Career Overview
Jacob Tierney is a Canadian writer, director, actor, and producer born September 26, 1979, in Montreal, Quebec. He began his entertainment career as a child actor at age 6 and has since become a multifaceted creative professional in film and television.
Tierney's father, Kevin Tierney, was a renowned Canadian film producer best known for producing and co-writing Bon Cop, Bad Cop (2006). This family background provided early exposure to the entertainment industry and influenced Tierney's career trajectory.
Heated Rivalry and Recent Success
Jacob Tierney created Heated Rivalry, an HBO Max and Crave series that premiered in November 2025. The show follows two rival ice hockey players, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, who engage in a passionate romance. Tierney developed the series after reading the source novel during the pandemic.
The series has become an international phenomenon, generating significant buzz for its bold depiction of queer romance and the chemistry between lead actors. The show's early renewal for a second season demonstrates its remarkable success with audiences globally.
Tierney has explained that he was initially hesitant about adapting the book due to its explicit content but ultimately proceeded because the project resonated with his identity, stating that "it's gay and hockey—that's me."
Awards and Recognition
Tierney has received significant recognition for his screenwriting and directing work throughout his career. He won a Genie Award for Best Original Screenplay for The Trotsky (2009) and earned a Canadian Screen Award for Best Direction in a Comedy Program or Series for Letterkenny (2017).
His work on Letterkenny, in which he also starred as the character Glen, demonstrated his ability to excel across multiple creative roles. The series ran from 2016 to 2023 and became a successful comedy franchise, with Tierney serving as executive producer and showrunner.