What to expect from gay hockey romance Heated Rivalry as creator promises three sex scenes per episode
"I’m so happy to be able to give them something they never expected," says creator Jacob Tierney
By Aaron Sugg
Heated Rivalry creator Jacob Tierney has revealed that his upcoming Canadian gay hockey romance series is “gayer” than Normal People, following a steamy secret romance between two athletes.
Based on Rachel Reid’s novel, the series follows hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, as they go from sporting rivals to off-pitch lovers.
Tierney spoke to Teen Vogue about the upcoming series, revealing that each episode averages about three sex scenes, capturing the explicit intimacy of Reid’s writing.
“Gayer than all of them” – Heated Rivalry creator Jacob Tierney on the upcoming queer romance hockey series
Comparing it to queer cult classics like Normal People, Friday Night Lights, and The Hunting Wives, Tierney said Heated Rivalry is “gayer than all of them”.
Highlighting themes of internalised homophobia, Tierney noted that once the book was adapted for screen, gay men would definitely watch it.
Shane struggles with his sexuality and parental expectations, while Ilya is sexually confident but must hide his identity from a conservative family.
“Being perfect and being gay, for some reason, those two things don’t fit” – Tierney outlining themes of internalised homophobia
“I think [Shane’s sexuality] doesn’t fit his idea of perfection. For Shane, being perfect and being gay, for some reason, those two things don’t fit. So the first time he falls in love is with Ilya, there are so many things to reconcile that drive him insane,” Tierney explained.
The story spans over an eight year romance, where the two discover themselves through their shared sexual encounters, “the intimate scenes didn’t feel gratuitous,” said the series’ creator.
“This is how they communicate: they meet up three times a year and have sex until they hit a point where they’re like, ‘Oh God, we keep doing this. We must have feelings for each other.’”
“I’m so happy to be able to give them something they never expected” – Tierney battling expectations of the gay “smut” viewers might expect
Tierney added that the series isn’t just about the horny gay sex viewers might expect. “I’m waiting for my gay hockey smut to end up on TV,” he joked, clarifying, “It’s not that. I’m so happy to be able to give them something they never expected.”
The creator emphasised the stereotypical tragedies behind queer characters adding that the series offers positive LGBTQ+ representation, “There’s no shame.”
Heated Rivalry premieres on 28 November 2025, available to stream on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the US, with a UK broadcaster yet to be announced.