Cover Photo Credit: Heated Rivalry, Crave.
Heated Rivalry is a hit Crave series that aired November–December 2025, directed by Jacob Tierney and based on the 2019 novel of the same name by Rachel Reid. The story follows two rival professional hockey players who navigate a secret, long-term romantic relationship while competing in the same league.
The series has received exceptionally high ratings. Almost two months after its season finale, it maintains a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The show has seen strong critical recognition, with sources like /Film calling it “one of the best adaptations of a romance novel.”
Many factors make this series worthy of its hype, but its casting stands out immediately. Instead of going for the same-old faces, Casting Director Jenny Lewis took a chance on rising talent, selecting Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie to lead as Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. This willingness to invest in emerging actors ultimately paid off, as both delivered striking performances. Each played their roles with the intensity of someone with everything to prove, expressing rawness and passion through the screen.
Unsurprisingly, the pair became a fan-favorite. Their social media presence and gratitude for their role attracted more viewers and cultivated a sense of closeness with fans. This connection ultimately enhances the viewing experience, extending the show’s appeal beyond the screen.
Equally aesthetic and symbolic, the cinematography also plays a crucial role in the series. The crew carefully construct each scene to communicate the evolution of the characters’ relationship, using both intimate moments and the characters’ personal and professional highs and lows without fear of turning up the heat. Additionally, subtle details in the scenery and makeup quietly mark the passage of time, adding layers of visual storytelling.
Worthwhile mentions include the stylization and facial makeup of both main characters, reflecting their age progression. This along with the expanding range of scenarios, from first experiencing clubbing culture to winning the Stanley Cup, the NHL’s most prestigious prize, further helped viewers visualize their personal and professional growth.
The series’ soundtrack is another unignorable factor when discussing the series’ relevance. Its use triggered a surge in streams for previously released songs, with artists such as t.A.T.u. and Wolf Parade experiencing renewed popularity decades after their original releases, as noted by Rolling Stone.
Each song enhanced the scene rather than serving as mere filler. Two particularly memorable moments demonstrate this perfectly: Scott’s outing scene with “I’ll Believe in Anything” by Wolf Parade, and the club jealousy sequence featuring “All The Things She Said” by t.A.T.u. In both scenes, the soundtrack further immersed the viewer in feelings of hope and amusement, respectively.
Overall, Heated Rivalry is a well-rounded series that lives up to its hype. Beyond being a compelling romance, the show challenges the notion that queer media is inherently niche or exclusively targeted. It is, without question, a must-watch.
