Don’t expect ‘naked stuff’ from Crave’s new queer TV show ‘Slo Pitch,’ cast says

TORONTO — Actress Jess Salgueiro, who stars in Crave's new queer sitcom "Slo Pitch," says the show is quite the opposite of the network's recent hit "Heated Rivalry." While "Heated Rivalry" focuses on men learning to be tender with each other, "Slo Pitch" features a group of mostly queer and mostly women friends enjoying themselves while playing beer league softball.

Salgueiro, who plays Joanne, explains that "Heated Rivalry" showcases men being intimate in a beautiful and vulnerable way, whereas "Slo Pitch" offers a more silly and crass perspective. Emily Hampshire, who plays Leanne, Joanne's egomaniacal ex, expressed her concerns about the show's comparison to "Heated Rivalry" to one of the producers.

She believes that as a queer sports comedy, "Slo Pitch" brings something unique to the table, with its characters being less polished than those in "Heated Rivalry." Producer Elliot Page was immediately drawn to the project after hearing the logline, praising its distinct characters and the show's commitment to telling LGBTQ+ stories.

He hopes that the success of "Slo Pitch" and other queer TV shows will continue, as Canada is more receptive to these narratives than the United States.