How Rachel Reid and Jacob Tierney Turned ‘Heated Rivalry’ into a Surprising Television Success
Heated Rivalry has not only made waves but has also redefined the standards of storytelling within the industry.
Since concluding its first season five months ago, the series has gained a reputation as a breakout success, challenging traditional notions of genre and LGBTQ+ representation. Adapted from Rachel Reid’s bestselling novel, the show explores the intense, romantic relationship between rival hockey stars Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie). The production has garnered significant accolades, including GLAAD Media Awards, a Peabody Award, and 18 nominations for Canadian Screen Awards, marking its cultural significance.
For show creator Jacob Tierney, the positive reception remains both surprising and impactful. “This show has taken all of us by surprise. The impact that it’s had on people was not something one can anticipate,” he stated. “It’s been genuinely moving and incredibly meaningful that this has touched people the way that it has, and I will be grateful for the rest of my life.”
Despite its current acclaim, Heated Rivalry was initially considered a risky venture due to its bold premise. During development discussions with producing partner Brendan Brady, Tierney noted hesitations from executives. “[Executives] were like, ‘Tell me more about that,’” he remarked, “and when we did, they said, ‘I don’t think we can do that.’” The challenge lay not in interest but in a lack of precedent. “No one else was pitching a hot and heavy gay hockey soap opera or romance,” he explained. While U.S. and Canadian buyers hesitated, Tierney remained steadfast. “This show, on paper, was not doing what TV is supposed to do, but I knew this was how it had to go. And I was right.” Ultimately, Heated Rivalry found its home on Bell Media’s Crave platform, paving the way for HBO to acquire it for international distribution.
Reid’s vision mirrored Tierney’s intent, as she aimed to confront various issues within hockey culture while writing her Game Changers series, which focuses on the complex relationships of male hockey players.
“I was bothered by many things about hockey culture,” Reid expressed. “As a fan, I wanted to address some of them.” A notable issue is the NHL’s history, which lacks openly gay players, either currently or formerly.
While Reid sought to disrupt norms in literature, Tierney extended that mission to the screen. Heated Rivalry effectively navigates the strict gender norms prevalent in hockey, showcasing the romantic journey of Shane and Ilya without simplifying their relationship. It intertwines emotional intimacy with sports drama, allowing their love story to flourish rather than fall prey to common tragic tropes, showcasing a narrative that resonates with audiences long underserved by mainstream television.
Rachel Reid
Getty Images
“My books are about the effects of toxic masculinity on men,” Reid elaborated, explaining how her characters navigate societal norms to express authentic emotions.
The depth of this narrative is reinforced by the performances of Williams and Storrie, who were cast from relative obscurity in restaurant service jobs. Their palpable chemistry stood out during auditions. Tierney recalled that many actors backed out when hearing about the show’s explicit content. However, Williams and Storrie’s chemistry was undeniable when they read together. “Boy, when [their chemistry] is there, you can feel it,” Tierney recalled. “I was acutely aware that this doesn’t just happen. It was shockingly good what they had going on.”
Reflecting on their first day filming, which included gripping scenes from the initial and sixth episodes, Tierney felt confident in the duo’s ability. “After seeing the pair excel in the emotional wringer, my own nerves were out the window; I knew I could throw anything at those guys,” he remarked.
As Season 2 progresses, Tierney and co-writer Michael Goldbach are focused on deepening the narrative and challenging the stars further. Slated for a 2027 release, the new season will draw inspiration from The Long Game, the sixth book which explores themes of codependency and the complexities of sustaining a relationship under pressure. As Tierney explained, “You think that’s when it gets easy? It’s not.”
Reid’s upcoming book, Unrivaled, set to release simultaneously in 2027, continues the journey of Shane and Ilya. With two standalone novels also in the works, Reid expressed her desire for careful adaptations of her works for the screen. “I’ve been spoiled by how good an adaptation can be,” she shared. “I’ll be particular about who adapts those, but I would love for it to happen.” Tierney underscored the ongoing discussions regarding expanding the Game Changers universe: “There’s clearly an appetite for more. We’re happy to be the sous chefs of a bunch of shows that people could love.”
The future of Heated Rivalry is indicative of a burgeoning franchise born from taking creative risks, demonstrating that unconventional storytelling can resonate widely. The success of Reid and Tierney exemplifies how narratives once perceived as too audacious can achieve mainstream acclaim, finally stepping into the spotlight after waiting in the wings.
Williams and Storrie in ‘Heated Rivalry’
Sabrina Lantos/HBO Max
The Journey From Pitch To Phenomenon
The transformation of Heated Rivalry into a global phenomenon stems from not only its creativity but also strategic decision-making at the executive level.
When Tierney first approached content executives at Crave with the series idea, he knew it differed from typical pitches. However, Justin Stockman, VP of content development and programming at Crave, recognized its potential and encouraged Tierney to acquire the rights to Reid’s works. “A gay romance targeting women, taking place in hockey. It gets your attention,” Stockman commented.
As anticipation grew with the arrival of initial scripts, Crave faced challenges securing co-developers in the U.S., a hesitance likely stemming from broader industry consolidation. “We weren’t finding takers, but the feedback was so positive that we became obsessed with the concept,” Stockman explained. Despite no buyers, the quality of the project compelled them to proceed with greenlighting it.
Concurrent with Crave’s progress was Bell Media’s acquisition of U.K.-based distributor Sphere Abacus in March 2025. This partnership profoundly influenced the trajectory of Heated Rivalry. “It was one of the first things we did together,” Stockman recalled, noting the serendipity involved.
Jonathan Ford, founder of Sphere Abacus, credited Stockman and his team for recognizing the project’s early promise. “We have to give huge respect to Justin and his team for seeing an opportunity at an early stage that others around the world didn’t,” he stated.
Ford swiftly moved to promote Heated Rivalry during the pre-buy phase at MIPCOM Cannes, and marketing responses were overwhelmingly positive. As production progressed, Ford admitted that the intense fan interest took him by surprise. “We all slightly misunderstood how strong and fervent that fanbase was,” he noted.
As excitement built, Crave adjusted its launch strategy, moving the show’s premiere ahead of the Winter Olympics to the peak streaming season before the 2025 holidays. “Everything is a gamble in this industry, but because of the feedback and we trust our own taste, it felt it could be really big,” Stockman said, a shift that proved crucial.
In November, Sphere Abacus secured significant distribution deals with HBO and other international platforms, solidifying Heated Rivalry as a financial success before it even aired.
Read the digital edition of Deadline’s Disruptors/Cannes magazine here.
As buzz around Heated Rivalry escalated, it became a focal point in pop culture with HBO enhancing its marketing efforts. “The social media buzz was getting out of control weeks before the launch,” Stockman remarked. The show captivated audiences far beyond its initial fanbase, and when it premiered, stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams became prominent figures on social media.
“We’d broken through,” Stockman reflected, recalling appearances on platforms like The Onion, The Daily Show, and The Tonight Show, as well as mentions by Anderson Cooper on New Year’s Eve.
Ford noted that the phrase “re-heating”—referring to binge-watching the series—is now widely recognized as the community embraces the show. Storrie’s appearance on Saturday Night Live and the stars’ participation in notable events further propelled its popularity.
“It’s an exciting place to be,” Ford said, noting that Heated Rivalry has elevated their market presence. “We’ve all been fortunate, but fortune comes for the brave.”
