Plain English ‘Heated Rivalry’ is a steamy export from a frigid place
Mar 2, 2026
A Canadian team turned a gay hockey romance into a global streaming hit despite early industry doubts. Executives worried about niche sports, romance stigma, and explicit scenes. A smaller platform bet on the project and later a major streamer picked up rights. The show sparked cultural trends, merchandise crazes, and surprising international appeal.
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Producer Rejected By Big Streamers Finds Crave Deal
- Jacob Tierney pitched a TV adaptation of Heated Rivalry and was turned away by major U.S. streamers.
- He then struck a deal with Canadian streamer Crave and produced the six-episode series for under CA$3 million per episode.
HBO Max Jumped In Days Before Release
- Nine days before Crave's Canadian release, HBO Max bought U.S. and Australian distribution rights after seeing an advanced copy.
- The series became HBO Max's top streaming show in the U.S., even outpacing Stephen King adaptations.
Small Streamer Sparked A Global Hit
- Crave's viewership surged 400% in the first week, making Heated Rivalry its most successful show ever.
- The show's success extended beyond Canada to become a global streaming hit.
