NFL’s famed training camp series will spotlight the Bears for the first time in its 19th season.

For the first time in franchise history, the Chicago Bears will be featured on HBO’s hit training camp documentary series “Hard Knocks”. The announcement, made on Thursday by HBO and the NFL, reveals that the Bears will be the focus of the 19th season of the Emmy-winning show, which first aired in 2001.

While the Bears have long been resistant to participation, with chairman George McCaskey initially opposing the idea, the team will now open their doors for the five-episode series. The first episode will premiere on August 6, with subsequent episodes airing on Tuesdays through September 3.

“We’re thrilled to showcase such a storied NFL franchise on ‘Hard Knocks’,” said Shannon Furman, NFL Films’ senior director and supervising producer. “The Chicago Bears possess an exceptional roster, a skilled coaching team, and a front office determined to meet the expectations of their dedicated fanbase. We’re grateful to the entire organisation for welcoming us to what promises to be an electrifying training camp this summer.”

Bears President Kevin Warren highlighted how the series would offer fans worldwide a unique glimpse into this pivotal period in the franchise’s history.

Despite a challenging recent past with just three playoff appearances since the 2006 Super Bowl run, the Bears are brimming with potential. In the latest draft, Chicago selected quarterback Caleb Williams with the number one pick, added six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen through trade, and drafted wide receiver Rome Odunze, further bolstering their offensive line-up alongside DJ Moore.

In addition, the Bears are actively pursuing funding for a new enclosed stadium by Lake Michigan, adjacent to Soldier Field, after abandoning plans to build in Arlington Heights. This season also sees the inclusion of three iconic Chicago players—Devin Hester, Steve McMichael, and Julius Peppers—into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“This training camp is crucial for our franchise as we aim to meet our season objectives,” said general manager Ryan Poles. “We are excited to bring fans on this journey alongside us.”

In parallel, the New York Giants will feature in a revamped version of “Hard Knocks,” covering a wider time frame from January to July. This series, which will cover the NFL combine, free agency, the draft, and minicamps, is set to debut on July 2, airing through to July 30.