Sphere Abacus is set to turn up the heat this year with “Heated Rivalry”, a six-part drama based on Rachel Reid’s best-selling novel from the “Game Changers” series. Developed and produced by Jacob Tierney (Letterkenny, Shoresy) and Brendan Brady of Accent Aigu Entertainment, in association with Bell Media for Crave, the series stars Hudson Williams (Tracker) and Connor Storrie (Joker: Folie à Deux) as hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov—rivals on the ice, lovers off it.
As the story unfolds over eight years of ambition, secrecy, and self-discovery, “Heated Rivalry” explores love and identity within a hyper-competitive sports world. In conversation with Señal News, Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady from Accent Aigu Entertainment discuss the creative process behind the adaptation, the growing appetite for romance-driven IP, and how the show taps into a powerful, global fan community.
What drew you to adapt Rachel Reid’s novel “Heated Rivalry” for television?
JT: "I was simply a fan of the book. Once I read it, I realized how huge and underserved the romance genre actually is—it’s a billion-dollar industry with passionate readers, yet very few serious adaptations. The story felt uniquely Canadian, and the characters were authentic. I thought, 'This could really work on screen.' We took a chance on the IP, and the author took a chance on us. It wasn’t the obvious move for someone who had directed a comedy for years, but it felt right. The book had sold hundreds of thousands of copies without even being in bookstores, and it had an active fan base online—on BookTok, Instagram, and Discord. That kind of engagement is gold."
How was the development process from page to screen?
JT: "We were lucky to work with Crave, a network we’ve collaborated with for years. They were immediately enthusiastic and trusted the creative direction. The adaptation evolved naturally, always grounded in respect for the source material."
BB: "From day one, it was clear everyone was on board—from Bell Media executives to the author herself. The process moved fast; we went from development to delivery in under two years. And once the first images and trailer were released, the response online was explosive. It confirmed how massive and loyal this audience really is."
You’ve both mentioned how engaged this fan base is. How does that shape your approach?
JT: "It changes everything. The book’s fans live online—on TikTok, Instagram, and Discord. They don’t just consume content; they build communities around it. In that sense, this show was made for them."
BB: "Exactly. These readers are incredibly connected. They share recommendations, talk about narrators on Audible, discuss favorite tropes—it’s an organic, trust-based ecosystem. Our goal wasn’t to reinvent what they love, but to bring it to life faithfully. I always approached it as a fan myself, not someone trying to “fix” their story."
Did audience feedback or online conversations influence how you shaped the show?
JT: "It didn’t change the story itself, but it did validate our instincts. For years, TV executives have assumed certain genres only appeal to niche audiences. What’s happening here proves otherwise—community engagement is real, and it’s a new kind of research tool for us."
BB: "Right. It’s also about giving audiences what they want. In this case, that means not watering it down—keeping the sex, the intensity, the hockey, and the emotional truth. These fans expect authenticity. Crave understood that and never asked us to pull back. That freedom was incredible."
What do you think “Heated Rivalry” represents for queer storytelling on television today?
BB: "It’s refreshing because it gives viewers something we rarely see: a queer love story that ends happily. Most of the time, queer characters are surrounded by tragedy or self-destruction. This show says, “You can be in love and stay in love.” It’s romantic, sexy, and unapologetically joyful. That, in itself, feels revolutionary."
JT: "It’s true. This is a love story that happens to take place in the world of hockey—but it’s ultimately about connection, identity, and resilience. That universality is what makes it powerful."
Do you think this project signals a shift in how TV is developed—building for existing fan bases rather than guessing what audiences might want?
JT: "Definitely. The old model was built on assumptions—executives believing they “knew” their audience. Now we have data, digital communities, and direct feedback. It’s no longer guesswork. If you have a talented creator, a strong IP, and an engaged fan base, taking risks makes sense."
BB: "Exactly. This isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about respecting audiences. “Heated Rivalry” proves that if you deliver the story people love, they’ll show up in force."
With “Heated Rivalry,” Sphere Abacus and Accent Aigu Entertainment bring a passionate and authentic new voice to scripted television—one that celebrates romance, representation, and the powerful connection between creators and fans. The series premieres on Crave later this year.