Crave’s upcoming comedy «Slo Pitch» is shaping up to be the next great queer sports series, but it faces one major hurdle: no US distribution deal yet. The show, based on a web series of the same name, follows Joanne, coach of the Brovaries, as she leads her beer league baseball team to the championships while hoping to get revenge on her ex-girlfriend. The trailer shows the team in bright yellow jerseys, celebrating with beer and laughter, and the premise alone — baseball and sapphics — is enough to sell the series to many viewers.
The series comes from the Canadian streamer behind «Heated Rivalry», widely considered the most popular queer sports TV show ever. That show earned significant attention after HBO acquired its streaming rights, and fans are hoping the same happens for «Slo Pitch». The cast includes familiar faces from beloved queer series, such as Emily Hampshire from «Schitt’s Creek» and Amanda Cordner from «Sort Of». Elliot Page, known for «The Umbrella Academy», is backing the project through his production company Pageboy, adding further credibility to the production.
Without a US distributor, «Slo Pitch» may not reach American audiences before its release, which could hurt its chances of renewal. The current television landscape has not been welcoming to sapphic series. Gone are the days of «The L Word», and most queer shows barely make it past their first season. «Yellowjackets», one of the most prominent sapphic series, is ending this year, and «Heartstopper» wrapped up this summer. With fewer sapphic shows than ever, securing US distribution feels essential for «Slo Pitch» to reach as many viewers as possible.
The concern echoes the fate of «A League of Their Own», Prime Video’s explicitly queer reimagining of an all-women’s baseball team during World War II. That series earned praise for its swoony romances and heartwarming friendships, and Prime Video initially renewed it for a second season before walking back the decision, breaking the fanbase’s heart. Three years later, «Slo Pitch» could offer that fanbase a second chance, even as it differentiates itself with a comedic tone rather than drama.
«Slo Pitch» shares a spirit of teamwork and friendship with «A League of Their Own», but it brings its own originality. Ensemble comedies work best with unique characters, and the Brovaries appear to have teammates with distinct strengths and quirks. With the series dropping in about a month, anticipation is building. Sapphic series are best enjoyed when people can watch together, and fans are hoping HBO or another US streamer picks up «Slo Pitch» and brings it to American screens.