Although Heated Rivalry has been lighting up television screens around the world, the Canadian series is ineligible for Emmy consideration due to being fully produced by a Canadian company, a fact that has sparked mixed reactions among fans.
The show, which has taken pop culture and social media by storm, follows two NHL rival hockey players as they navigate a secret, years-long romance off the ice and behind closed doors.
Starring Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, the series quickly captured audiences with its steamy and often lengthy intimate scenes.
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Many speculated that it could dominate award season, but the obstacle lies in its eligibility. According to the 2024-25 Emmy rules:
“A co-production (both financially and creatively) between U.S. and foreign partners, which precedes the start of production, and with a purpose to be shown on U.S. television” is eligible.
Heated Rivalry is fully produced by Bell Media, the parent company of Crave. While American viewers can stream the show on HBO Max, HBO had no role in its production.
With the series already greenlit for a second season, fans are concerned that, unless the rules change, the next season may also miss out on Emmy nominations.
The news has left fans disappointed, many feeling the series deserves one of the highest recognitions in the television industry.
“It’s a missed opportunity for both the Emmys and the show,” a Reddit user commented.
“They are the true winners of 2025. No award show is gonna take that recognition away from them,” another fan added.
“As much as that sucks, this show has already won us over, and we know how good the acting, writing, directing, and cinematography are,” one user noted.
However, some fans appreciate that the series remains fully Canadian.
“To be honest, I’m happier with the show not being eligible for the Emmys and staying Canadian. I feel like if HBO had been involved, it would have gotten more… Hollywood vibes,” a fan wrote.
“As a Canadian, I’m proud that this is ours and the U.S. can’t take it from us,” another user said. One more added, “It’s such a Canadian show, and one of the reasons it works so well.”
The first season of Heated Rivalry aired its finale on Dec. 26.
