Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Heated Rivalry Star Says Show Couldn't Be Made in U.S.
François Arnaud, a star of the TV show Heated Rivalry, said the show couldn't have been made in the U.S. because Hollywood studios wanted to change it too much.
The creator, Jacob Tierney, left those studios and made the show in Canada with a smaller budget but more creative freedom.
Arnaud thinks this is a lesson for Hollywood because the show became very popular even though it's a 'niche show' with no big movie stars.
Tierney praised the Canadian streaming service Crave for supporting his vision.
The show is based on books by Rachel Reid, and a new book is coming out in September.
Season 2 is being planned after the show was renewed.
François Arnaud believes Heated Rivalry couldn't have been made in the U.S. due to Hollywood's creative constraints.
Creator Jacob Tierney left a big U.S. streamer to produce the show in Canada with more creative freedom.
Arnaud credits the show's success to its authenticity and Tierney's unwavering vision.
Tierney praised Crave for supporting his creative choices without toning them down.
Season 2 is in early planning stages following the show's renewal and the release of a new book by Rachel Reid in September.
- Who
- François Arnaud, Jacob Tierney, Rachel Reid
- What
- Heated Rivalry series and its production challenges
- When
- Recent, with Season 2 planning underway
- Where
- Canada, originally set up in the U.S.
- Why
- Creative differences and support for the creator's vision
- Show
- Heated Rivalry
- Star
- François Arnaud
- Creator
- Jacob Tierney
- Author
- Rachel Reid
- Streaming Platform
- Crave/HBO Max
- Season 2
- In Planning