Heated Rivalry - Season 1

Since the end of last year, the world has been captivated by Heated Rivalry. And I completely understand why. You probably haven't missed it (or it strongly depends on my algorithm, which is certainly possible), but Heated Rivalry is a huge hit. The series has been available in Canada and the US since the end of last year, and it's been available in the Netherlands on HBO Max since the end of January. Shortly after its release, the series spread worldwide. Everyone was (and still is!) talking about this hot hockey series, and rightly so!

Something that characterizes Heated Rivalry (and has also been much discussed) are the frequent and very explicit sex scenes.

In Heated Rivalry, we follow hockey players and rivals Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) and Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams). We meet the gentlemen as they first encounter each other and follow their journey over ten years as they evolve from co-players to fleeting lovers to partners. All of this happens in the shadows because being gay and a professional athlete is, of course, not done. The series is based on the Game Changer books by author Rachel Reid.

This plot sounds quite cliché, and perhaps it is a little. However, that doesn't make it any less entertaining to watch. Moreover, there are still too few mainstream queer stories on television. This is fortunately increasing, but as prominently and unabashedly as Heated Rivalry, we don't see much of it yet. Additionally, queer stories are often tragic. Heated Rivalry is a beautiful example of 'queer joy'. We should also showcase that!

Something that characterizes Heated Rivalry (and has been much discussed) is the frequent and very explicit sex scenes. However, sex is not portrayed in a vulgar manner but is an integral part of the story. It contributes to the development of the relationship between Ilya and Shane and is also an authentic part of the 'gay experience'. It's certainly not for the prudish viewer!

Besides all of the above, I want to emphasize that the series is not just about show. I have thoroughly enjoyed the story, which is well constructed. The acting by these unknown actors is of good quality. And the music! It was particularly excellent. Also, the conversation sparked by the series and the cultural effect that always emerges from such a series is wonderful to see. Athletes speaking out about homophobia in top sports, more awareness of the issues that still exist. It's a conversation that keeps coming back whenever a series like this becomes popular. But that's a good thing. Art is a reflection of the 'real world', so it's nice when it's not just entertainment but also gives something back.



A rating you give to a series doesn't always have to relate only to quality, in my opinion. It also has to do with the feeling it evokes in you and how much you've enjoyed it. Sometimes there's just such a gem that, despite being just a romance series, earns a solid 9.5 from me.

The second season of Heated Rivalry has already been announced, and I can't wait. I've already finished reading the six books (which are not just about Ilya and Shane), and book seven is coming out next year. Plenty of hockey players to enjoy, then!