HBO, which has lost a bit of its grasp on the sports documentary market thanks to the success of ESPN’s 30 for 30 series, announced it will give the 24/7 treatment to the National Hockey League’s “Winter Classic” between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals, two teams who hate each other.
Ross Greenburg, president, HBO Sports:
“Taking our reality series 24/7 into the world of the National Hockey League is a perfect fit. The 24/7 franchise is fashioned on larger-than-life personalities, engaging storylines, and unrestricted access. With Sidney Crosby leading the Penguins and Alex Ovechkin leading the Capitals, we have all the ingredients for a dynamic show that will take viewers deep inside professional hockey and set the stage for the Winter Classic.”
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Isn’t this basically Hard Knocks: NHL?
The shows will air Dec. 15, 22, and 29 and Jan. 5 at 10:00 p.m., with an immediate encore play at 11:00 p.m.
HBO recently ran a 24/7 with Jimmie Johnson and will air another in October that features Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito.