Representation in Romance: How Heated Rivalry Speaks to Today’s Queer Audience
As 2025 neared its conclusion, a hit show based on a hockey romance book series took the internet by storm. Of course, I am referring to Heated Rivalry. On November 28, 2025, HBO Max premiered the adaptation of Rachel Reid’s book series where two of the most famous hockey players on opposing teams find themselves in a complex and mutually entangling relationship involving lots of sneaking around, secret-sharing, and relentless smack talk. Over the next few months, the show gained significant traction on TikTok and other social media platforms. This resulted in Heated Rivalry references on SNL, and stars Hudson William and Connor Storrie even presented an award at the Golden Globes. The Canadian-produced show that had a less-than-5 million dollar budget per episode managed to reel in over 10 million U.S. viewers.
But other than the inside jokes and trendy catchphrases, there is a deeper cultural significance of this show. Queer media has long existed, from Portrait of a Lady on Fire to Heartstopper, but it has never reached mainstream, non-queer audiences to this degree. The show has appealed to both LGBTQ+ and cis-straight viewers, and its coverage has extended into general pop culture. From Heated Rivalry-themed parties to Halloween costumes, if you haven’t heard of the renowned series, you would definitely raise some eyebrows. While the show features steamy romance and exciting athletic-tension between the main characters, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, it also includes important queer themes now being perceived by a much broader audience.
One of these themes is rooted in Shane’s coming-out scene. In episode six, the season finale, Shane is pressured to come out to his parents due to their unprecedented sighting of the pair on vacation. The situation is filled heavily with anxiety since Shane has kept their decade-long relationship from his parents, and he did not want to let them down, especially since his mother serves as his manager. The one-on-one, heartfelt conversation tugged at many viewers’ heartstrings, whether they related personally or not. Shane’s mother embraces her son and reassures him that she is not upset at him, but rather frustrated with herself for making him feel like he could not be open from the beginning. This scene speaks directly to queer audiences who have experienced similar moments of coming-out to loved ones, and for some, it even encouraged them to do so. It was such an emotional and significant coming-out scene, and one that will remain in the books as sentimental.
Additionally, strong queer themes are found within an “unlikely” environment. Hockey is often viewed as a hyper-masculine, aggressive sport, something that people may not think of when LGBTQ+ comes to mind. However, Heated Rivalry proves that even athletes in fields that are traditionally rooted in toxic masculinity can be queer and open. In episode five of the season, a supporting character and hockey player, Scott, makes a pivotal decision to kiss his boyfriend, Kip, on the ice for the entire world to see. Not only are fans shocked, but so are Shane and Ilya. This moment encourages Shane and Ilya to forward their relationship, and (in my opinion) one of the most courageous and moving scenes of the series so far. Viewers on social media raved about how significant it was for the hockey players to be queer. Thousands of users shared personal stories or photos of themselves playing sports in environments where they once felt unsafe,now expressing a renewed sense of comfort and visibility. Since the show’s cultural wave, the NHL and other hockey organizations paid tribute to the Pride community. Even former professional hockey player Jesse Kortuem was encouraged to come out because of the show, announcing that there is “room on the ice for all.” The show not only entertained, but also validated those who have experienced stigma in tough environments, and served as a reminder that they are not alone.
Another important element of the series occurs when Shane realizes that he does not actually romantically like Rose Landry. Rose Landry is the epitome of a woman: famous and beautiful. She is written by the media as charming and her and Shane’s brief relationship was depicted as nothing less than flawless. The two support each other at events and appear intimate with one another, however, Shane deep down knows that he is gay and does not feel the same way for Rose as he does for Ilya. Shane and Rose share an honest conversation, and Rose is completely understanding and supportive of Shane’s confession. This storyline mirrors how some queer individuals' earlier relationships may feel performative or artificial, especially during periods of sexual awakening or self-discovery. A queer person may date someone of a different gender, before fully understanding their own attraction. On the other hand, Ilya comes out to Shane as bisexual, explaining that he is attracted to both men and women. Together, Shane and Ilya highlight the diversity of the sexuality spectrum, showing viewers that you don’t need to be gay to be in a queer relationship.
Overall, the show explores many deep themes including neurodivergency, family trauma, and financial instability, but one thing that resonates with queer audiences is its raw depiction of queer relationships and their complexities. Many viewers are eager for more Heated Rivalry, especially as the series moves forward with its already-confirmed second season.
