HBO Sends Bears Nation Into Meltdown With ‘Hard Knocks’ Streaming Snafu

Patty Wetli | August 14, 2024, 8:21 am

Don't poke the bear.

HBO angered legions of Chicago Bears fans Tuesday night with a still unexplained screwup in dropping the season's second episode of "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears" on Max.

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The episode was supposed to be available at 8 p.m. central time but was nowhere to be found. It took 20 minutes for Sports on Max to tweet: "There is a delay for tonight's episode.... The episode will be available soon."

"Soon" turned out be 75 minutes, which gave fuming Bears fans plenty of time to rain down social media memes on X (formerly Twitter). Meanwhile, viewers with HBO on cable, versus streaming, had access to the episode. No apology or statement has been issued.

When the episode finally dropped, fans were treated to their first look at rookie quarterback Caleb Williams in a game-day (albeit preseason) situation. But first they had to sit through wide receiver D.J. Moore taking his family on what looked like a sponsored content trip to the touristy Museum of Ice Cream.

Viewers were also introduced to Ian Wheeler, an undrafted rookie hopeful who's deferred enrolling in med school to chase his NFL dream. Will his decision pay off?

Tune in next Tuesday at 8 ... or maybe 9.

Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]