The Real Reason Heated Rivalry Can’t Be Nominated at the Golden Globes—or Emmys— as Fans Call the Loophole ‘Sickening’
Heated Rivalry is the hottest TV show in the game right now. I mean, take a look at the Golden Globes, where stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams presented Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role on Television, and host Nikki Glaser poked fun at the show’s popularity.
The co-stars made quite an entrance, including an entourage of some UFC champs and a walkout to Chappell Roan’s hit “Pink Pony Club. “Sorry, it’s a little nerve-wracking being here at our very first Golden Globes,” Connor said while acting a bit stunned. “Just take a deep breath and picture everyone in the audience… You know,” Hudson replied, looking so confident. “Oh! Yeah, I don’t know if that works, considering everyone has seen us… You know,” Connor replied.
The two also commented on the mass popularity of the show, even if people in the audience didn’t watch it, their trainers, moms, and daughters certainly have. “Hi, moms!” “Hi daughters!” the two exclaimed.
With their cute and charming presence in the awards show, will we ever see the duo and the TV show nominated for a Golden Globe?
Will Heated Rivalry be nominated for the Golden Globes?
Unfortunately, Heated Rivalry cannot be nominated for the Golden Globes since it was produced by two Canadian production companies: Accent Aigu Entertainment and Bell Media. The show was distributed by Canadian streaming company Crave, and American streaming rights were obtained by HBO Max.
Per the Golden Globe rules, “Foreign programs (programs produced principally outside the United States) are not eligible for television awards unless they are the result of a coproduction (both financially and creatively) between a United States partner and a foreign partner, which precedes the completion of production of the program.”
Heated Rivalry is also not eligible for the 2026 Primetime Emmys due to similar eligibility. “Foreign television 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,” the Television Academy rules stated.
However, the show could be nominated for the Canadian Screen Awards— with the exception of Connor Storrie, since he is a US citizen. Some fans had reactions to the fact, writing on X, “No it’s fine I’m just thinking about at the fact that Connor storrie can’t get nominated for an Emmy bc heated rivalry is a Canadian show but he can’t get nominated for a Canadian screen award either because he’s not a Canadian citizen/resident.” One fan replied, “That’s actually sickening news wtf they better give him a sag or a golden globe or something else idk.”
As for future seasons, the show will not be financed or produced by HBO Max, and the streamer will only obtain streaming rights when seasons 2 and 3 are released. (Season 2 has been confirmed, and GQ revealed that Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie have signed contracts for 3 seasons.) “We’re not going to be involved,” HBO and Max content chairman/CEO Casey Bloys told Variety in December. “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.”
The show got its first award nomination for outstanding new TV series at the GLAAD Media Awards, which celebrates LGBTQ+ entertainment and journalism. Also, with author Rachel Reid announcing another book addition to the Game Changers lineup, which is where the show was adapted from, it looks like we won’t be seeing the last of the Heated Rivalry crew!
