Heated Rivalry Producers: How We Made a Hit
Episode Description
In this special bonus episode of Pivot, Kara talks to Heated Rivalry Executive Producers Jacob Tierney & Brendan Brady about the creative and financial risks they took to make the hit show. The duo also breaks down the process that allowed them to work on a shoestring budget, without compromising the artistic vision. They also explain pros and cons of shooting projects in Canada vs the U.S, and reveal the projects they’re hoping to do next.
00:00 Intro 5:08 "Heated Rivalry" And Its Female Fanbase 7:06 Why “Heated Rivalry” Was Made In Canada 11:20 “Heated Rivalry” Budget:About $2.2 Million Us Per Episode 14:53 Jacob Tierney On His Collaborative Style 18:40 Canadian Production Vs American Production 28:59 Entertainment And Second Screens 33:40 The Future Of AI In Entertainment 36:00 What's Next For The "Heated Rivalry" Team?
Producers: Lara Naaman Zoë Marcus Taylor Griffin
Video Producer: Jim Mackil
Vox Media's Executive Producer of Podcasts: Nishat Kurwa
Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email [email protected]
Brief Summary
Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady discuss the success of "Heated Rivalry" and its impact on queer representation in media.
Key points
- Cultural Sovereignty in Canada. The creators discuss the unique Canadian production model and its significance.
- The Power of Queer Joy. Jacob Tierney discusses how the show presents queer joy as a powerful narrative.
- Romance Genre's Popularity. Exploring the overlooked significance of romance novels in media.
- Intellectual Property Ownership. Owning intellectual property is crucial for creators, allowing long-term benefits from their work.
- The Importance of Attention. The show's complexity requires viewers to pay attention, as much is unsaid.
- The Role of AI in Entertainment. AI can assist in production but should not replace the creative process.
Ask about Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway
Episode highlights
- Cultural Sovereignty in CanadaThe creators discuss the unique Canadian production model and its significance.“This show was made in Canada because American distributors were afraid of the sex content.”2:44Feb 7, 2026
- The Power of Queer JoyJacob Tierney discusses how the show presents queer joy as a powerful narrative.“Queer joy is its soft power.”3:21Feb 7, 2026
- Romance Genre's PopularityExploring the overlooked significance of romance novels in media.“It's a romance novel; it's from romance novels that are popular.”6:01Feb 7, 2026
- Intellectual Property OwnershipOwning intellectual property is crucial for creators, allowing long-term benefits from their work.“It's something worth fighting for.”20:30Feb 7, 2026
- The Importance of AttentionThe show's complexity requires viewers to pay attention, as much is unsaid.“You have to pay attention to this show.”28:58Feb 7, 2026
- The Role of AI in EntertainmentAI can assist in production but should not replace the creative process.“AI is a tool for creators, not a creative engine.”34:04Feb 7, 2026
- The King is DeadA comedy about indigenous folks aiming to kill King George III, set in the 1700s.“It's like Monty Python energy. It's very funny!”38:06Feb 7, 2026
