Bell Media has intensified its commitment to Canadian talent by securing significant development and production deals with prominent figures such as Seth Rogen, Elliot Page, and Will Arnett. This initiative aims to bolster the production of television series in Canada, reflecting a growing trend of homegrown stars returning to their roots.
One of the standout projects is the romantic drama series Heated Rivalry, which has already garnered attention after being picked up by HBO Max in the United States. The series, directed by Jacob Tierney, is based on a novel series by Rachel Reid and produced for Bell Media’s Crave streaming platform. Justin Stockman, Vice President of Content Development & Programming for Bell Media, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating that the team has been excited since its inception. “We encouraged Jacob to option the books, and there’s more than one book, so there could be more success,” he noted in an interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*.
The six-part series explores a complex romance set against the backdrop of hockey, highlighting the relationship between Canadian star Shane Hollander, portrayed by Hudson Williams, and his rival Ilya Rozanov, played by Connor Storie. Stockman acknowledged the inherent risks of such a project but emphasized the confidence that comes from collaborating with a talented director like Tierney, who has a successful track record with shows like *Letterkenny*.
In addition to Heated Rivalry, Bell Media has announced several other development deals. These include a partnership with Rogen’s Point Grey Pictures and Lionsgate for an upcoming scripted show in Canada, which is still under wraps. Page and his Pageboy Productions are also set to create content for the CTV network and Crave, beginning with the comedy series *Slo Pitch*, which has just completed production.
Bell Media is also working with Fremantle on the revival of *Match Game*, hosted by Canadian comedian Martin Short and filmed in Montreal. Furthermore, comedian Tom Green is set to host the Crave interview series *Tom Green’s Funny Farm* under a co-development agreement with Bell Media.
As part of its international strategy, Bell Media has expanded its reach by acquiring a majority stake in London-based Sphere Abacus in March 2025. This move allows Bell Media to enhance the global distribution of Canadian content, following a previous investment in Canadian producer Sphere Media. According to Stockman, this acquisition positions Bell Media to “own more of the television value chain,” enabling the company to handle international sales and distribution more effectively.
Historically, Bell Media licensed series with global appeal from Canadian independent producers, who benefitted from the earnings when those shows were sold internationally. A notable example is the romantic drama *Sullivan’s Crossing*, which was embraced by U.S. network The CW before finding an even broader audience on Netflix.
“We love this show. It’s a great hit for us. It’s selling all over the world,” Stockman stated, acknowledging the role of Fremantle as the distributor. He emphasized how the team had long recognized the potential of international distribution as a lucrative business avenue, which became a reality following the hiring of Sean Cohan as president in October 2023.
With Canadian talent and creatives gaining traction in Hollywood, Bell Media is betting that locally produced series will resonate strongly with audiences on its platforms, including CTV and Crave. This strategy also allows the company to benefit from any international sales, particularly from regional streaming services.
“We were going to ramp up our originals anyways,” Stockman explained. “But knowing we were going to have a distribution company alongside us gave us even more hope we could really pick the right projects.”
In addition to the aforementioned series, Bell Media, in partnership with Sphere Abacus, is also distributing local productions such as *The Office Movers*, featuring a guest appearance by Drake, and *Evolving Vegan*, hosted by Mena Massoud. Other projects include *Late Bloomer*, featuring YouTuber Jasmeet Raina, and *Mark McKinney Needs a Hobby*, where the actor explores new hobbies across North America.
While not every local series will yield international distribution, Stockman remains optimistic about the company’s positioning. “We’re definitely not in a position like a big global studio to demand distribution on every project,” he admitted. Yet he emphasized that where it makes sense, they will pursue those opportunities.
For instance, Will Arnett’s animated comedy *Super Team Canada* on Crave, featuring a voice cast of Arnett, Cobie Smulders, and Kevin McDonald, is distributed internationally by co-producer Thunderbird Entertainment. *Slo Pitch* is also being sold beyond Canada by Shaftesbury, while future scripted projects from Point Grey Pictures will see Lionsgate manage international distribution, solidifying Bell Media’s collaborative relationships.
The acquisition of Sphere Abacus marks a significant step for Bell Media in navigating the ever-evolving global television landscape. “This business is always shifting, and nothing’s ever concrete. But, in general, we’re excited to be in the distribution space in a bigger way,” Stockman said.
As major studios increasingly look to Canada for cost-effective production solutions, Bell Media’s Northern Lights strategy is poised to leverage this trend. This includes the upcoming series *Anna Pigeon*, a collaboration with Versant’s USA Network, which is based on the novels by Nevada Barr and features a character-driven narrative shot in Alberta.
Ultimately, Bell Media aims to build on the early success of *Heated Rivalry*, a project that has generated significant buzz. “It’s unique, and it has people talking, and that’s actually good,” Stockman remarked. He believes the series offers more than just entertainment; it presents a compelling narrative that could resonate deeply with viewers, enhancing the company’s reputation in both domestic and international markets.
