The Canadian television series Heated Rivalry has been nominated for a major award at the 2026 Banff World Media Festival in Banff, Alberta. The show is a finalist in the English-language drama category for the Rockie Awards, which recognizes top television productions from around the world.
The awards ceremony will take place on June 16, 2026, at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Allana Harkin is set to host the event during the festival, which brings media creators from 45 different countries to the community from June 14 to June 17, 2026.
The series is based on the books by Rachel Reid and was adapted for television by creator Jacob Tierney. It stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie as two rival hockey players who fall in love while playing for professional teams in a fictionalized version of a major league.
Since its premiere on November 28, 2025, the show has become a significant hit with viewers and critics alike. It holds a 96 percent approval rating from critics and has already won two other honours this year, including the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding New TV Series.
In the upcoming awards, the Canadian production will compete against international shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and The Pitt. The festival where the winners will be announced has been a staple in the media industry since it was first founded in 1979.
