Connor Storrie, the breakout star of the Canadian series 'Heated Rivalry', has earned his first Emmy nomination, but it's not for the show itself. Storrie, a 26-year-old actor, was recognized in the Best Guest Actor in a Comedy category for his hosting gig on Saturday Night Live (SNL). This nomination is a significant achievement for Storrie, who has been making waves in the industry since the show's premiere.
What makes this nomination particularly interesting is the context of 'Heated Rivalry'. The show, which Storrie is not eligible for due to its Canadian financing, has been a critical and commercial success. It won 16 awards at the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Drama Series and Best Lead Performer for co-star Hudson Williams. Storrie, however, is American and thus ineligible for these Canadian awards.
Storrie's rise to prominence is a testament to his versatility and talent. Since the show's premiere, he's been in high demand, with a slew of projects lined up. He's set to star in the A24 comedy 'Peaked', directed by Molly Gordon and written by SNL writer Allie Levitan. Additionally, he recently appeared in a multi-episode arc on 'Criminal Minds Evolution', which was booked and shot before 'Heated Rivalry' even premiered.
The show's success has also translated into real-life opportunities for Storrie. He and Williams have become certified stars, presenting at the 2026 Golden Globes, participating in the Olympic Torch Relay, and making their MET Gala debut. Storrie's work has also caught the attention of luxury brands, securing him ambassadorship gigs with Saint Laurent and Tiffany & Co. He even graced the cover of The Hollywood Reporter's Power Stylist issue earlier this year.
'Heated Rivalry' is based on the popular romance books by Reid, with the first season focusing on the second novel of the same name. The series is set in a fictional professional hockey universe and centers around two rival players, Canada-born Shane Hollander (Williams) and Russia-born Ilya Rozanov (Storrie), who navigate a decade-long situationship-turned-relationship. The show's success has led to a second season renewal, with Storrie set to return to the set this summer for filming, aiming for a spring 2027 release.
Storrie's Emmy nomination is a well-deserved recognition of his talent and hard work. It highlights the impact of his performances, not just in 'Heated Rivalry' but also in his other projects. As he continues to build his career, Storrie is undoubtedly one to watch, with a bright future ahead of him in the world of television and beyond.
