Last week, we heard that HBO had been talking to four schools about developing a “Hard Knocks” style reality television show about college football. Alabama, Arizona State, Penn State, and Washington State were discussing allowing cameras behind the scenes to cover their programs, and one of those programs announced today they would be featured this fall. HBO will be in Pullman to cover Washington State this season.
This should be fun! #GoCougs #JoinTheHunt pic.twitter.com/w08jW8IwkT
— Washington State Football (@WSUCougarFB) August 17, 2019
This is HBO’s first foray into college football. “Hard Knocks” has been one of HBO’s most popular programs for the last 12 years, but whereas “Hard Knocks” only follows teams during the training camp and preseason, this show will follow a team throughout the season.
It won’t be the first reality television show centered around a college football team. Netflix will be on its fifth season of “Last Chance U” this fall, and Showtime followed three different college football programs from 2015 to 2017. The network went behind the scenes with Notre Dame in 2015, Florida State in 2016, and Navy in 2017.
There are a lot of interesting storylines to cover with Washington State. The Cougars have the most enigmatic coach in the game in Mike Leach, and he is likely to command a lot of screen time. Washington State will also be breaking in a graduate transfer quarterback for the second straight season with Eastern Washington’s Gage Gubrud replacing Gardner Minshew.
“Hard Knocks” has descended on #WSU. Sounds like a deal still hasn’t been finalized, but all signs are pointing to the HBO program featuring the Cougars this fall. pic.twitter.com/Lfv29xqDlT
— Theo Lawson (@TheoLawson_SR) August 17, 2019
Although the school just announced the news today, HBO’s cameras were spotted at practice on Friday and there was speculation that an announcement would be coming shortly. Theo Lawson of the Spokesman-Review had been tracking the story and Mike Leach all but confirmed the news last night before the school’s tweet earlier today.
Mike Leach on HBO’s presence at #WSU practice this afternoon:
Leach would advise his team to “practice ignoring the cameras, because they want a genuine look and we’re not going to get our work done unless we effectively ignore one another.” pic.twitter.com/NRP7yc3FHw
— Theo Lawson (@TheoLawson_SR) August 17, 2019
Washington State will open its season on August 31 against New Mexico State and will start conference play on September 21.
H/T Sports Illustrated and Coug Center
