Long before the release of HBO television series Heated Rivalry was released, queer stories in the mainstream media were far and few. Even in the 21st century, the depiction of realistic LGBTQ+ relationships in television, fiction writing, and movies is scarce in comparison to the abundance of heteronormative storylines that top the charts. Further, many recent depictions of queer love have been sidelined within television shows, which confirms the idea that gay or lesbian characters, despite being included, don’t attract the same large audiences, that their storylines are simply not as “important” as those of straight characters.
However, adapted from Rachel Reid’s novel of the same title, Heated Rivalry is proof that queer stories are no longer topics of special interest. In fact, they are being obsessed over. Not only has the show captured the attention of the mainstream media, but it has also opened up discussion about the impact of identifying as gay in hyper-masculine spaces (i.e. the hockey arena). Further, the show exists as a realistic portrayal of adult queer relationships, something that many television series miss the mark on.
Infiltrating the Mainstream Media
Part of the reason Heated Rivalry has had such an impact on queer representation is because of the way that mainstream audiences are interacting with it. From fan edits and reddit threads to stars like Hudson Williams (who plays Shane Hollander in the series) appearing on late night television, engagement with the material and the show’s cast is keeping its themes visible, even after the series finale aired. Although the show may have initially attracted LGBTQ+ audiences, its ability to stay relevant has allowed it to reach audiences that may not usually seek out these kinds of stories. Further, the show’s intense, emotional plotline connects viewers with the characters, driving further discussion about the stigma that gay couples face in real world situations. So long as viewers feel emotionally connected to the characters and their stories, the more these discussions will take place, opening up a space for queer voices that wasn’t there before.
Queer Love on the Ice
The setting of Heated Rivalry proves to be a powerful choice. In public, professional hockey players Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) are driven, hyper-masculine and aggressive. Behind closed doors, though, the two struggle with the vulnerability of queer love in a sport that openly rejects the LGBTQ+ community. The contrast between Hollander and Rozanov’s brute rivalry on the ice and tender romance in private is a contradiction that refuses the idea that queerness and masculinity are incompatible. Rather than portraying queerness as a weakness, the show frames it as an integral part of both Hollander and Rozanov’s characters, a quality that, yes, makes them vulnerable, but also makes them brave. By reframing emotional openness as a strength, the show aligns with broader cultural conversations about mental health and the social stigmas faced by queer men. All in all, the portrayal of complex queer identities reminds viewers that these complexities are what make us human– they are not weaknesses nor unique to television.
Realistic Representation of Adult Relationships
Finally, a key aspect of Heated Rivalry that makes it so compelling is its ability to turn the spotlight on adult queer relationships without reducing them to tragic coming-out narratives. These characters have lives outside of their sexuality, and although their queerness is an integral part of their development, it does not encompass their entire being. Often, queer stories are entirely centered around topics of infidelity and pain, and though those stories are important, queer audiences deserve depictions of deep and meaningful representation that hit the same beats as any mainstream romantic drama does. On another note, the show does not water down Hollander and Rozanov’s relationship to make it more palatable to the average viewer. Too often does the media avoid depictions of sexual intercourse between two men, as if such a thing does not occur in gay relationships. By contrast, Heated Rivalry offers an authentic depiction of modern-day intimacy that has captivated both queer and straight audiences alike.
Pop culture is constantly evolving to include a more diverse array of niche topics that, in real life, aren’t so niche after all. In fact, many real-world athletes have opened up about their sexualities since the release of Heated Rivalry this past year, highlighting the impact that media representation can have beyond the television screen. When we give queer stories the same emotional weight and social visibility as heteronormative ones, they not only have the power to entertain a wide array of audiences but also normalize real life experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and invite conversations about stigma and acceptance. Shows like Heated Rivalry remind us that representation is not about simply checking a box, but about showcasing stories that reflect the true queer experience.