 – Pre-season begins

August 27 – Deadline for 53-man rosters

September 1 – Final day of pre-season

September 5 – Season opener – Baltimore Ravens vs Kansas City Chiefs

November 5 – Trade deadline

January 5 – Week 18 of regular-season

January 11 – Playoffs begin

February 9 – Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana

Hard Knocks generated a tremendous buzz this year with the show focusing on the Bears after they drafted quarterback sensation Caleb Williams .

The series follows an NFL team with a No. 1 overall rookie quarterback for the first time since Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns in 2018.

It’s also the first time that Chicago is the subject of the docu-series.

“We are honored to feature such an iconic NFL franchise on Hard Knocks,” NFL Films director and producer Shannon Furman said in May.

“The Chicago Bears have a talented roster, coaching staff, and front office all determined to match the expectations of a hungry fanbase.

“We are thankful to the entire organization for opening their doors to us for what is sure to be an exciting training camp this summer.”

The Bears organization was just as excited.

“The 2024 training camp will be big for us in preparation for achieving our season goals and we look forward to bringing the fans at home along for the journey,” said general manager Ryan Poles.

Meanwhile, Chicago head coach Matt Eberflus added, “Our players, coaches, and staff are excited to continue the process of building for the 2024 season.”