Community Corner: Should MLS have a Hard Knocks show?

With the coronavirus pandemic putting a pause on sports, many have gone to their movie streaming services for documentaries on the game we all love. Among the many documentaries out there that people have consumed are those who focus on a season for a particular team.

Sunderland ‘Til I Die, a Netflix documentary, gives fans inside access to Sunderland and its first team over the course of a season. They recently released Season 2 for the world to enjoy. First Team: Juventus is another Netflix documentary that chronicles Juventus during the 2017-2018 season and the ups and downs that come with it. Even Los Angeles Football Club got into the act in their first season as a franchise with We Are LAFC, a documentary that you can find on ESPN+.

Every summer, the NFL brings us Hard Knocks, which gives fans an inside look at a NFL team as they go through preseason. We learn about some of the stars, rookie draft picks, and other rookies who are trying to make it onto the roster. In 14 seasons, they have done the Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys (twice), Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals (twice), New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Cleveland Browns, and the Oakland Raiders (now the Las Vegas Raiders). The NFL even has rules on which teams are eligible to be selected for Hard Knocks because many coaches do not want the cameras in their locker room, fearing it presents a disadvantage to their team. This summer, the Rams will join the Los Angeles Chargers in being showcased on the show as they begin their first season at their new $5 billion home, SoFi Stadium.

Could something like this be an annual production for MLS? Would fans want the access on their team? Would they be interested in learning about another franchise? It could be an opportunity for fans to learn more about the teams and the players, especially those who are fighting to make the team along with putting the league’s stars out there as well. However, just like the NFL, coaches and front offices may not want others to learn of their inner workings.

So, we bring the question to the Community Corner: should MLS have a Hard Knocks type of show or documentary? And if so, which teams would you want to see highlighted? Hit the comments and let us know!