Heated Rivalry was one of 2025’s biggest TV hits, but was not nominated for a single award at the Emmys. However, its omission is for a good technical reason.
The Emmy rule that kept Heated Rivalry out of the 2026 nominations
Heated Rivalry received no Emmy nominations not because voters ignored it, but because it was not eligible. Although U.S. viewers know the breakout queer hockey romance through HBO Max, the series originated as a Canadian Crave production from Accent Aigu Entertainment and Bell Media. HBO Max served as a U.S. distributor, not an original producing partner.
TheWrap reported that under Television Academy rules, foreign productions generally need a qualifying U.S. financial and creative co-production arranged before filming to compete at the Primetime Emmys. However, the series was originally going to be made with a U.S. platform. The production ultimately moved to Canada because it gave showrunner Jacob Tierney greater creative freedom.
While the show didn’t get nominated for the Emmys, it does technically qualify for the International Emmy Awards, which will take place in New York City this November. The hit ice hockey romance will return for a second season, as production has been confirmed to begin this August. A third season is also not out of the realm of possibility. Rachel Reid’s next book featuring Shane and Ilya, titled Unrivaled, is scheduled for release next year.
Heated Rivalry Season 2 is expected to debut in April 2027. As for what that might entail, one of its stars recently teased their wishes for plot developments in Shane and Ilya’s romance. The 2026 Emmy nominations saw The Pitt and Hacks lead with the most nominations.
Heated Rivalry stars Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, François Arnaud, Christina Chang, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, Robbie G.K., Sophie Nélisse, and more.
Heated Rivalry is available to stream on HBO Max.
Originally reported by Rahul Majumdar on ComingSoon.net.
