Crave expanded its TV portfolio after that Hot Competitionsuccess through adaptation Penelope Douglas' a novel The Five Brothers – but why is there a backlash already?
Bell Media announced in May 2026 that there were plans to bring Douglas' book to life.
“Heated Rivalry has proven that there is a universal love for compelling, complex, and familiar love stories,” Carlyn Klebucwho is the general manager of reality shows, said the statement. “With a complex lead cast, a boundary-pushing story, and a built-in audience, we're excited to develop Crave's next hit in the romance genre.”
The news received mixed reactions, with some excited about another adaptation of the book and TV, while others questioned the decision to deliver. The Five Brothers on the small screen. Specifically, readers weren't happy with a book based on a girl who explores her individual connections with her five brothers after meeting one of them – but not knowing which one – is getting so much attention.
Keep scrolling for a full description of the drama:
What is 'Five Brothers' about?
According to the synopsis, The Five Brothers follows “one woman who learns the secrets of the five Jaeger brothers: Macon, Army, Iron, Dallas, and Trace.” The whole plot of the book teases that the main character – Krisjen – is searching for which of the five Jaeger brothers they are anonymously connected to by testing the connection with each of them.
Where will it be released?
News broke in May that Crave's parent Bell Media planned to make the book a multi-season TV series after the successful adaptation. Rachel Reid's Hot Competition book on the TV show also sold on HBO Max in the US market.
Why Is There Controversy Around Adaptation?
Most of the disagreements about the possible TV shows stem from the story, which revolves around an 18-year-old girl who meets her brothers – five facts – to find out which boy she slept with without knowing.
What does Penelope Douglas say about the TV show?
Douglas released a statement about the change, which read, “The Five Brothers was a great read for me writing characters that I connected with immediately. I look forward to seeing these men come to life.”
Has Penelope Douglas ever spoken about the backlash?
Although Douglas has not been saddened by the response to her book on the small screen, she has defended the genre, writing on her website, “I write romance. New adult, erotica, a little bit modern… Really whatever drives me right now. I believe that a good writer can explore any story in a way that will connect, and I don't set out to write every book. I like to break the rules, and I like to push myself out of my comfort zone.”
The author also stood by his opinion.
“I don't worry that much anymore, and I don't let other people's opinions hold me back,” he commented. “Be yourself, and OWN YOU. Do you know what that means? Speak up and be proud. Be who you are and good things will come. Most importantly, your happiness.”
In a 2015 interview, Douglas spoke about the different reactions to his books, saying, “Everybody digests books differently. What one person hates, a hundred others will love. You can NEVER please everyone. Don't take it too much to heart.”
How Is 'Heated Competition' Involved In This?
Based on Reid's Game changers book series, Hot Competition follows rival hockey players Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), his hatred of ice is just part of a secret – and very passionate – romance. The show made stars famous and has been renewed for a second season.
The only connection between Hot Competition again The Five Brothers is that both are developed by Crave.
