A steamy power play: Why Heated Rivalry scores big for Canada’s film industry and beyond

Beyond sparking global conversations about what is and is not a cottage, the show’s success reaches far past entertainment. It’s generating tangible benefits for Canada’s economy and the creative workforce that brought the story to life.

Slapshot for Canadian content

Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez praised the series for its cultural and economic impact.

“It seems to have gained immense popularity. It’s happening all over the world, in North America and elsewhere. It’s pretty cool to see. That doesn’t happen to every program with Canadian content,” Rodriguez told CityNews (2).

The production was filmed largely in Toronto and Hamilton, and showcased English and French Canadian culture, along with a soundtrack by Quebec composer Peter Peter. Rodriguez noted how the government invested $3.5 million, plus tax credits, to help stretch the production budget. “Not to make a joke but we got a lot of bang for our buck,” he said.

Jobs and services behind the scenes

Most Canadians don’t think about how many people it takes to bring a series to life. Crews include electricians, grips, hair and makeup artists, set dressers, drivers and dozens of other trades. Post‑production requires editors, sound engineers and visual effects teams. All of these jobs generate income for individuals and spending for local businesses.

Filming Heated Rivalry in Ontario provides a concrete example. Production took place across Toronto, Hamilton, Guelph and Muskoka, bringing crews into hotels and restaurants while also supporting ancillary businesses such as craft services and local transport.

Northern Ontario has also seen an uplift in production dollars in recent years, thanks to tax credits and incentives that make Canada competitive with American locations. These credits reduce cost risk for producers and keep revenue in Canadian hands.

Globe warms to a Canadian success story

Heated Rivalry is a domestic hit, but it's success has spread beyond our borders like wildfire. After its Crave launch, global platforms quickly secured rights for distribution in the U.S., the U.K., Australia and beyond. That international exposure gives Canadian creators and crews credibility on the world stage and opens doors for future co-productions.

Businesses that support the film industry — from sound stages and prop shops to cafés near filming locations — often see steady work and long-term contracts. A single production can fill hotel rooms, boost tourism and drive business to restaurants, caterers and shops. Successes such as Heated Rivalry also showcase the quality of Canadian film and television, helping attract future projects to homegrown talent.

Canadian content that pays off

The Heated Rivalry phenomenon shows what can happen when Canadian content resonates at home and overseas. The show’s early renewal for a second season confirms that broadcasters see long-term potential, while crews and services reap the rewards of that momentum.

In a media world often dominated by U.S. productions, a homegrown hit that translates into jobs, business for service providers and international attention reminds us that Canada’s creative and economic ecosystems are intertwined — and that smart investment in culture can yield measurable returns.

International discourse may have triggered disagreement on what is and isn't a cottage, but we can all agree that Heated Rivalry's success shows that a Canadian story can deliver entertainment and real economic impact. And that extra banana can be a real game changer.

Article sources

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Bell Media (1); CityNews (2)