Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series is returning to CNN’s streaming platform on June 3, and the latest season is being positioned as one of its strongest yet. The series is known for pairing major performers in candid conversations, but assembling the lineup is far more complicated than fans often assume. Behind the scenes, the process involves scheduling, publicity approvals and awards strategy, and some seemingly ideal matchups do not happen because actors decline or because timing and campaign considerations get in the way.
In this piece, Variety co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh reveals one notable missed opportunity: the breakout cast of “Heated Rivalry” was invited but did not take part. The three actors at the center of the Canadian hockey romance series — Connor Storrie, Hudson Williams and François Arnaud — have become major talking points among viewers, and their popularity has made them some of the most discussed rising stars of the year. Setoodeh argues that their absence is especially disappointing because they would have fit naturally into the “Actors on Actors” format, which thrives on bringing together performers with strong current cultural relevance.
The reason for their absence is tied to Emmy eligibility. “Heated Rivalry” is not eligible for this year’s Emmy Awards because it was produced by Bell Media’s Crave, a Canadian streamer, and did not meet the TV Academy’s requirement for U.S.-backed production dollars. Although the series streams in the U.S. on HBO Max, it was not submitted for Emmy consideration, which means its actors are not currently involved in awards campaigning. Setoodeh suggests that this technical rule may have made participation in an awards-season conversation series feel awkward or premature.
The article argues that the Emmys are missing an important opportunity by excluding a show that has clearly resonated with audiences. Setoodeh describes “Heated Rivalry” as a genuine hit with both devoted fans and casual viewers, citing its steamy romance and well-developed characters as key reasons for its popularity. He also notes that the show has become a cultural phenomenon, with its central relationship and signature setting already familiar to many viewers in the way iconic TV locations become part of the broader pop culture landscape.
Setoodeh questions whether the production origin of a show should matter so much when its audience impact is undeniable. He points to the growing global nature of streaming television and argues that the Emmys should reflect what people are actually watching, regardless of where a series is made. The piece suggests that older industry rules may no longer fit the realities of modern television, where international productions can become major U.S. hits without following traditional Hollywood pathways.
The broader message is both celebratory and frustrated: “Heated Rivalry” has emerged as one of the defining TV moments of the year, yet it is absent from awards eligibility and from Variety’s conversation series. For Setoodeh, that double exclusion highlights how much the industry still relies on technicalities that can keep major cultural successes from receiving the recognition they appear to deserve.
