It is undeniable that society loves sex — and that’s especially true in the entertainment industry. From sultry songs to spicy film scenes, sex is everywhere. The latest show with lots of sex scenes? Heated Rivalry. The Canadian TV series about two rival hockey players is filled with steamy sex scenes.
Based on Rachel Reid’s smutty Game Changers book series, Heated Rivalry has enraptured the attention of mass audiences. The sex scenes are a big part of that, but there’s also a telling story underneath it all that has viewers obsessed. It’s not just the look of Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie)’s butt or Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams)’s soft-but-strong muscles that have fans eagerly awaiting Season 2 — it’s the depth of the characters’ relationship (that is uniquely propelled by their sex scenes) that makes the show so special.Â
Each of the six episodes — which all have multiple sex scenes — displays a progression of their relationship as we watch them evolve from lovers to lovers (as noted by both Ilya and Mrs. Hollander in the final episode). Sex in Heated Rivalry is much more than just sex, it is a quintessential part of the plot. None of the scenes even show full-frontal nudity, but they didn’t need to. They are fervent with emotion and intimacy, and effectively push the story along. Now, while we wait patiently for Season 2, it’s only right that we rank the sex scenes from Heated Rivalry Season 1.
- Episode 4: Ilya’s House
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After a lunch of tuna melts and ginger ale, a cataclysmic shift occurs and for the first time, Ilya uses Shane’s first name. It all starts with turning the hookup invitation into a sleepover, followed by stocking Shane’s favorite beverage, and finally, nose-to-nose on the couch, calling Shane by his name. Instantly, Shane senses feelings and scurries off to a fake team meeting. He scurries so far, he even attempts to try again with women, temporarily dating movie star Rose Landry. But don’t worry, he’ll be back.
- Episode 2: Ilya’s Hotel Room
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Make-up sex is a real thing, and Ilya and Shane have only solidified it. Anger heightens passion, and the men’s passion after the Major League Hockey awards is palpable through the screen. Ilya, as a unique reward for receiving the Hart Memorial Trophy, requests a private viewing of Shane touching himself. Lounging lackadaisically, sipping a cup of vodka, Ilya does not pounce until Hollander confesses that he needs him.
- Episode 1: Rookies
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A mere 17 minutes into the series, viewers are already graced with the first sex scene. Ilya is dominant and commanding, and Shane is relieved to relinquish control. The dialogue is direct and communicative, but not basic or obvious. We get to know their respective quirks immediately: Ilya’s fearless bluntness and Shane’s unrelenting desire for neatness, especially folding his clothes before sex. For Shane, being a rookie goes beyond just hockey — he’s also a rookie at being with men, and Ilya knows that. He moves slowly and tenderly, ensuring Shane’s comfort every step of the way. He finishes by validating him, complimenting Shane on his skill for his first time around.
- Episode 4: Opening Montage
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Short but sweet, the montage to the newly-viral song “My Moon My Man” by Feist encapsulates two years of the players’ lives both on and off season, interspersed with spicy sex scenes. The transition from the hockey arena to the bedroom is almost as seamless as the progression of their relationship. And of course, who doesn’t love a steamy shower scene?
- Episode 4: Shower Scene
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The montage is not the show’s only steamy shower scene. After a long and intense display of jealousy at the club, both men go home to get action that does not fulfill them — Ilya from himself in the shower and Shane from his girlfriend, Rose. Shane is clearly uninterested in women, and Ilya hates seeing him with them. The incredible edit — cutting clips of both men looking up directly at the camera to illustrate their mutual longing right before the episode ends — sets up the relationship to progress to something more in the following episode.
- Episode 3: Kip & Scott
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After two fierce episodes developing Ilya and Shane’s story, the series abruptly shifts to develop the new love story of Kip and Scott Hunter. It feels unnecessary watching these two random characters have a similar illicit romance sprinkled with fiery sex scenes, but they also help push the plot. Kip, a smoothie barista, makes Hunter his specialty smoothie in his home after their first night together. Hunter is smitten from the gesture, and immediately begins another passionate round of sex with Kip in the kitchen. Even though viewers have no idea (at the time) how important their relationship will become to the main story, they’re still graced with a powerful sex scene.