BOCA RATON, Fla. -- The Rams' first season back in Los Angeles will be seen up close and personal across the country.
The NFL and the Rams announced Wednesday at the league meetings that the Rams will be featured on this year's edition of HBO's "Hard Knocks."
The popular docuseries enters its 11th season by following a relocating team for the first time. NFL Films will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the Rams' first training camp back in southern California since 1994, a camp that is set to take place at the University of California-Irvine.
"It's exciting to chronicle a franchise with so many compelling storylines, highlighted by the team's return to the Los Angeles market and the enormously warm reception the Rams are experiencing," Peter Nelson, HBO Sports' executive vice president, said. "The series has become a summertime destination for TV viewers, and we can't wait for the premiere on Aug. 9."
Before the official announcement was made Wednesday morning, Rams coach Jeff Fisher, who had long been opposed to appearing on the show, said he didn't think the film crews would be a distraction for his team -- not even with so many other things going on.
"I don't think so," Fisher said. "I've talked to enough coaches over the years that have done it and a couple of days into it, it's a non-factor."
While the distraction issue has been a question surrounding the show, the Rams offered evidence to the contrary. According to their news release, the past six teams to appear on the show have equaled or improved their record in the regular season after appearing on the show, and four teams went to the playoffs after being featured.
The NFL Films crew of 30 people will tape the Rams for more than 1,500 hours over the course of series before editing down to the five hourlong episodes. Actor Liev Schreiber will narrate the series.
The show is set to premiere on HBO on Aug. 9 at 10 p.m. ET and will air on Tuesdays until the finale on Sept. 6.