Heated Rivalry Proves Individuals Yearn For Homosexual Hockey Romance

I’ve already unfold the gospel of Heated Rivalry, the homosexual hockey romance TV sequence bestowed upon us by our yaoi-loving neighbors within the north (Canada). However now, weeks later, many extra worshippers have heard the phrase of our homosexual Lord. 

In keeping with Variety, Heated Rivalry is the most-watched unique sequence ever on Canada’s Bell Media Crave streaming service. In america, it’s the top-rated non-animated sequence HBO Max has acquired since its launch in 2020, and amongst the highest 5 of all scripted debuts on the streaming service this 12 months. 

The breakout TV sequence is spreading like flash frost throughout the nation. There’s an entire TikTok cottage industry devoted to the present (I purchased my sister a shirt by means of it). The homosexual bar I sometimes work at gained’t cease enjoying “All The Things She Said” over the audio system. They’re enjoying scenes on the Jumbotron at hockey games, they’re doing flirty Teen Vogue videos, they’ve received packed WeHo sports bars screaming over the latest episode. 

That episode, titled “I’ll Believe in Anything,” is at the moment rated because the second-best episode of tv ever by IMDB users, topped (teehee) solely by Breaking Unhealthy’s “Ozymandias.” Each episodes have an ideal 10-star rating, however Heated Rivalry‘s up there with simply 31,000 votes in comparison with Breaking Unhealthy‘s 273,000.

Consent king Ilya pic.twitter.com/Id5o8egZJ3

— Empty Netters (@EmptyNettersPod) December 21, 2025

Although each showrunner Jacob Tierney (Letterkenny, Shoresy) and newcomer stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams are shocked by Heated Rivalry turning into one of many 12 months’s largest exhibits, there’s something particularly beautiful about how the world of hockey has welcomed it. There are straight dudes with hockey podcasts watching a gay show with earnestness and excitement—not judgment. 

The NHL, a league notorious for its gamers hurling homophobic slurs and refusing to take part in Pride nights, is embracing the newfound consideration the game has gotten because of Heated Rivalry (hockey has struggled to achieve a constant viewership foothold within the States). “There are so many ways to get hooked on hockey and, in the NHL’s 108-year history, this might be the most unique driver for creating new fans. See you all at the rink,” a league spokesperson advised The Hollywood Reporter. 

In case you have a younger girl or a homosexual man in your loved ones, anticipate to listen to about this present throughout Christmas for those who haven’t already. Particularly as a result of the season finale of Heated Rivalry airs on HBO Max at 12 a.m. ET on December 26.