HBO Max's Heated Rivalry, based on Rachel Reid's Game Changers, has quickly become one of the most talked-about queer romance series of the year, earning passionate fan support, critical appreciation, and strong streaming numbers. Originally a Crave Canada production, the show was acquired by HBO Max mere weeks before its debut, setting the stage for its Global premiere in late November.Heated Rivalry stars breakout actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie as two archrivals and MLH players, Shane and Ilya, respectively, who begin a decade-long casual fling in their rookie years, which transforms into a complicated yet meaningful relationship. The series, which is being hailed as a Global sensation, has become Crave's most-watched original series to date and HBO Max's top debut for an acquired, non-animated title since the platform's launch in 2019.From its electric chemistry to its emotionally charged storytelling, the show has carved out a loyal following that expected to see it make waves during awards season. However, despite the buzz surrounding the series, Heated Rivalry will not be competing at the upcoming Primetime Emmy Awards and the reason has little to do with its quality or popularity.More on this in our story.Why is HBO Max’s Heated Rivalry not eligible for Primetime Emmy Awards? View this post on Instagram Instagram PostEnthusiastic Heated Rivalry fans might be disappointed to learn that this breakout HBO Max queer hockey show will likely not be eligible for Primetime Emmy Awards in the coming year. While the series' record-breaking success and cultural impact on queer storytelling are the talk of the town, it will not be eligible for Emmy nominations because of a strict technical rule.Since Heated Rivalry is fully funded and made by Bell Media, Crave's Canadian parental company, it is ineligible to compete in the Emmys due to their rule regarding foreign productions. A recent report by Variety states this official rule (as per the 2024-25 Emmys) as:“Foreign television production is 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.”Although HBO Max is now associated with the project and benefiting from its substantial investment, the platform serves only as the U.S. distributor and holds no influence over the series’ creative or production decisions.Additionally, HBO Max only stepped in after creator Jacob Tierney and the cast wrapped filming for Heated Rivalry Season 1, acquiring exclusive rights (to stream the series in the US) a mere three weeks before its premiere on Crave in late November, leaving no room for a joint US-Canadian co-production.While this technical blip has essentially closed the chances for the queer series to compete in the Primetime Emmy Awards, Heated Rivalry Season 2 (which was renewed 15 days after the debut season) might face a similar fate.After the breakout hit of the series, HBO Max has full faith in Tierney and Bell Media's vision and does not wish 'to be involved,' as HBO content chairman and CEO Casey Bloys told Variety:“We’re not going to be involved. I think the last thing the show needs is people meddling in what works. 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.”Although HBO Max will continue streaming the queer series on its platform, it will function only as a distributor rather than a production partner, a status that will likely keep the show ineligible for Emmys in its second season as well.Heated Rivalry can still compete at the International Emmys View this post on Instagram Instagram PostHeated Rivalry might not be eligible for Emmys but it can still compete at the International Emmy Awards, which recognize international TV shows and movies created outside of the USA. In fact, with the cultural impact and record-breaking success of the series, the show is one of the strongest contenders for International Emmys in the coming year.Fans hoping to see American actor and breakout star Connor Storrie (whose perfect Russian monologue in Episode 5 is easily Emmy-worthy) get his much-deserved Emmy nomination will be disappointed to learn that both Storrie and Williams will likely be ineligible for Emmys (due to this technicality). However, the breakout stars still have a golden chance at fame at the International Emmys.Additionally, the queer series is also eligible for the Canadian Screen Awards, Canada’s top television and film honors.Heated Rivalry is streaming on HBO Max in the US and on Crave in Canada.For the latest scoops on your favorite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.