If you’re on the internet, you’ve likely heard of the Canadian television show “Heated Rivalry.” If you haven’t, you might be living under a rock and you should probably fix that.
You may be asking yourself, “Why is this show so popular?” Well, let me tell you what I thought about the show. I’ll try to contain spoilers, but no promises.
Honestly, when the show first started being talked about, I wasn’t sold on watching it. I was worried it was going to be along the lines of some Wattpad or Archive of Our Own story turned show (I’m looking at you, “After”).
This hesitancy led me to start the show after seeing some spoilers for the first couple of episodes during that initial first week; however, I could not ignore the strong online presence and strong marketing.
From a marketing perspective, they killed it– their actors were everywhere, edits were taking over my social media, everyone was talking about it. Like a moth to a flame, I was captivated and shortly after, I was waiting for that Friday episode drop like the rest of the gay internet.
Chemistry and Rivalry
Growing up on Wattpad and AO3, as mentioned, I was worried it was going to fall under that stereotypical DL jocks enemies-to-lovers trope we all were trapped with for years. I can’t lie, it did have that quality but also, who isn’t a sucker for enemies to lovers?
The show really thrived in the rivalry department. From their bickering, trash talk and on and off ice confrontations, the rivalry between Shane Hollander and Ilya Rosanov was tense. Though for each moment of bickering and confrontation, there was this background tension that wasn’t hate but felt more like intrigue.
It was so clear that Ilya had this flirtatious intent behind many of his comments and actions. From Episode 1, you could tell he had this mischievous attitude, as if he were taunting Shane.
Shane was constantly confused and flustered by Ilya, whom you had to love, but it added so much to their chemistry. The cocky, outgoing asshole Russian player versus the quiet, introverted Asian-Canadian was meant to be portrayed as such a different dynamic.
Over the course of the season, we learn so much more about the characters, which really shows us why they were so much more than rivals. Ilya clearly trusted Shane more than anyone else, despite them being pinned against each other from the very beginning.
They Grow!
That trust added so much to their chemistry despite their rivalry added a layer of depth and character development for both of them.
Ilya clearly has some ghosts and issues (family, queer and Russian, closed off, the list goes on) but over time, his relationship with Shane leads him to being vulnerable.
The monologue over the phone, where Ilya is speaking in Russian and just getting the words out despite Shane not understanding a word, was such a HUGE moment. I may have had a few stray tears fall down my face as I watched at home with my best friend over winter break (shoutout Oona).
Moments like that, where we see the tough-it-out and keep-to-himself characters finally break down and allow someone to be there for them is huge and not always something you see in queer media, especially involving men.
Shane also had some character growth. His quietness and being so reserved made him seem a bit standoffish with others, but being around Ilya gave him confidence and allowed him to become freer.
Seeing their walls come down during phone calls, private moments where they could freely admit their fears and feelings, their worry for each other beyond seeing another player hurt was beautiful to watch unfold.
Ohmygod the Slow Burn
I hate to make this comparison again, but the slow-burning aspect really reminded me of all the queer media I consumed as a middle schooler. However, I think it worked.
It felt more intentional. So many moments where a confession could’ve moved the story along, but for two queer professional hockey players, the slow burn made sense.
For athletes, coming out, admitting feelings, all that jazz, can be really hard on a relationship. Causing moments of stress, arguments that circle issues surrounding these topics gave it a sense of realness that made the characters’ relationship feel like something you would see happen with people of their level.
Let’s not forget about the fact that Ilya is Russian, goes home during the off-season, and has a very orthodox Russian family. Being queer was not just looked down upon, but coming out would jeopardize everything back home, so moving slowly felt intentional.
It didn’t feel like a way to extend the show, rather it focused on the importance of feelings, body language and emotional connection. Relationships develop over time, it didn’t feel rushed (ok well, each episode was multiple months, if not years). They didn’t jump into saying “I love you” which I really enjoyed.
The timeline was a bit of a bother for me. The season takes place over many years, I believe it’s around ten years from the time they meet to the end of the finale. This was, at times, confusing but they did the best they could with 6 episodes. I wish they had maybe ten so that each episode was a year, but we are getting a season 2, so who am I to complain?
Finally, the one phone call near the end during that one scene with Scott Hunter between Shane and Ilya really showed them a world where they could be with each other and that clearly gave them so much hope. That alone made the slow burn worth it.
The Lasting Impact
“Heated Rivalry” really is everything I hoped it would be despite my worries. It succeeds because it embraces the messiness and time it takes to form a connection, rather than solving difficult issues with sex (ok maybe in the beginning but things change I promise).
I wish the show contained a bit more hockey but it did show how much competition can impact a relationship, platonic or romantic. It’s messy, it’s emotional, but it’s got humor and intensity, making it a well rounded show.
It brought in all those aspects along with real world issues into one beautifully done show. Major milestones left relationship complications unresolved but in ways that feel honest and natural rather than unsatisfying.
Did some moments feel unrealistic? Yeah, of course. But it’s television and not real life so who cares?
So to answer what you might have asked earlier, “Heated Rivalry” is so popular because despite its limitations (budget, only having 6 episodes) and the slowburn, it really was all that you would want from a queer sports romance.
I loved the show and honestly, I can’t shut up about it. Every show has its flaws but “Heated Rivalry” soared past my expectations despite them.
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