Why 'Heated Rivalry' wasn't nominated for the 2026 Emmy Awards
"Heated Rivalry" stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams have been, well, heating up award show red carpets since their queer hockey romance TV show lit up our screens last December on HBO Max.
But they won't be on the red carpet together for the biggest night in television, the 2026 Emmy Awards (airing Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock).
That's because Storrie, Williams and everyone else involved with the production of the drama, based on the books by Rachel Reid, aren't eligible to be nominated for, or win, any Emmy Awards for the show this year, and it's not because of timing or the tastes of the Emmy voters − it's all about Canada.
"Rivalry" may have aired on HBO Max in the U.S., but it was financed and produced in Canada for Canadian streamer Crave, and then licensed to stream in America. HBO Max and its parent company Warner Bros. Discovery didn't have any part in making the series.
That didn't stop the show from becoming a cultural phenomenon – Storrie even landed a hosting gig on "Saturday Night Live" following the show's release, which ultimately earned him an Emmy nomination for outstanding guest actor in a comedy series on July 8 – but it's a problem when it comes to Emmy eligibility.
The Emmys' official rules state that 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." A foreign acquisition, like what HBO Max did with "Rivalry," does not count.
It's unclear if this reasoning will remain the same for future seasons.
"We're not going to be involved," HBO content CEO and Chairman Casey Bloys told Variety recently about the forthcoming second season of "Rivalry." "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."
However, "Rivalry" is eligible for the International Emmy Awards, which will be held in New York City in November of this year. For a show all about a Canadian hockey player and a Russian hockey player falling for each other, it seems fitting.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why 'Heated Rivalry' wasn't nominated for the 2026 Emmy Awards
Reporting by Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 9:27 AM.