Warning: This article contains some spoilers for Heated Rivalry. If you have not finished watching the show, read at your own risk!
What is Heated Rivalry? Is it really about hockey?
By this point, if you’re online in any capacity, you’ve likely heard mention of HBO’s hit new show Heated Rivalry. Based on the book of the same name by Rachel Reid and originally premiering on Canadian streaming platform Crave, the show follows two professional hockey players as they explore an intimate, steamy romance precariously hidden from public view. The show is set through the late 2000s into the mid-2010s and follows Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov on their respective journeys from rookies to rivals. Shane and Ilya are the captains of their teams, which are notorious rivals (Montreal Metros vs. Ottawa Centaurs). Throughout the events of the show, we see the two players rise to the top of the NHL. Though the show is based on hockey players, there are very few actual hockey scenes shown, with the focus being centered mainly on the development of the characters and their relationships.
Mainstream Impact
I mentioned before that Heated Rivalry is quite popular in online spaces. The show’s impact isn’t limited to hashtags and memes, though—from themed raves to drag shows to trivia nights, Heated Rivalry seems to be everywhere! It is, of course, especially prevalent online, with memes, artwork, and edits being so easily shareable on digital platforms nowadays. I have seen some magnificently impressive artworks, as well as hilarious edits and everything in between. Many quotes from the show, such as the quote I’ve featured in the title of this article, have become thoroughly recognizable by fans of the show, and the starring actors are quickly becoming household names. Several brands have already gotten to work releasing merchandise, both officially and unofficially, featuring characters and quotes from the show. A few rather notable public figures have referenced the show, including New York City’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani, and even the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney!
Why is it so popular?
That’s what this article aims to break down. My main reasoning lies in my belief that mainstream media is currently deeply lacking in well-rounded queer-centric stories that feature happy endings. Think about it—many of the queer icons so many of us claim within fandoms are never explicitly stated to be queer, or, if they are, their stories are pushed to the side. They are left in the dust, expected to settle for loving themselves but never being loved by someone else—that is, if they even get to survive. Heated Rivalry throws this entire narrative, often referred to as the “bury your gays” trope, on its head. Not only do all its (four!) queer characters live until the end of the first season, but they also all find love and comfort by the end. While things certainly aren’t perfect by any means, there’s also another season coming up, where I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunities for both future struggles and successes alike. I firmly believe that most audiences want to see these fully developed, loving, and happy queer relationships on screen, and Heated Rivalry absolutely delivers. It also doesn’t shy away from openly displayed sexuality, which is potentially another draw for audiences in a culture that seems to be growing more repressed and buttoned up each day.
So… What does all this mean?
The success of Heated Rivalry showcases a few different things. Namely, it highlights how audiences want to see successful queer stories highlighted. It shows how these stories can bring us together, no matter our background (I have met many a straight Heated Rivalry fan). It also shows that when celebrities are down-to-earth, genuine, good people who stand up for what is right, such as Hudson Williams (Shane Hollander), Connor Storrie (Ilya Rozanov), and François Arnaud (Scott Hunter), they will be successful and people will listen to what they have to say. It also shows that regardless of the budget or studio size, the quality of the show is all that truly matters. Finally, Heated Rivalry shows us that media can inspire actual change in the world, as evidenced by the real athletes who have come out since the show aired, naming both Heated Rivalry and its widespread positive reception as the inspiration for their courageous acts. Overall, we can all take inspiration from shows like these to be who we want to be and do what we want to do. You never know what might happen!
Edited and Reviewed by Zoe Carter