HBO has finally gotten its way. After years of prodding the Cleveland Browns football organization to be a subject on its much lauded sports program Hard Knocks, the cable outlet announced today that the team is participating in the 12th season of the show.

Browns fans don't need to be reminded of the turmoil surrounding the last two seasons under head coach Hue Jackson, with only one win to their name. This record, in combination with the recently-drafted star Baker Mayfield, has the makings of a juicy comeback story TV viewers love (and Cleveland die-hards are praying for).

Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, according to a statement, seem thrilled the show is featuring their trying Cleveland team:

“We have been asked multiple times about being featured on Hard Knocks, and we really felt like it was our turn this year and the timing was right. We want to be great partners in this league, and we also recognize Hard Knocks gives fans a special opportunity to learn more about our team and players.

“Organizationally, we are confident about where we are headed, but we have a lot of work to do in order for this franchise to earn the respect of our fans on the field. We understand winning is ultimately most important to our fans. We’re looking forward to partnering with HBO and NFL Films to show how our team is working hard at training camp to prepare for the 2018 season.”

Coach Jackson, who is set to jump in Lake Erie for charity (and to save face) next month, said in a statement that since he's been a part of the show before, he knows the positives it can bring.

"I want people to see how much our players and coaches care, how hard they work and how badly they want to win for Cleveland," he said.



The program's film crew is set to descend on the team's training camp this summer, with plans to shoot thousands of hours worth of behind-the-scenes footage. Actor Liev Schreiber, serving as the show's narrator, will make the whole the thing sound a little better when the show premiers August 7.