Budget, Pitching, and Creative Freedom

Heated Rivalry’s breakout success is bringing CanCon, hockey, and gay sex to the world. Does this surprising hit give Canadian TV a new playbook?

Heated Rivalry is also bringing in new hockey fans and helping the sport’s image, so why isn’t the NHL embracing it? Can the show have a real impact on hockey culture? 

Plus, Canada Proud double dips on CBC messaging, and an NDP leadership candidate uses AI to answer questions on Reddit. 

Host: Jesse Brown

Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Katie Laur (Associate Producer and Fact Checking) Caleb Thompson (Mixing and Mastering), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)

Guest: Sam Konnert

Additional music by Audio Network

Further reading: 

• Why is Heated Rivalry so popular? It’s not just the sex, but the Canadianness | CBC Arts 
• Popularity of ‘Heated Rivalry’ Has Surprised Even TV Executives - The New York Times 
• What ‘Heated Rivalry’ and ‘Schitt’s Creek’ say about the Canada we want to be | Xtra Magazine
• Hit show ‘Heated Rivalry’ became a TV phenomenon. Can it change hockey culture? - The Athletic
• Parekh’s apology for 'robot' comments has Flames teammates moving forward - Sportsnet.ca
• DREW DOUGHTY, World Juniors, Heated Rivalry & TONS More - Ep. 608 - Spittin’ Chicklets [YouTube]    
• NDP leadership candidate apologizes for using AI to respond to Reddit questions | CBC News 
• Five (Delusional? Brave?) NDP Leadership Candidates on WTF They Plan to Do - CANADALAND
• The same firm ran a campaign to save CBC — and Canada Proud's push to defund it - Canada’s National Observer  

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