Heated Rivalry Misses Primetime Emmy Eligibility, Though Connor Storrie May Still Earn a Nomination

The 2026 Emmy Awards nominations arrive this week, but Heated Rivalry will not be among the contenders.

Despite earning praise from both audiences and critics, the Crave series featuring Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams faces a significant barrier to Emmy recognition. The show's Canadian origins place it outside the eligibility requirements for the Primetime Emmys.

What Keeps Heated Rivalry Off the Emmy Ballot

Heated Rivalry did premiere during the 2026 eligibility period, which runs from June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026. However, its status as a foreign production creates an insurmountable obstacle. Though HBO Max carried the series in the United States, the American streamer only acquired licensing rights and played no role in financing or producing the show.

Bell Media, Crave's parent company based in Canada, fully funded the production. According to Emmy eligibility guidelines, foreign productions can only qualify if they result from co-productions—both financial and creative—between U.S. and international partners, with such arrangements established before production begins and intended for American television distribution.

Could the Show Compete Elsewhere?

While Heated Rivalry cannot vie for Primetime Emmy honors, it remains eligible for consideration at the International Emmy Awards. The submission window closed in January, with the nominee announcement scheduled for September.

The series and its stars were recently recognized by another major awards organization in June.

Storrie's Path to an Emmy Nomination

Though his work on Heated Rivalry won't factor into Emmy voting, Storrie stands as a contender in a different category. The actor is positioned to receive a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, recognizing his appearance as host of Saturday Night Live in February.

Storrie joins fellow Season 51 hosts Bad Bunny, Ryan Gosling, Harry Styles, Jack Black, Colman Domingo, and Will Ferrell in the guest actor category. The Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series race features Amy Poehler, Olivia Rodrigo, Melissa McCarthy, and Ariana Grande among those submitted.

The Emmy's hosting category has previously honored SNL appearances, with past winners including Dave Chappelle, Tiffany Haddish, Melissa McCarthy, Betty White, and Justin Timberlake. Former cast members who have won after returning as hosts include Maya Rudolph, Eddie Murphy, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, and Jimmy Fallon.

The full slate of Primetime Emmy nominations will be revealed on Wednesday morning, July 8. The 2026 Emmy Awards ceremony takes place on September 14th.