after the success of his TV shows Letterkenny and Shoresy,Canadian director and screenwriter Jacob Tierney figured he was done telling stories about hockey. Then he found Heated Rivalry – Rachel Reid’s steamy romance novel about two hockey players who fall in love – and he realized he wasn’t quite done yet.
While the world of romance novels, particularly gay or M/M (male/male) romance novels, wasn’t something Tierney knew much about, it left him fascinated. Primarily written by women for women, M/M is one of the fastest-growing fiction genres in publishing.
“Heated Rivalry is among the first that I read, and I loved it,” Tierney tells Q*’s Tom Power in an interview. “I didn’t think it was necessarily adaptable. It’s *very steamy…. In the parlance of romance, it’s called ‘spicy’ and what we would call it is ‘smut.’ Joyfully smutty. It’s smut. it’s graphic.”
WATCH | Official trailer for Heated Rivalry:
Though Tierney initially thought a smutty gay romance between two hockey players wasn’t something he’d be able too get on TV, it turns out it is. His new series, Heated Rivalry, hits the small screen to
Jacob Tierney appeared on CBC Radio’s q with Tom Power on November 27, 2025, to discuss his latest work and career.
Listen to q with Tom Power wherever you get your podcasts.
Interview produced by Kaitlyn Swan.
About the Interview
Table of Contents
On November 27, 2025, Canadian filmmaker and actor Jacob Tierney was a guest on CBC Radio’s q with Tom Power. The interview covered a range of topics, including Tierney’s recent projects, his creative process, and his experiences in the film industry. Tierney is known for his work as a director, writer, and actor, with credits including films like The Trotsky and Preggoland.
Key Discussion Points
- Recent Projects: Tierney discussed his latest film endeavors, providing insights into the challenges and rewards of bringing his vision to the screen.
- Creative Process: The conversation delved into Tierney’s approach to storytelling, character development, and the overall artistic choices he makes in his work.
- Industry Experiences: Tierney shared anecdotes and perspectives on navigating the Canadian and international film industries.
- Future Aspirations: he touched upon his future goals and the types of projects he hopes to pursue.
Jacob Tierney: A Career Overview
Jacob Tierney is a prominent figure in Canadian cinema. He began his career as an actor, gaining recognition for his roles in various television series and films. He transitioned into directing and writing, quickly establishing himself as a unique voice with a distinctive style. His films frequently enough explore themes of identity, family, and societal expectations, frequently with a darkly comedic edge. IMDb provides a extensive list of his filmography.
Notable Works
- The Trotsky (2010): A satirical comedy about a high school student who believes he is the reincarnation of Leon Trotsky.
- Preggoland (2014): A dark comedy exploring themes of motherhood and societal pressure.
- Black Fly (2021): A thriller based on the novel by Patrick Senécal.
Where to Listen
The full interview with Jacob Tierney on CBC’s q with Tom Power is available on the CBC Listen platform and wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
Key Takeaways
- Jacob Tierney is a versatile filmmaker known for his unique storytelling.
- The interview provides valuable insights into his creative process and industry experiences.
- Listeners can access the full interview on CBC Listen and major podcast platforms.
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