Shows Like Hard Knocks

If you liked Hard Knocks (2001), a documentary and reality series, here are 20 shows with a similar feel, based on TMDB's recommendations. Each one links to its cast, trailer and where it's streaming.

1
Last Chance U (2016)
★ 7.2/10Also documentary
In a docuseries set at one of NCAA football's most fertile recruiting grounds, guys with red flags seek to prove their worth on the field and in class.
2
Welcome to Wrexham (2022)
★ 7.8/10Also documentary and reality
Documentary series tracking the dreams and worries of Wrexham, a working-class town in North Wales, UK, as two Hollywood stars (Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds) take ownership of the town’s historic yet struggling…
3
All or Nothing (2016)
★ 7.3/10Also documentary and reality
For the first time in history, Amazon and NFL Films present an unprecedented inside look at the lives of players, coaches and owners of a franchise over the course of an entire NFL season. Witness the real life, behind…
4
Quarterback (2023)
★ 8/10Also documentary
Follow the bruised bodies, soul-crushing fumbles, agonizing losses, and pure joy of three NFL quarterbacks during one season.
5
The New York Times Presents (2020)
★ 7/10Also documentary
A series of standalone documentaries powered by the unparalleled journalism and insight of The New York Times, bringing viewers close to the essential stories of our time.
6
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (2024)
★ 6.6/10Also reality and documentary
The scandalous world of a group of Mormon mom influencers implodes when they get caught in the midst of a swinging sex scandal that makes international headlines. Now, their sisterhood is shook to its core. Faith…
7
The F Word (2005)
★ 6.2/10Also documentary and reality
The F Word is a British food magazine and cookery programme featuring chef Gordon Ramsay. The programme covers a wide range of topics, from recipes to food preparation and celebrity food fads. The programme is made by…
8
TYSON (2026)
★ 8.5/10Also documentary
Explore the explosive life of Mike Tyson — one of the most feared and fascinating figures in sports history.
9
History 101 (2020)
★ 7.1/10Also documentary
Infographics and archival footage deliver bite-size history lessons on scientific breakthroughs, social movements and world-changing discoveries.
10
The Playbook (2020)
★ 6.4/10Also documentary
Coaches with championship résumés share their personal rules for success in sports and life in this reflective and inspiring documentary series.
11
Conversations with a Killer: The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapes (2022)
★ 7.8/10Also documentary
Serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer confesses to his gruesome crimes in unguarded interviews, offering an unsettling view into a disturbed mind.
12
Live PD (2016)
★ 7.6/10Also documentary and reality
Dash cams capture footage from urban and rural police forces while on the job. A live look inside the everyday calls of police officers across the nation.
13
1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything (2021)
★ 7.6/10Also documentary
In a tumultuous era, 1971 was a year of musical innovation and rebirth fueled by the political and cultural upheaval of the time. Stars reached new heights, fresh talent exploded onto the scene, and boundaries expanded…
14
Death of the Pastor's Wife (2026)
★ 7.4/10Also documentary
What happened to Mica Miller? This documentary series retraces her promising life, toxic marriage and the mysterious circumstances of her death.
15
Ride with Norman Reedus (2016)
★ 7.3/10Also reality and documentary
The Walking Dead star and motorcycle enthusiast Norman Reedus hits the open road to explore local biker culture and celebrate the best and brightest collectors, mechanics and craftsmen around the country. Each episode…
16
100 Humans: Life's Questions. Answered. (2020)
★ 5.9/10Also documentary and reality
One hundred hardy souls from diverse backgrounds participate in playful experiments exploring age, sex, happiness and other aspects of being human.
17
Killer Sally (2022)
★ 6.7/10Also documentary
Interviews with friends, family and Sally McNeil herself chart a bodybuilding couple’s rocky marriage — and its shocking end in a Valentine's Day murder.
18
Hulk Hogan: Real American (2026)
★ 7.5/10Also documentary
Before he was Hulk Hogan, he was Terry Bollea. Uncover the man behind the legend in this unfiltered documentary featuring his very last interview.
19
Visible: Out on Television (2020)
★ 6.7/10Also documentary
Explore the history of the American LGBTQ movement through the lens of TV in this five-part docuseries. Combining archival footage with new interviews, the series looks at homophobia, the evolution of LGBTQ characters…
20
Dark Side of the Ring (2019)
★ 8.3/10Also documentary
Finding truth at the intersection of fantasy and reality in the veiled world of professional wrestling.