Prior to becoming a worldwide phenomenon, Heated Rivalry was a small Canadian production filmed on a shoestring budget with mostly no-name stars who didn't have fans or paparazzi watching their every move. However, things have changed since the now-popular gay hockey romance premiered at the end of 2025. Times have clearly changed, and now fans are being asked to back off by Heated Rivalry creator Jacob Tierney. “To our incredible fans and everyone who’s been sharing in the excitement for the show: Your support, enthusiasm, and kindness have meant the world to us,” Tierney wrote in an Aug. 4 statement shared on the official Heated Rivalry Instagram account. “As we gear up for more Heated Rivalry, please help us in making it the best it can be.”