By Abby Knox, Opinions and Editorials Editor

Fans everywhere cannot get enough of the steamy, forbidden queer love story of two rival hockey players in “Heated Rivalry.”

“Heated Rivalry” is a show based on the six-book queer love story series “Game Changer” which follows multiple couples. This six-episode season streaming on HBO Max only includes Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, the main couple of the show, while Scott Hunter and Kip Grady are an influential side plot. 

Hollander and Rozanov are no stranger to each other. In fact, quite the opposite. These two have been seen as rivals since the start of the show, which is set in December 2008. At the time of their meeting, they were two young teens with one thing in mind: hockey. As their encounters become more frequent, Hollander and Rozanov realize that maybe there is something more between them than a constant competition to be the best.

The show has taken over TikTok and even the Golden Globes with actor Hudson Williams, who plays Shane Hollander, and Connor Storrie, who plays Ilya Rozanov, presenting the award for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role – Television.

With all the attention this show has received from viewers, there has been a controversy regarding the amount of sexual content present throughout the show, as well as the explicitness of it, according to Williams. However, it is important to note that this show, as well as the romance between these two love birds, unfolds over the course of 10 years.

Fans of the show, as well as the queer community, are fighting back and arguing that if this show were starring a straight couple with this number of intimate scenes, there would be no issue with the show. However, because this show follows the love stories of two couples who are all men, people have things to say about it.

Any positive representation of the queer community is a win for the LGBTQ+ community. This story is one with many layers because it is based around a closeted couple who both play professional hockey, with Hollander trying to figure out and come to terms with his sexuality. Rozanov, on the other hand, is more secure in his sexuality, but struggles with coming out because he is from Russia, where being gay is illegal. 

Understanding and trying to figure out one’s sexuality is a unique experience that is different for each person. According to an interview with Andy Cohen, Williams revealed this show has allowed for professional athletes from numerous sports including hockey, football and basketball, to reach out to him and author of the “Game Changer” series, Rachel Reid, to share their stories. 

Finally, the season ends with a truly heartwarming and tearjerker final episode where Hollander speaks to his parents, specifically his mom, about being gay. Like most things with being queer, navigating this conversation is no easy task. 

Hollander opens up about his long-time relationship with Rozanov. Thankfully, his mom is very accepting of this.

This show is a step in the right direction for queer media and representation. Thanks to the popularity of the show, it has already been renewed for season two. Similarly, the woman that started it all with her “Game Changer” series, Reid, announced on Jan. 12 that there will in fact be a seventh book called “Unrivaled” focusing on Hollander and Rozanov’s married life. The release date is Sept. 29, 2026.