“Heated Rivalry” is a T.V show adaptation by Crave Originals, a Canadian channel, and HBO Max, of the book Heated Rivalry, which is a part of a hexalogy by Rachel Reid that consists of six books. Shane and Ilya, played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, are two closeted hockey players trying to keep their love a secret. Many viewers adore them but some have fallen more in love with the characters of Scott Hunter, played by François Arnaud, and Kip Grady, played by Robb G.K.

So far, the storylines of the book “Heated Rivalry” and partially “Game Changer” have been depicted in the show. Fans are already obsessed over the one season that’s out; it has surpassed 10 million views as of Feb. 2026. It has been announced that Williams and Storrie signed a contract for the second and third season, with season two coming out in 2027.

Shane and Ilya were the main focuses, although the third episode, “Hunter”, was all about Scott and Kip. This gave the show a more emotional feeling because it gave us a different relationship dynamic to look at. It also showed how they acted as catalysts for Ilya and Shane to come out.

Scott is shown as a more emotionally intense character than Shane or Ilya; he fears showing his insecure side to his teammates and the world, but he knows what he wants with Kip almost immediately and isn’t afraid to show it. He’s facing criticism from everyone in the hockey world and MLH (Major Hockey League) because he has been performing poorly and for not having a significant other at his age but he doesn’t let that bring him down. He actually builds up from it after meeting Kip. He begins to strive in hockey and is making his way to winning the MLH playoffs.

Kip is a worker at a smoothie bar where Scott met him, though he has bigger ambitions to find a job where he can put his history degree to use. He still lives at his parents’ house while searching for jobs so he can live on his own. His character is very relatable to viewers because with the world nowadays people are put into the same situation he is in; whether it’s his career issues, relationships or schooling anxieties.

Scott and Kip’s relationship started by Scott becoming a regular at the shop. They share their first moment alone together; they hit it off instantly and it ends with Scott inviting Kip to his game that night.

Every game after, he dominates the ice because knowing Kip is watching makes him more confident. With Scott being truthful to Kip, he may even be too honest at times about not being able to come out to a community that is traditionally homophobic; that really resonates many viewers. For example, after the Equinox gala, Scott tells Kip they may have to wait a few years to fully be together and that crushed Kip.

Scott and Kip are in what is perceived as a situationship, which is a romantic or sexual connection where there are no solid labels or commitments. This is a huge struggle on Kip’s end because he is forced to lie to his family and friends to keep seeing Scott. This trope tends to be relatable to most young adults and teenagers because they are also trying to figure out their feelings and how to navigate it while being in a relationship.

“Hunter” ends with Scott getting ready for the Olympics game. We don’t see Kip and Scott together until the fifth episode, “I’ll Believe in Anything”, where Scott is celebrating his victory of the MHL playoffs, watching his teammates’ families and girlfriends congratulate them. Scott looks at the crowd, spots Kip and is hesitant but finally gets the courage to gesture for him to come down to the ice. When he does, Scott pulls him in for a kiss and comes out to the entire hockey world. The audience was ecstatic when they kissed: they’ve been waiting for two weeks to see where they land.

Shane and Ilya were both watching the game when this happened; they were texting throughout to see what was going on. Once they realized, Ilya decided he was done with the outside world and wanted to only be with Shane.

If Scott hadn’t gotten the courage, Shane and Ilya would’ve never been able to come out and most likely would have never spent the summer together in the cottage.

Many social media posts have shared their own feelings about the third episode. Women on the internet have felt extremely connected to this, specifically because it’s less about the erotic scenes and more about the vulnerability and hardships of being in a closeted relationship.

Junior at Patriot High School, Maddie O’Brien stated, “It wasn’t just a typical hookup story like Shane and Ilya, it showed small intimate moments. I feel like women really value small gestures in their lives, making them feel more connected to the storyline. When Scott kept ordering the same smoothie because of Kip, it reminded me what it was like to have a crush on a guy who likes you back.”

Male-on-male romantic media has had a prominent female audience since before the internet was created. This niche has offered safe communities for many women to share their stories and opinions where they won’t feel shamed for enjoying this genre of media.

O’Brien says, “A show that depicts raw, emotional conflict between two people is the most relatable thing; something that’s immediate just feels fake.”

Heated Rivalry beautifully displayed agonizing love, heartbreak and new beginnings, even with it having an approximately $12 million budget. Many fans and I are eagerly playing the long game, waiting for season two’s arrival.