How a romance is challenging cultural expectations of gay intimacy.
The popularity of Heated Rivalry has continued into the new year, with the screen adaptation breathing new life into the novel. First published in 2019, Heated Rivalry was a success, earning a sequel in 2022. Since the show’s debut in November 2025, the fanbase has only grown, allowing a new demographic to experience the world of Hollander and Rozanov. But how has the show gained such a loyal fanbase after only two months? I’d argue its portrayal of sexual expression is the defining feature.
The romance and intimacy of the story occur within the world of professional hockey. A community that historically lacks gay representation, despite the reality that gay people work on and off the ice. Heated Rivalry provides a remedy, showcasing queerness within settings where it has previously been excluded. The NHL, the hockey league the story is based on, is no stranger to anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, with the banning of pride tape back in 2023. Rozanov and Hollander’s sexual escapades are therefore refreshing, as the writers refuse to succumb to the pressure and hate within the hockey world. As a result the show refuses to ease the audience in gently, with the first two episodes being the most sex-heavy of the six. The novel adopts a similar approach, with the prologue focusing on the intimacy, before establishing the story’s setting or characters.
However, reducing the hockey setting to a subversion of expectations is limiting. Only by being on opposing teams do Rozanov and Hollander’s rivalry and subsequent attraction form. Without the tension on the ice, fighting for club and country, the key factors of rivalry and secrecy would not be present. These elements are integral to the intimacy which is formed through the sporting background.
Popular gay media often depicts a power imbalance, with one partner being physically smaller and consequently taking on a “feminine” role. With the anticipated Heart-stopper film and the newly released Pillion, these depictions of queerness are solidified. However, Heated Rivalry refuses to adhere to these stereotypes, instead portraying two men who are captains of their respective teams, adored by fans and media, and who are the very image of athleticism and masculinity. This equality extends further than the professional setting, becoming a key aspect of their sexual encounters. Sex for the protagonists is therefore not an exchange, or a giving up of power, but is an equal pursuit of pleasure.
Continuing the stereotypes in media, queer intimacy often leads to a sacrifice of character substance. Heated Rivalry’s focus outside the bedroom, or shower in this instance, allows the story and the intimacy to strengthen. Ilya Rozanov is not just a burly hockey player with an enticing Russian accent; rather, he is cheeky in his teasing of Hollander, endearing in the care he provides his father, and lovable in his relationship with Svetlana. Similarly, Shane Hollander is shown to be a family man who puts time and effort into his friendships and enjoys his own company. When romance is the focus, it can be easy for individuality to be lost, yet the development of both Hollander and Rozanov outside of their relationship invests the audience and heightens their intimate moments.
The screen adaptation, initially only available on the Canadian streaming platform Crave, has gained unprecedented success, releasing internationally on HBO Max and Now TV. This popularity has bridged the gap between reading and watching, leading many fans to indulge in the show’s source material. Where the show ends, fans find themselves beginning the story anew, in the form of the novel, with the written word satiating fans until the next season.The impact of Heated Rivalry is overwhelmingly positive, showcasing gay intimacy without the stigmas. However, caution must be taken against sticking to what works, as the market for other queer media is severely lacking. With the announcement of a second season comes a bittersweet reminder of the Lesbian media that is far too often cancelled after a singular season. Shows such as I Am Not Okay With This and First Kill, which centre on female romances, are only two instances of the plethora of cancelled shows. Heated Rivalry has dominated the public zeitgeist and for good reason, highlighting the demand for LGBTQ media, but precautions must be taken to not to exclude other queer relationships.
Image Credit: GQ Magazine
