How Slo Pitch follows in Heated Rivalry's footsteps - and how it doesn't

“Slo Pitch,” a queer softball mockumentary, is trying to ride the momentum of “Heated Rivalry” as it launches as Canada’s next breakout sports series. Premiering Sept. 25 on Crave and co-produced by Elliot Page’s Pageboy Productions, the show has quickly found traction in LGBTQ communities. Interviews and social chatter point to a demand for more varied queer storytelling—beyond tragedy—while keeping the series rooted in humor and everyday life. Co-creator and star Karen Knox said queer representation shouldn’t be confined to one kind of narrative and that she wanted a mostly female, queer comedy that feels “about drinking beers” and being with friends. The article also notes industry concerns that roles still often don’t center gay characters.