Why 'Heated Rivalry' Isn't Eligible To Compete At The 2026 Emmys

Wondering why Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams weren't tapped to participate in Variety's latest Actors on Actors series? Apparently, they were asked but turned it down…mostly due to the fact that—despite the internet’s ongoing obsession with Horny Gay Hockey Show Heated Rivalry—the steamy enemies-to-lovers series won’t be eligible to compete for an Emmy Award anytime soon.

We know what you’re thinking: It was one of the most-watched shows of 2025, and TikTok fancams featuring Connor and Hudson are pretty much inescapable at this point. So why can't Heated Rivalry compete (and sweep!) at the Emmy Awards later this year?

Long story short, the show originally premiered on Canadian platform Crave in November before reaching a larger audience in the U.S. on HBO Max.

Per the Emmys' official rules, foreign TV shows are "ineligible unless it is the result of a co-production (both financially and creatively) between U.S. and foreign partners, which precedes the start of production, and with a purpose to be shown on U.S. television."

Heated Rivalry was technically a product of Canada (as most of the best things/people in life are…Hello, Céline Dion and Justin Bieber!) before HBO officially became its U.S. distributor, which affected its awards show consideration. So, not only is season 1 ineligible for the coveted TV award, but its upcoming second season won't be, either.

HBO content chairman and CEO Casey Bloys recently told Variety that HBO Max is "not going to be involved" in the making of season 2. "I think the last thing the show needs is people meddling in what works," he said. "So, I don't feel any need to weigh in. Clearly, they've got a good sense of the show and what works. I will be excited to receive my episodes, and highlight them on HBO Max."

However! There's still some good news for the Heated Rivalry hive when it comes to the show's awards eligibility. Just because it missed its shot at this year's Emmys doesn't count it out of the running for an International Emmy.

We'll be holding out hope that the show gets the professional recognition it deserves, but in the meantime, Connor and Hudson have already won all the awards in my house for their flawless portrayal of Shane and Ilya.