Jun 5, 2025

Toronto, June 5, 2025 - Production is now underway on the Crave Original Series Heated Rivalry from Accent Aigu Entertainment, as announced today. The highly anticipated series is based on Rachel Reid’s best-selling cult classic novel, and written and directed by the award-winning Jacob Tierney (Letterkenny, Shoresy, The Trotsky). The six-episode series has been filming throughout the Spring in Toronto, Hamilton, Guelph and Muskoka in Ontario.

The production brings together a dynamic ensemble of emerging and established actors including, François Arnaud (Twinless, Fucktoys, The Borgias), Robbie G.K. (Utopia Falls), Sophie Nélisse (Yellowjackets), Dylan Walsh (The Highest Stakes, Nip/Tuck), Christina Chang (The Good Doctor, Unstable), and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova (Robyn Hood, The Boys) and it introduces Hudson Williams (Tracker, Allegiance) and Connor Storrie (Joker: Folie à Deux, Riley) in the lead roles of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.

Created by Tierney, Heated Rivalry tells the epic story of hockey’s steamiest secret — from a tangled, confusing connection to an undeniable, all-consuming bond — culminating in a powerful love story. Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov are two of the biggest stars in Major League Hockey, bound by ambition, rivalry and a magnetic pull neither of them fully understands. What begins as a secret fling between two confused teenagers at 17 evolves into a years-long journey of love, denial, and self-discovery. Over the next eight years, as they chase glory on the ice, they struggle to navigate their feelings off of it. Torn between the sport they live for and the love they can’t ignore, Shane and Ilya must decide if there's room in their fiercely competitive world for something as fragile—and powerful—as real love.

“Heated Rivalry had me hooked from the very first chapter. At its core, it’s a beautiful love story with characters who feel real and so deeply human. Hudson and Connor are bringing Shane and Ilya to life with all the heart, heat, and chemistry that made the book such a fan obsession. This series is exactly what we had in mind when we started Accent Agui - bold, resonant storytelling with global reach. We’re beyond excited to bring it to the screen,” said Jacob Tierney.

“We at Accent Aigu Entertainment, along with our entire team and partners, couldn’t be more excited to bring Rachel Reid’s beloved Game Changer series to life. From the get-go, Bell Media and Crave have shared our passion for bringing this spicy, unforgettable story to the screen.  Fans of the book will be thrilled by our phenomenal cast and the chemistry they bring to portraying some of the romance genre’s most endearing characters. This story is more than just enemies to lovers — it’s a joyful, queer adult romance set against one of the most gladiatorial sports there is,” said Brendan Brady, Accent Aigu Entertainment.

Heated Rivalry is executive produced by Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady, with Rachel Reid serving as a consulting producer.  Bell Media is handling international distribution rights. 

Key creative roles include Jackson Parrell (North of North, Anne with an E) as Director of Photography; Aidan Leroux (Orphan Black: Echoes, Ginny & Georgia) as Production Designer; Hanna Puley (BlackBerry, Brother) as Costume Designer; and Polaris Music Prize nominee Peter Peter as Composer. Editing is led by Arthur Tarnowski (The Sticky, Deadfall) and Veronique Barbe (Big Little Lies, Sharp Objects).

For Bell Media: Rachel Goldstein-Couto is Head of Development; Alison Korogyi is Senior Production Executive; Adam Feigen is Scripted Development Executive; Sarah Fowlie is Head of Production; and Carlyn Kebluc is General Manager. Justin Stockman is Vice President, Content Development & Programming.

Talent representation includes: Hudson Williams by RED Management; Connor Storrie by Sovereign Talent Group and Marina Masowietsky; François Arnaud by IAG and Anonymous Content; Robbie G.K. by The Talent House; Sophie Nélisse by CAA and Brillstein Entertainment Partners; Dylan Walsh by IAG and Bob McGowan; Christina Chang by Strand Entertainment; Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova by Hero Artists and Brave Artists Management; and Jacob Tierney by CAA, 3 Arts and GGA. Accent Aigu Entertainment represented by CAA and Jayme Alter (Dentons LLC).

Financing for the production provided by Bell Media, with the financial participation of the Canada Media Fund and the Bell Fund.

ABOUT ACCENT AIGU ENTERTAINMENT   

Founded in 2023 by writer, director, and producer Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady, Accent Aigu Entertainment is a next-generation Canadian production company focused on developing and producing premium scripted content for global audiences.  Jacob and Brendan bring a wealth of experience from the Canadian film and television landscape. Prior to launching Accent Aigu, the duo spent four years collaborating on over forty episodes of the acclaimed series Letterkenny and its spinoff, Shoresy. Through freezing winter shoots and sun-drenched summer productions, they discovered a powerful creative chemistry and a shared professional ethos. Accent Aigu Entertainment is the natural evolution of that partnership. Visit  accent-aigu.ca for more information.