In a surprising cultural moment, a Canadian-produced television series about a secret romance between two professional hockey players has captured the attention of audiences across North America. "Heated Rivalry," a co-production between HBO Max and the Canadian streaming service Crave, has become an undeniable hit since its premiere in November 2024, sparking widespread discussion and breaking viewership records.
A Story of Secret Love on the Ice
The series, which is based on the popular novel by author Rachel Reid and adapted for television by Jacob Tierney, follows the complex, years-long relationship between hockey stars Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie). Playing for rival teams, the two athletes embark on a clandestine affair that evolves over eight years into a profound journey of love, denial, and self-discovery.
What has set the show apart in the landscape of queer television is its unapologetic and frequent depiction of intimacy. The series features numerous sex scenes that have become a major talking point, with fans and critics alike ranking them for their intensity on both queer and mainstream social platforms. The show successfully blends fun, escapist entertainment with genuine heartfelt moments.
The actors' chemistry has been a cornerstone of the show's appeal. At a surprise appearance at Hi Tops, a gay sports bar in West Hollywood, Connor Storrie humorously thanked fans, saying, "Thank you for tweeting about our butts," before expressing sincere gratitude for the embrace from LGBTQ+ communities. This connection has translated into remarkable success: the show has remained firmly in HBO Max's Top 10 since its debut and boasts a 96% critics' score and a 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Sparking Conversation and Controversy
"Heated Rivalry" has ignited important conversations about the representation of gay intimacy on screen. While many critics have praised the series for not "playing it safe," it has also faced some pointed critiques. One reviewer dismissed the pilot as resembling late-night Cinemax content, lacking in character depth. More notably, Jordan Firstman, star of "I Love LA," controversially claimed the show's sex scenes were inauthentic, stating, "It's not how gay people fuck."
This comment prompted a thoughtful rebuttal from François Arnaud, who plays another gay hockey player, Scott Hunter, on the series. On Instagram, Arnaud questioned, "Is there only one way to have 'authentic' gay sex on TV? Should the sex that closeted hockey players have look like the sex that sceney LA gay guys have?" This exchange highlighted the ongoing debate about diversity within queer storytelling itself.
The show's success has also led to public curiosity about the lead actors' personal lives and sexualities, a pressure Hudson Williams addressed directly. While advocating for more queer actors in queer roles, Williams also emphasized his right to privacy, telling Deadline that the speculation is "just the nature of celebrity." He highlighted the genuine friendship he shares with co-star Storrie as a key component of their on-screen chemistry.
A Canadian Creative Triumph with Global Reach
The origins of "Heated Rivalry" as a Canadian production are a significant point of pride. Justin Stockman, Vice President of Content and Programming at Bell Media (Crave's parent company), celebrated the renewal for a second season, stating, "'Heated Rivalry' represents the very best of what Canadian creators can deliver: rich characters, compelling drama and a world audiences want to live in."
This achievement stands in contrast to recent industry trends in the United States, where mergers and budget cuts have disproportionately affected queer and diverse creatives. The show's international success, streaming simultaneously on HBO Max in the U.S., marks a major milestone for Canadian television.
With the first season's six-episode run concluding, the confirmation of a second season ensures the story will continue. "Heated Rivalry" has already cemented its place as one of the most impactful and talked-about queer television shows in recent memory, proving there is a substantial audience for bold, character-driven LGBTQ+ narratives. The series is currently available for streaming on Crave in Canada and HBO Max internationally.
