Why ‘Heated Rivalry’ Can’t Compete at the Emmys for Season 1 or 2

As “Heated Rivalry” continues to heat up and become a massive hit for HBO Max, discussions have already begun surrounding the upcoming Emmy season. While romance series have gained recognition at the award show in recent years, it seems that this particular adaptation will not receive the same treatment.

Produced by Canadian company Bell Media, the parent company of Crave, “Heated Rivalry” falls under the 2024-25 Emmy rules, which state that foreign television productions are ineligible unless they are the result of a co-production between U.S. and foreign partners. This collaboration must occur before the start of production and with the intention of being shown on U.S. television. While the 2025-26 rulebook has yet to be released by the Television Academy, it is unlikely that any changes will be made to this rule.

Originally scheduled for 2026, Crave moved up the release of “Heated Rivalry” in hopes of attracting more viewers during the holiday season. However, HBO Max did not become involved until after the first season had concluded, missing the opportunity to become a co-financier or producer. As a result, HBO Max serves solely as the U.S. distributor for the series.

According to HBO content chairman and CEO Casey Bloys, this arrangement will remain the same for Season 2 of the show. Bloys stated, “We’re not going to be involved. I think the last thing the show needs is people meddling in what works. So, I don’t feel any need to weigh in. Clearly, they’ve got a good sense of the show and what works. I will be excited to receive my episodes and highlight them on HBO Max.”

If submitted, “Heated Rivalry” will be eligible for consideration at the International Emmys.

Bloys first learned about the show from HBO executive Jason Butler, who acquired the series for HBO Max in Australia. After viewing the episodes, Bloys quickly agreed to acquire the show for the U.S. market. He expressed his excitement about the series, stating, “I thought it was very well done. To tell you the truth, I was surprised that it was even available, because this was about three weeks before it aired.”

Regarding the affordability of the acquisition, Bloys remarked, “I don’t know their budgets, but I’m very impressed with what they did based on the acquisition cost. This isn’t a huge tentpole budget that we’re looking at.”

Show creator Tierney expressed his delight that HBO became the U.S. streaming home for “Heated Rivalry,” especially since HBO content is licensed to Crave in Canada. He humorously stated, “We were always like, ‘We’re trying to make premium smut here,’ and so we’re now premium smut on HBO! That would be the dream.”

The series, which follows the love story between two NHL star players who are rivals on the ice, has garnered immense popularity on both Crave and HBO Max since its debut. It is currently the top-rated non-animated acquired series on HBO Max and ranks in the top five among all scripted debuts on the platform this year. In Canada, it stands as Crave’s most-watched original series.