Canada's PM Embraces Viral Gay Hockey Drama 'Heated'

The show's success is a strategic soft power play for the country's progressive values.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:55pm

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A Canadian television drama, 'Heated,' centered around a professional women's hockey league, has become a cultural phenomenon, fueled by its authentic LGBTQ+ representation and the Canadian government's active promotion. The show's success is a deliberate soft power play, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau championing the series and its use of public funding. 'Heated' is breaking new ground in sports media by centering queer relationships, and the demand for its merchandise has been overwhelming, with the government even hinting at wearing the show's distinctive fleece during the Winter Olympics.

Why it matters

The success of 'Heated' highlights Canada's strategic use of cultural productions to promote its progressive values and enhance its international image. By actively supporting and embracing the show, Canada is positioning itself as a leader in LGBTQ+ representation and inclusivity, contrasting sharply with reported pressures from U.S. studios to alter storylines. This approach demonstrates the growing importance of soft power in the 21st century, where countries can influence through culture and values rather than coercion.

The details

The initial controversy around 'Heated' centered on the show's funding, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly acknowledging and celebrating the use of public funds. This willingness to champion the series, even with a touch of playful defiance, is a key element of Canada's strategy. The show's focus on the personal lives and relationships of its LGBTQ+ athletes is breaking new ground in sports media, offering a refreshing alternative to the limited and often fraught representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in the industry. The demand for 'Heated' merchandise, particularly the distinctive fleece worn by one of the characters, has been overwhelming, with the Canadian Sports Minister actively promoting its production and hinting at wearing it during the Winter Olympics.

  • The show's creator, Gwenyth Smythe, has a background in documentary filmmaking, bringing a level of realism and authenticity to the series.
  • As of November 2023, a second season of 'Heated' has been confirmed.

The players

Justin Trudeau

The Prime Minister of Canada, who has actively championed the success of 'Heated' and the use of public funds to support the production.

Gwenyth Smythe

The creator of 'Heated', who has a background in documentary filmmaking, bringing a level of realism and authenticity to the series.

Canada's Sports Minister

The government official who actively promoted the production of the distinctive fleece worn by one of the characters in 'Heated', hinting at wearing it during the Winter Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“American guys, keep dismissing us in Hollywood, our small tax money has stolen all your buzz”

— Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada (Twitter)

What’s next

As of November 2023, a second season of 'Heated' has been confirmed, indicating the show's continued success and the Canadian government's ongoing support.

The takeaway

The success of 'Heated' demonstrates Canada's strategic use of cultural productions to promote its progressive values and enhance its international image. By actively supporting and embracing the show, Canada is positioning itself as a leader in LGBTQ+ representation and inclusivity, contrasting sharply with reported pressures from U.S. studios to alter storylines. This approach highlights the growing importance of soft power in the 21st century, where countries can influence through culture and values rather than coercion.