HBO Max aired the final episode of Crave’s “Heated Rivalry” on Christmas Day, and since then its momentum has only grown – and not without good reason.
The Canadian series, which follows the love story between two queer professional hockey players, had an unexpected rise to fame. When it began airing in November of last year, it acquired only about 30 million streaming minutes. By the season finale, however, it had jumped to over 324 million minutes, according to the TV and film database Luminate.
The series’ attention may be surprising, but it is far from undeserved. It was produced on less than a $3.6 million budget per episode in just over a month and stars mostly unknown actors, making its success even more impressive.
The show expertly handles heavy themes surrounding the pressures of the public eye and how it relates to a personal struggle with identity. Both Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams, and Ilya Rozanov, played by Connor Storrie, portray complex yet deftly represented hardships.
In the case of Shane, his grappling with his sexuality and how it relates to his public image as a professional hockey player is one underexplored in mainstream media. As for Ilya, his relationship with his family in Russia leaves him torn between staying loyal to his home and living his life honestly.
The series also provides a welcome balance between playful physical intimacy and powerful emotional intimacy. The unconventional vulnerability depicted in the show’s leads – who are both presented as strong, athletic men – challenges the toxic masculinity so normalised within hockey and sports in general. In doing this, the show provides an authentic and real representation that has empowered many viewers.
It is the quiet moments between Shane and Ilya that the show’s brightest strengths shine through, as there is an incredible chemistry between the two actors that is palpable both on screen and off. Beyond the physical moments, the characters keep audiences hooked through their genuine ability to connect emotionally with each other. The dually spirited and serious dynamic of Williams and Storrie translates well onscreen, creating an engaging dynamic that is both fun and empowering to watch.
The success of the show has also been incredibly important for the queer community. This story, focused on joy rather than tragedy, is conveying exactly the kind of uplifting message that all queer representation should be sending. To have it be so widely accepted and cherished by the mainstream media only makes it more impactful.
Thanks to the show’s ability to depict a realistic yet encouraging story in a compelling way has allowed viewership to expand beyond typical queer audiences, entering the radar of everyone from straight men in their 20s to grandmothers. It is an important message to share, especially in an era in which so little queer representation of high quality closes on a happy ending.
In a world that is plagued by toxic locker-room culture and a fear to commit to telling queer stories, “Heated Rivalry” overcomes both flawlessly. It has managed to create something joyful and loving out of the sometimes oppressively masculine atmosphere that is the sport of hockey. It handles these stories with care and respect, offering viewers an empowering experience and demonstrating to the world exactly why representation really does matter.