“Heated Rivalry,” a highly anticipated Canadian hockey romance series from Bell Media, has secured a number of international sales ahead of its premiere on the streaming platform Crave on November 28.
Sphere Abacus has successfully sold the six-episode Crave Original series to HBO Max in the United States and Australia, where it will also debut on November 28, as well as to Sky in New Zealand for a November 30 release and MoviStar Plus+ in Spain, with a release date yet to be announced.
The series, created by Jacob Tierney, known for his work on “Letterkenny,” is based on Rachel Reid’s popular book series “Game Changers.” “Heated Rivalry” follows the love story of rival hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, portrayed by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, respectively. The star-studded cast also includes François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Sophie Nélisse, and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova.
The show’s synopsis teases a compelling narrative of ambition, rivalry, and romance between Shane and Ilya, as they navigate their feelings amidst the competitive world of professional hockey. The series promises to deliver a captivating storyline that explores love, denial, and self-discovery over the course of eight years.
Bell Media’s acquisition of Sphere Abacus earlier this year has positioned the company as the primary international distributor of Bell Media’s distribution rights, leading to the successful international sales of “Heated Rivalry.”
Justin Stockman, Bell Media’s Vice President of Content Development and Programming, expressed his excitement for the series’ global appeal, highlighting the strength of the partnership with Sphere Abacus in delivering compelling content to audiences worldwide.
Jonathan Ford, Managing Director of Sphere Abacus, praised the series for its powerful narrative and strong performances, hinting at potential additional international sales opportunities in the future.
Bell Media President Sean Cohan emphasized the company’s commitment to creating content that resonates globally, with “Heated Rivalry” serving as another example of their success in achieving this goal. He praised Sphere Abacus for their partnership in bringing the series to a wider audience.
“Heated Rivalry” is a production of Accent Aigu Entertainment in association with Bell Media’s Crave, with Jacob Tierney serving as writer, director, and producer. The series boasts a talented production team and cast, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience for audiences worldwide.
As the series prepares for its premiere, anticipation is high for the captivating love story of Shane and Ilya to unfold on screens around the world. Stay tuned for more updates on “Heated Rivalry” as it makes its mark in the realm of international television.
