In early February 2026, during a discussion with Kay Adams on Super Bowl row, Martha Stewart openly expressed her disinterest in HBO's new show, Heated Rivalry. The series, which features a romance amidst a hockey backdrop, had been suggested by Stewart due to the impending Olympic games that feature hockey. Despite the show's emergence as a notable Canadian production, Stewart firmly indicated that the premise of a 'gay sports romance' did not appeal to her tastes, with her stating, "I tried. It doesn't turn me on." Furthermore, it was noted that the series, though gaining global attention, had not yet appeared on Nielsen's Top 10 list, raising questions about its streaming success. With a modest budget of less than C$5 million per episode, Heated Rivalry had nonetheless created ripples within the pop culture landscape, drawing both acclaim and criticism. Stewart's comments reflect a broader conversation about the acceptance of diverse narratives in mainstream media and the ongoing discussion regarding viewer preferences in the entertainment industry. The reception of the show appears to contrast sharply with Stewart's personal preferences, indicating the varied responses from audiences to different storytelling forms in contemporary television.