Key Highlights
- Bell Media’s Hockey Romance Series ‘Heated Rivalry’ has been sold to HBO Max in the U.S. and Australia.
- The show premieres on Crave on November 28, 2025.
- ‘Heated Rivalry’ will also air on Movistar Plus+ in Spain and Sky in New Zealand.
- The series is based on Rachel Reid’s bestselling book “Game Changers” and stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie as rival hockey players.
Bell Media’s ‘Heated Rivalry’ Finds Global Audience
Bell Media has achieved a significant milestone with the international sale of its latest original series, “Heated Rivalry,” to multiple platforms. The show is set to premiere on Crave on November 28, 2025, and will also be available on HBO Max in the U.S. and Australia, Movistar Plus+ in Spain, and Sky in New Zealand.
Content and Production
“Heated Rivalry” is a hockey romance series that follows the story of rival players Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie). The show’s narrative explores their evolving relationship over an eight-year period, as they navigate both on-ice achievements and off-ice personal struggles. Jacob Tierney, known for his work on “Letterkenny,” serves as the writer, director, producer, and executive producer of the series.
International Reach
The international sales indicate Bell Media’s growing reach in the global streaming market. Sphere Abacus, a company involved in this transaction, has sold the series to multiple distributors, underscoring its appeal across different regions. The show is expected to premiere on Sky in New Zealand on November 30, 2025, while Movistar Plus+’s release date remains unannounced.
Strategic Partnership and Future Prospects
Bell Media’s ambition to create content that travels globally has been validated through the sales of “Heated Rivalry.” Justin Stockman, vice president of content development and programming at Bell Media, expressed confidence in the show’s international appeal. He stated, “‘Heated Rivalry’ is premium, high-caliber content that resonates with global audiences.” Jonathan Ford, managing director of Sphere Abacus, added, “With strong performances from its lead actors, ‘Heated Rivalry’ delivers a powerful and unique narrative which our clients in all parts of the world are keen to share with their viewers.”
These sales come after Bell Media’s acquisition of a majority stake in Sphere Abacus earlier this year. This partnership is seen as a strategic move towards expanding Bell Media’s distribution rights globally.
The company’s president, Sean Cohan, emphasized, “‘Heated Rivalry’s’ sales are another validation of our vision to create exceptional content that travels worldwide.” He concluded by stating their plans to continue exploring new international markets.
The success of “Heated Rivalry” in securing these international deals marks a significant step for Bell Media and Sphere Abacus. As the series prepares for its premiere, industry experts anticipate further expansions into additional markets, reinforcing Bell Media’s commitment to delivering high-quality, engaging content that resonates globally.
