Bears fans melted down after HBO delayed new episode of Hard Knocks
By Ryan Heckman
Just over a week ago, the Chicago Bears were responsible for HBO's most-viewed premiere of Hard Knocks in five years.
And, why wouldn't it be? The Bears were able to secure the no. 1 pick and draft Caleb Williams. Not only that, but general manager Ryan Poles gave Williams as much as he possibly could for the rookie quarterback to succeed in Year 1.
No rookie quarterback had ever been set up like Williams for the 2024 campaign. It was a situation we had never seen before in this league.
Then, you add in all of the pre-draft narratives on Williams. People said a thousand different things about the kid, questioning his character, work ethic and style choices. Much had been made over Williams painting his nails and showing emotion after a loss.
The people wanted to see Williams' first training camp action and get a glimpse behind the scenes of this character wearing no. 18.
Thus, HBO witnessed it's most-viewed premiere in five years, thanks to Williams, Theo Benedet A.K.A. "the Canadian Eagle," and company. We could only imagine what was in store for the continuation in episode two.
HBO delayed Episode 2 of Hard Knocks and Bears fans lost their minds
HBO was scheduled to release the new episode at 8 p.m. CT on Tuesday. As a couple of minutes passed, and the episode was still unavailable to stream via HBO's app, fans started to wonder just what was going on.
Then, time continued to pass, and still no new episode. Bears fans grew more and more annoyed, and took out their frustrations on X (Twitter).
.@HBO pic.twitter.com/R3b6zqaPSL
— Shayne L. Marsaw (@wasram) August 14, 2024
I almost like Aaron Rodgers more than MAX right now.
— GasMoneyBob (@GasMoneyBob) August 14, 2024
Too far, GasMoneyBob ... too far.
Just smashed my TV in front of 20 guests at my son’s bday party because HBO Max doesn’t have Episode 2 of Hard knocks live.
— Drunk Ryan Poles (@DrunkRyanPoles) August 14, 2024
My wife just took our crying kids & said they’re all spending the week at her mom’s house. Thanks @StreamOnMax for ruining my marriage #BearDown😔 pic.twitter.com/Sol4jRqwyO
I'm going out on a limb and saying the above post was satirical ... let's hope.
WHY ISNT MY HBO SHOWING HARD KNOCKS pic.twitter.com/8g3nGqlCl9
— CHGO Sports (@CHGO_Sports) August 14, 2024
Me tryna find the 2nd episode of hard knocks pic.twitter.com/DYgul3a3iZ
— BearsEdits (@BearsEdits) August 14, 2024
What takes longer: Justin Fields finding an open receiver downfield or Episode 2 being posted to MAX?
— SZZ (@RagingBearFan) August 14, 2024
Too soon for the Justin Fields stans ... too ... soon.
Fire all your staff @HBO
— DaWindyCity Productions (@dwcprodz) August 14, 2024
I gathered my whole family to watch Hard Knocks and it’s 45 minutes late. Everybody’s in hysterics. We’ve resorted to cannibalism as a last resort. RIP Uncle Dino
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) August 14, 2024
Obviously satirical, and quite dark ... but still funny.
You finally get me hooked to watch Hard Knocks … and then THIS happens?
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) August 14, 2024
Smh.
Live look at the @StreamOnMax control room…. #DaBears pic.twitter.com/AUNTPesFVT
— Bologna (@PeterFonseca) August 14, 2024
Every Bears fan just chuckled.
Not to be dramatic but HBO not dropping Hard Knocks at 9 PM has ruined my entire day
— Hunter Haas (@Haas_Football) August 14, 2024
This is somehow Ryan Pace’s fault Hard Knocks ain’t up and he should suffer for his crimes against the @ChicagoBears
— . (@TreyBizzy) August 14, 2024
The entire city of Chicago waiting for HBO to drop Hard Knocks pic.twitter.com/IHVqZRaIRs
— Barstool Chicago (@barstoolchicago) August 14, 2024
Live footage of the @StreamOnMax office pic.twitter.com/VJZyyCLEnN
— Jake (@Jake_B30) August 14, 2024
@maxhelp not letting grandma out until y’all release Hard Knocks pic.twitter.com/b76JRDBQce
— Jacoby (@JVCOBY) August 14, 2024
Ah, yes. It's the classic "grandma in a cage" meme.
Only the Bears could break HBO.
— jon greenberg (@jon_greenberg) August 14, 2024
If you or a loved one has been affected by the 8/13/24 delayed release of the HBO Series “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bear” episode 2, you may to be entitled to financial compensation.
— Uncle Ronnie (@UncleRonnieCHI) August 14, 2024
Did anyone else just read that in the same voice as one of those midday cable TV ads targeting those above the age of 60?
When is Episode 3 of Hard Knocks?
Eventually, the episode dropped about an hour and fifteen minutes late, around 9:15 p.m. CT. After all of the hilarious reactions, fans were able to enjoy another excellent episode.
As for Episode 3? Right now, it should be on the same schedule, ready to roll Tuesday Aug. 20 at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Hopefully, next time goes a little more smooth.
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