Bell Media is making significant strides in the entertainment industry by actively attracting Hollywood talent back to Canada for new television projects. Over the past year, the media company has secured development and production agreements with prominent figures such as Seth Rogen, Elliot Page, and Will Arnett. A notable success so far is the series *Heated Rivalry*, which has been picked up by HBO Max in the United States. The six-part drama, produced for Bell Media’s streaming platform Crave, is directed by Jacob Tierney and is based on the novel series by Rachel Reid.
The show explores a unique romance between Canadian hockey star Shane Hollander, portrayed by Hudson Williams, and his Russian rival Ilya Rozanov, played by Connor Storie. Justin Stockman, Vice President of Content Development & Programming for Bell Media, expressed enthusiasm about the project, saying, “Our team has been very excited about this project since it first came to us.” He noted that the success of *Heated Rivalry* could lead to further adaptations, given the multiple books available in the series.
The collaboration with Tierney and Brendan Brady, through their production company Accent Aigu Entertainment, has proven fruitful. Stockman acknowledged the inherent risks of the project but emphasized the confidence in Tierney’s proven track record. “Everything about this project felt a little risky because of the nature of it,” he said, highlighting the blend of sports and romance that characterizes the narrative.
In addition to *Heated Rivalry*, Bell Media has announced several other development initiatives. These include a partnership with Rogen’s Point Grey Pictures and Lionsgate for a new scripted series in Canada, alongside Page’s Pageboy Productions, which will create content for CTV and Crave. This venture kicks off with the comedy *Slo Pitch*, produced by Shaftesbury. Other projects include the revival of *Match Game*, hosted by Martin Short and filmed in Montreal, and a co-development deal with comedian Tom Green for the Crave series *Tom Green’s Funny Farm*.
Bell Media is also expanding its international presence. In March 2025, the company acquired a majority stake in London-based Sphere Abacus, a strategic move aimed at distributing Canadian content to global markets. This acquisition follows the previous minority stake Bell Media held in Sphere Media, which had acquired the UK distributor Abacus. Stockman explained that this expansion allows Bell Media to “own more of the television value chain” and enhances their ability to capitalize on international sales.
Historically, Bell Media has licensed series from Canadian independent producers, who would then handle international distribution. For example, the CTV original series *Sullivan’s Crossing* found success in the United States on The CW and later gained a wider audience on Netflix with international distribution managed by Fremantle. Stockman remarked, “We love this show. It’s a great hit for us. It’s selling all over the world.”
The appointment of Sean Cohan as president in October 2023 marked a pivotal moment for Bell Media. Cohan, who has experience with A&E Networks and Nielsen, is expected to drive revenue growth outside Canada through the collaboration with Sphere Abacus. Stockman noted, “We just needed the right eyes on it, which is Sean.”
By tapping into Canadian talent and creatives based in Hollywood, Bell Media aims to ensure that locally produced series resonate with audiences on CTV and Crave. The strategy includes sharing in the financial success from international sales, thereby enhancing their portfolio of original content.
For instance, Bell Media is distributing local comedies such as *The Office Movers*, featuring a guest appearance by Drake, and *Late Bloomer*, created by YouTuber Jasmeet Raina. The company is mindful of its position in the market and does not expect to secure distribution rights for every project, unlike larger global studios. Stockman stated, “We’re definitely not in a position like a big global studio to demand distribution on every project. But where it makes sense and it’s to our benefit, we will.”
The animated comedy *Super Team Canada*, featuring Will Arnett and co-produced by Thunderbird Entertainment, is an example of Bell Media’s collaborative distribution strategy. Additionally, projects from Rogen’s Point Grey Pictures will see Lionsgate handling international duties.
Bell Media’s ambitious approach positions it well in the rapidly evolving global television landscape. “This business is always shifting, and nothing’s ever concrete,” Stockman stated. “But we’re excited to be in the distribution space in a bigger way – even though it won’t be on every project.”
While Bell Media remains committed to licensing content from Hollywood studios for the Canadian market, the company is also focused on increasing its control over the content offered on CTV and Crave. This strategy, referred to as Northern Lights, aims to capitalize on the growing trend of international productions utilizing Canada as a filming location to reduce costs and access diverse talent.
The success of *Heated Rivalry* serves as a launching pad for Bell Media’s future ambitions. Stockman emphasized the importance of the series, saying, “It’s unique, and it has people talking, and that’s actually good.” He believes that the combination of romance and drama in the series will resonate with viewers, providing a strong foundation for the company’s expansion efforts in both domestic and international markets.
