Bell Media Execs Success Story: Why They Invested in ‘Heated Rivalry’ and Won

he success of HBO Max’s “Heated Rivalry” has not only shown the demand for romance genre content but has also highlighted the changing landscape of Canadian television. Traditionally, Canadian shows were seen as low-cost imports, but since its debut on Crave and HBO Max, “Heated Rivalry” has taken the industry by storm.

Created by Jacob Tierney, known for his work on “Letterkenny” and “Shoresy,” the series is based on Rachel Reid’s Game Changers book series. The show’s central love story, coupled with its bold and steamy scenes, has captured audiences worldwide and elevated Bell Media’s reputation as a global content player.

Despite the typical financing model for Canadian TV projects, Bell Media’s VP of content development, Justin Stockman, took a risk by fully funding “Heated Rivalry.” This decision paid off as the series quickly gained international attention and secured licensing deals in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Looking ahead, Bell Media CEO Sean Cohan sees “Heated Rivalry” as a testament to the company’s capabilities and is confident in Crave’s continued success as an exclusive home for HBO originals in Canada. Despite potential disruptions from a Netflix-Warner Bros. deal, Cohan believes Crave will remain a strong player in the streaming market.

Behind the scenes, Cohan and Stockman explain their bold move to invest in “Heated Rivalry” and why they believe it has been a game-changer for Bell. They share insights on the show’s global impact, the benefits of producing in Canada, and plans for future seasons and projects that can resonate beyond Canadian borders.

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