Why is Everyone Obsessed with Heated Rivalry?
Written by Natalie Anne
Within the past months, there has been a new surge of obsession over this rising show
‘Heated Rivalry’. This new television series has taken over all social media platforms:
Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and even the Guardian and BBC have written articles about it.
For those who aren’t aware, ‘Heated Rivalry’ is a queer hockey romance TV series adapted
from the Game Changers book series by Canadian author Rachel Reid. The show follows
two NHL adversaries, Russian player Ilya Rozanov and Asian-Canadian player Shane
Hollander, as they form a secret relationship for a decade since their rookie season.
The Rise of ‘Heated Rivalry’
The TV series was initially released exclusively on Crave, a Canadian local streaming
service. But as the international book fans continued to express their love and anticipation
for the show, HBO Max picked it up just mere days before its release on two-episode
premiere. And kudos to Sky, so that the UK audiences aren’t left out despite being slightly
late to the hype.
There was extensive marketing on the series’ official Instagram account as the release date approached, showing teasers, first looks and clips of the first episode. I came across it on YouTube and I immediately added it to my To-Be-Watched list after Crave’s official trailer.
After the release of four episodes of the steamy hockey romance, it has been renewed for a second season and production is likely to start by summer, according to Forbes. Author
Rachel Reid also announced on 10 January that she will be returning to the Game Changer
series with Unrivaled. The upcoming sequel continues the story between Shane and Ilya as
they are out, married and finally playing on the same team.
So Why is Everyone Obsessed With The Show?
From an economic viewpoint, the show might have filled a market gap that perhaps no one has noticed. Queer hockey romance is no news to us readers, but it is obvious that there has been a lack of screen adaptations of this particular sub-genre. The marketing around this show and the response of the romance book community are what hypes up the show to where it is now. However, what makes everyone really ‘obsessed’ with the show is the emotional side of it: the storyline, romance, representation and maybe…the sex.
One of the reasons this show is so hyped up is because of the representation that it brings
on screen. In an interview with Toronto Life, Jacob Tierney, the director and showrunner of
‘Heated Rivalry’ explained, “This is a gay love story set in the world of hockey, so its very
existence is an act of rebellion. But the show itself is happily ever after…There’s a tendency
in queer art to focus on real tragedies.” The show has gained attention for its representation of queer romances. Unlike most screen adaptations we see on screen, ‘Heated Rivalry’ doesn’t follow the usual, stereotypical storyline of queer romances, and yet it doesn’t compromise the portrayal of challenges in a secret queer relationship.
Furthermore, the impact of the show has truly reached the rink in real life as former hockey player Jesse Kortuem has come out on his official Instagram account. Kortuem talked about how the show is a true inspiration and catalyst for change in the Drew Barrymore show, “I didn’t realise that one story could spark a conversation, could encourage others to find the strength to be themselves.” This show is not just about queer representation, but also the journey to coming out and discussions with family. In the later episodes, Shane has an emotional and sweet scene with his mother. ‘Heated Rivalry’ showcases some healthy parental accountability and response that allows some audiences to find emotional fulfilment and reconciliation with their reality as some might never experience that moment in real life.
Speaking of representation, the show ‘Heated Rivalry’ has incorporated more references to
Shane Hollander’s half Asian background. Hudson Williams, talks with The Permanent Rain
Press about being cast as Shane, “Getting to bring that was fun, I think it meant a lot to me
and my mom. My mom is Korean, she always thinks it is hard for me to break into film and
acting because she hasn’t seen anyone…It’s pretty new that Asians are leading films and TV here in North America.” However, a lot have criticised the race representation as being
‘hollow’ and ‘could be better’.
The chemistry between Shane (play by Hudson Williams) and Ilya (play by Connor Storrie) is so palpable right from the start. The way that the two actors can show those sizzling
tensions from just a few eye contacts is a testament to their talents. The iconic locker room
really established their dynamic from the get go and that towel adjustment is diabolical. As
Tierney said to Toronto Life, “We deserve to have a gay show that is sexy and horny and
fun.” The spice definitely had us squealing and kicking our feet! Connor Storrie’s Russian
accent is absolutely incredible in the show, to the point where I was surprised when I heard
how he sounds in real life. That Russian monologue he delivered in the later episodes is
spot on and he mentioned on The Late Night Show with Seth Meyers that even the other
Russian-speaking extras have complimented his Russian.
Looking Beyond The Rink
It has been appreciated by audiences and the book community that the screen adaptation
has stayed true to its source material. As Tierney said to The Hollywood Reporter, “I’m a fan. I love these books. I’m not trying to f**k with them. I’m not trying to change them.” Tierney’s respect towards the series by Rachel Reid has presented us with a show that is faithful to the books. As an avid romance reader myself, watching the show feels like reading a six-hour-long book.
Tierney also said to Teen Vogue that “These are books written by women, consumed largely by women…Once you film this, gay men will watch it, but we’ll watch anything with gay men in it. We’re not wildly discerning in that way, and we’re starved for stories. But the secret fan base of this is women, and that is a much bigger target than just queer people or queer men, or whatever the assumption was.” The understanding in portraying the show through a feminine gaze, by focusing on emotional depth and unconventional masculine traits that is often found in sports narratives, has allowed audiences to resonate with the characters even more.
The emotional vulnerability of Shane and Ilya’s character is so beautiful that the first time
they said ‘I love you’ to each other at the cottage is more than just a heart-warming moment, but also the moment where they finally open up to one another fully. ‘The cottage’ is more than just a retreat, but a place where Shane and Ilya can truly be themselves. We might have come for the spice, but those are the scenes and moments that captured our hearts and have made us obsessed over this series and the characters.
‘Will You Come to My Cottage This Summer?’
This global hockey phenomenon has arrived at HEA Bookshop! Game Changer (#1), Heated Rivalry (#2) and Long Game (#6) are now available on the HEA website! Book 1 follows Scott Hunter and Kip’s story and Book 2 features Shane and Ilya’s story. Book 6 is a sequel to Heated Rivalry, a continuation of Shane and Ilya’s relationship. Be sure to check them out if you are not nerdy enough to understand what the cottage means!
Questions:
What are your thoughts on the rise of ‘Heated Rivalry’? Are you watching the show and are
you team read the books first/ watch the show first?
Let us know your thoughts on ‘Heated Rivalry in the comments below!