HBO Max’s Heated Rivalry, a Canadian import that landed with little fanfare in late November, has quickly become a sensation. The show, centered on two closeted NHL stars, is now the platform’s third most-watched series behind Mad Men and IT: Welcome to Derry, fueled by intense fan interest in its leads, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie.
The series stands out for its raw, explicit depiction of same-sex intimacy. Unlike other LGBTQ+ dramas like Queer as Folk or Heartstopper, Heated Rivalry doesn’t shy away from graphic sex scenes. This approach feels distinct: the characters’ relationship exists in a world where exposure would destroy their careers and possibly endanger their lives. The high stakes, combined with charismatic leads, create a uniquely charged dynamic.
The show’s creator, Jacob Tierney, is credited with the authenticity of these scenes. He cast Williams and Storrie—who appear to have genuine chemistry—and shot them in a way that feels visceral, emphasizing soft lighting and extended, unedited intercourse. Despite HBO Max’s darkening of some scenes from the original Canadian version, the show avoids euphemisms. Heated Rivalry delivers a level of explicitness more akin to Blue Is the Warmest Color than the tamer approach of Red, White, & Royal Blue.
Zachary Zane, Grindr’s sex and relationship expert, breaks down the appeal further: the series builds tension slowly, with furtive glances and longing looks. The production quality enhances the sensuality, and the central dynamic—an enemies-to-lovers trope with a dominant/submissive edge—resonates with many gay and bisexual men. The show taps into a common fantasy: power imbalances, risk, and authentic desire.
Heated Rivalry is not just another gay love story; it’s a bold, unapologetic exploration of lust, secrecy, and the consequences of passion in a hyper-masculine world. The series’ success proves that audiences crave authenticity, even—and perhaps especially—when it comes to taboo subjects.
