Tuesday’s ‘Hard Knocks’ drew huge television ratings

HBO had to realize that drama would be the name of the game when it pegged the Oakland Raiders for this season of “Hard Knocks.”

What the network didn’t know was that Antonio Brown would bring even more drama to the mix. The seven-time Pro Bowler returned to Raiders training camp mere hours before episode two of the show aired.

This came after a several day period in which Brown remained away from Raiders camp. It started with a foot injury and continued with Brown filing a grievance with the NFL. Prior to an ultimate culmination in the Raiders’ favor, Brown reportedly considered retirement.

What does all of this mean for HBO? Episode two of the season actually drew more viewers than the season opener last week.

According to HBO, the viewership for last night's "Hard Knocks" episode with the Raiders was 887,000, up over last week's season premiere.

— Scott Bair (@ScottBairNFL) August 14, 2019

It was also the highest-rated second episode of “Hard Knocks” since 2012.

"Hard Knocks" second episode attracted 887,000 viewers on its Tuesday premiere night, per HBO spokesman. Up from 879,000 viewers in Raiders' debut last week. Tuesday's audience was highest for a second "Hard Knocks" episode since Dolphins in 2012 (984K viewers).

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 14, 2019

That really is some crazy stuff right there. Much like the regular television viewer, NFL fans love them some drama.

For his part, Brown brought that to the mix during the latest episode.