When Curiosity Strikes

Is Heated Rivalry more than just gay romance?

Heated Rivalry has six episodes of back to back love, lust, and hockey. You either hate it or love it. How did this novel series turn into a worldwide binge? Here’s my opinion…

P.S- I didn’t read the books so this is strictly a review based on only watching the series..

#1: The classic enemies to lovers troupe..

We all know it, and we’ve seen it before in classics like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Pride and Prejudice, this enemies to lovers foundation is predictable and as viewers, we like it. This is why we rewatch series and call them “comfort shows.” Simply because we know what will happen. But with Heated Rivalry, what keeps us intrigued? This is where the producers succeeded.

#2: Men being Vulnerable. As if…

It’s true. This series is entirely about vulnerability as soon as the puck hits the ice. This intrigues particularly the female audience because it is something we almost never see in men. Let alone men with men. Every once in a while you see a lesbian romance but not often do we see a passionate gay romance consume the entire plot of the show. What makes this lovers quarrel so enthralling?

#3: Masculinity and Vulnerability: A dichotomy that often goes unseen..

Gay hockey players? What! And they are rivals??? Bullshit. This is what makes this series standout. It doesn’t demasculinize the characters instead it heightens the importance of two things existing at the same time. Masculinity and Vulnerability. It can be reality however we have never seen this (fact check me but i’m pretty sure we haven’t). When you think about men playing hockey you think masculinity, aggression, and maybe a quick trip to the dentist. This passionate love between Shane and Illya has its obstacles (society duh) yet their love outweighs the possible negative backlash and instead flourishes in the cottage. In reality, this intensity of overcoming societal norms would typically be lectured to us. Which is why we don’t listen… Now it is exciting, something we have longed for through a quick tv series with two hot, fit, hockey players? I don’t know about you but I’m listening.

#4: Lust to Love…

A hot hook up turns into romance. Now ladies, I don’t know about you but more often times than not a guy just wants to get into your pants and mess up your heart. I am 24 and actively dating so this perspective might change with time but let it go for now… A guy who loves you for you? Even in competition? No matter what society says? This is the love we longgggg for. Majority of females ( I don’t want to speak for all of us) want this!!!! The passionate exciting conversations and meet ups and erotic touch? Say less. As a female viewer, this series has everything that a girl wants in a relationship from consistency to acceptance by our parents.

#5: Joy. Empowerment.

Finally, a show that breaks societal norms without the added trauma. Heated Rivalry hits the nail on the head by having each episode focus on excitement and inclusivity. To simply put it, it’s a love story. It doesn’t ignore the potential roadblocks that comes with romance, we still see arguments and tension however, the primary emotion is joy which ultimately leads to passion. Now this is what the viewers leave feeling…. JOY!

Heated Rivalry has a fanbase like no other. One that came quick and had many people doing the free HBO Max trial. The viewers are passionate… just like the characters. The fantasy is erotic and achievable.. just like people long for. So in my opinion, it deserves a watch and soon you’ll be saying…. “I’m coming to the cottage.”