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Canadian Series Ignites Global Obsession, Misses Emmys
8 Jun
Summary
- Heated Rivalry won 16 Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Drama Series.
- The series is ineligible for the U.S. Emmys due to its Canadian production.
- Fleabag became Emmy-eligible after its U.S. distributor co-produced Season 2.
The Canadian romantic drama, "Heated Rivalry," has achieved worldwide acclaim since its acquisition by HBO Max for the U.S. market. The series recently broke Canadian Screen Awards records by securing 16 accolades, including Best Drama Series and Best Lead Performer for Hudson Williams. Despite similar successes in the U.S., earning honors like a Peabody and GLAAD Award, it has been deemed ineligible for the U.S. Emmy Awards.
The eligibility issue arises from "Heated Rivalry's" Canadian production and distribution by Bell Media, with no U.S. ownership. This contrasts with productions like Netflix's "Lord Of the Flies," a British-Australian series, which is eligible because its production company, Eleven, is owned by American studio Sony Pictures Television. Sony also handles the series' U.S. distribution, satisfying Emmy criteria.
Prime Video faced a similar situation with the British comedy "Fleabag." While its first season was ineligible for the Emmys due to its U.S. acquisition before its BBC premiere, Amazon Studios later co-produced the second season, making it Emmy-eligible. "Fleabag's" second installment went on to win six Emmys.
However, "Heated Rivalry" creator Jacob Tierney will not have this path to Emmy eligibility, as HBO and HBO Max Content CEO Casey Bloys has stated no plans to co-produce the series. The show could potentially compete at the International Emmys, where it would face other notable dramas.
Separately, the Disney+/Hulu original "Rivals" was submitted to the International Emmys by choice. Despite being commissioned by an American streamer, Hulu opted for International Emmy submission due to perceived slim U.S. Emmy prospects. This strategy proved successful, with "Rivals" winning Best Drama Series at the International Emmys.
