“Hard Knocks,” the HBO series designed to take viewers behind the scenes of an NFL training camp, bombed this summer, no matter what the ratings might say.

Not sure what in the name of Chad Johnson made anyone think the Miami Dolphins were worth featuring.

Sure, Johnson bailed out the producers by head-butting his wife and getting arrested, then being lopped from the roster. That was good TV.

Problem is, running back Reggie Bush, the team’s other star, no longer has Kim Kardashian draped on his arm, which makes him even less interesting than usual.

Worse, there’s been no front-office friction. The only significant holdout was first-round pick Ryan Tannehill, who made it to camp within a couple of days.

Charisma-free head coach Joe Philbin comes across as a nice guy who probably will finish last with a rookie quarterback (Tannehill) and players mostly familiar to fans who live in their parents’ basements and blog themselves to sleep.

There’s mild humor, such as when Philbin and staff discard players, then wind up hugging them, wishing them well and encouraging them to keep in touch. Wonder how many actually do.

One assistant coach told traded cornerback Vontae Davis he needed to be more consistent in his play, then offered a visual demonstration by moving his arm in a wavy motion in case he didn’t get it. Davis nodded, then left quietly for Indianapolis to join the Colts.

I’ve been waiting for some sort of confrontation. Failing that, at least a few tears and sniffles. Philbin does have a box of tissues on a table in his office, presumably for just such an occasion, unless he has allergies.

The best “Hard Knocks” seasons have featured egomaniacs like Cowboys owner Jerry Jones or, better yet, foul-mouthed blowhards like Jets coach Rex Ryan.

Maybe a dead-end franchise like the Browns could be considered. It’s not clear yet if new owner Jimmy Haslem is an egomaniac or a blowhard, but a nation needs to know, so let’s make it happen.