Jacob Tierney says Heated Rivalry left US platform over creative restrictions

The creator of Heated Rivalry has revealed that the hit series was originally planned for a US platform but ultimately moved to Canada due to creative restrictions.

In an interview, showrunner Jacob Tierney said the project was initially being developed with an American streamer. However, those plans changed when he felt he didn’t have the level of creative freedom he wanted.

Tierney explained that the US platform imposed limitations that conflicted with his vision for the show, particularly around how the story and relationships would be portrayed. As a result, he chose to take the series to Canada, where he was able to make it on his own terms.

The series was ultimately produced as a Canadian original for Crave, allowing Tierney to maintain full creative control. The decision, he suggested, played a major role in shaping the show’s authenticity and success.

Heated Rivalry went on to become a breakout hit, gaining international attention for its bold storytelling and depiction of a romantic relationship between two rival professional hockey players.

The show later secured US distribution through HBO Max after production was completed, but notably without American involvement in its initial development, a factor that has also impacted its eligibility for major US awards.

Tierney described the series as an example of how stepping outside the traditional Hollywood system can sometimes lead to more authentic storytelling, highlighting the advantages of producing content within Canada’s creative ecosystem.

Following its success, Heated Rivalry has been renewed for a second season, further cementing its status as a global breakout in the streaming space.