Rams, Chargers chosen for HBO's 'Hard Knocks'

HBO's Hard Knocks will be doing double duty in Los Angeles, as the hit series will feature the Rams and Chargers for the upcoming season.

The Chargers and Rams will be playing their inaugural season in SoFi Stadium, a $5 billion stadium that is currently being finished in Inglewood. Both teams are looking to bounce back from disappointing 2019 seasons, which resulted in them missing the playoffs.

"The Hard Knocks franchise continues to excel as the preeminent sports reality series," HBO Sports EVP Peter Nelson said in a press release. "Our partnership with NFL Films, which dates back to 1977, consistently produces groundbreaking television programming. We are grateful to the Chargers and Rams organizations to be able to present the 2020 training camp experience."

While the Rams are hoping to return to form under coach Sean McVay, the Chargers are hoping to head in a new direction after drafting quarterback Justin Herbert with the sixth pick in the draft to replace Philip Rivers, who signed with the Indianapolis Colts.

"We are looking forward to having Hard Knocks in our camp this year," said McVay. "Hard Knocks always offers a rare opportunity for our fans to see our players' hard work to prepare for the season, as well as gives them a peek behind the curtain to observe these guys off the field, too. This year will be special because the show will also get an unprecedented look at SoFi Stadium, Stan Kroenke's vision for professional football in L.A."

Both franchises are still building fanbases in Los Angeles and have unveiled new logos and jerseys this offseason along with opening their new stadium. What will make this season especially interesting is watching teams try to prepare in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, as it is not even clear if fans will be able to attend games.