Ankler Agenda BONUS EP: Who Made ‘Heated Rivalry’ Possible? The Exec Who Greenlit the Hit Tells All
Feb 8, 2026
Sean Cohan, President of Bell Media who runs CTV and Crave, shares stories from creating the global hit Heated Rivalry and protecting its Canadian authenticity. He discusses why the show connects worldwide, Crave’s growth and product moves, and a contrarian take on industry consolidation that sees new opportunities for entrepreneurs and mid-sized players.
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Episode notes
Lead With Creative, Not Cost
- Lead creative conversations with the idea, not cost or tax incentives.
- Make me love the story first, then discuss business and money later.
Heated Rivalry's Surprising Genesis
- Heated Rivalry began as a beloved book series that Bell's team passionately championed.
- The team brought the show forward and took creative risks that paid off in unexpected global buzz.
Authenticity Trumps Genericization
- Authenticity and refusing to dilute cultural details helped the show resonate globally.
- Faithful adaptation, bold casting, and creative confidence mattered more than big-name stars.
