Dan Levy Compares ‘Heated Rivalry’ Success to That of ‘Schitt’s Creek’: Both “Only Exist Because Canada Saw Value in Them First”

At the Critics Choice Association’s third annual Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television in Los Angeles, Dan Levy highlighted the significance of Canadian support in the success of queer-focused shows like *Schitt’s Creek* and *Heated Rivalry*. Levy emphasized that both series gained momentum because Canada recognized their value first, allowing them to flourish before Hollywood fully embraced such content. He expressed a desire for a future where queer creators can produce work without the pressure of proving its worth, advocating for increased investment in queer voices rather than simply replicating successful formulas. Levy’s remarks underscored the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ artists in Hollywood, where risk aversion often limits diverse storytelling. He called for a shift in industry attitudes, hoping that the U.S. entertainment landscape will eventually follow Canada’s lead in supporting queer narratives. Jacob Tierney, creator of *Heated Rivalry*, was unable to attend but shared via video that he is actively working on the show’s second season. The event also featured Noah Schnapp, who reflected on his decade-long role as Will Byers in *Stranger Things* and its personal resonance with his own coming out journey. Additional honors included recognition of Hannah Einbinder, praised by presenter Poppy Liu for her outspoken advocacy for Palestine despite facing significant backlash. The celebration highlighted not only artistic achievements but also the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity with broader social and political activism. The event served as a platform to acknowledge the progress made in queer representation while calling attention to the need for continued support and investment in diverse voices within the entertainment industry.