Heated Rivalry on HBO Max: the long-awaited adaptation of Rachel Reid's cult queer novel

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The first episodes of Heated Rivalry have been available since November 28, 2025, on HBO Max and Crave in Canada. The adaptation of Rachel Reid's LGBTQ+ novel explores the secret relationship between two hockey stars. Between sports rivalry, tensions, and forbidden love, the series offers an intriguing glimpse into queer relationships in the sports world. A must-see for lovers of queer dramas and enemies-to-lovers romances.

Heated Rivalry: a series that questions the place of LGBTQ+ people in sports

The first episode of Heated Rivalry brings viewers into the world of professional hockey, where an electric and fascinating atmosphere fueled by the media and sponsors shapes the relationship between Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (played by Connor Storrie), two fierce rivals.

Shane Hollander, a charismatic young Canadian, embodies the ideal hockey player, while Ilya Rozanov, a mysterious Russian player, carries his country's hopes. Between them, competition quickly gives way to attraction, and the tension eventually becomes physical.

However, Heated Rivalry is not just a simple romance: it questions the norms surrounding same-sex relationships in society, particularly in the sport field. Through the two main characters, the series explores the fear of judgment, social pressure, and the difficulties that people can encounter in a male-dominated environment.

Complex characters who bare their souls

The use of close-ups and slow motion emphasizes the tensions and emotions experienced by the characters, immersing viewers in their intimacy. By revealing the complexity of the characters, with their strengths and weaknesses, and by choosing to tell a story that occurs over several years, the writers aim to create a story that is as close to reality as possible.

What makes the series interesting is the way it explores the taboo of LGBTQ+ sexuality in sports, but also in society in general. The story takes place over several years, but begins in 2009, a period when these issues were still heavily influenced by norms and prejudices. Sexuality is a particularly sensitive subject in some countries, notably Russia. We see this in Ilya, in the way he communicates with his family and the way he chooses to reveal or conceal certain relationships. In Canada, the subject seems less complex than in Russia, but it is still sensitive. We see this, for example, in Shane's conversations with his team.

The six-episode miniseries will allow viewers to follow the evolution of the relationship between the two protagonists, as well as the changing perception of LGBTQ+ relationships within society.

Conclusion

Heated Rivalry skillfully illustrates the enemies-to-lovers trope, transforming the rivalry between the main characters into deep attraction. Beyond romance, the series tackles major social issues such as social pressure, anxiety, and sexuality.

In addition, it offers an accessible adaptation for those who haven't read the book, while allowing those who already know the story to discover it in a different way. A series not to be missed!