François Arnaud defended the sports romance's sex scenes after "I Love LA" star Jordan Firstman accused them of being unrealistic.

Based on the novels by Rachel Reid, “Heated Rivalry” follows “two rival hockey stars [Williams stars as Shane Hollander and Storrie stars as Ilya Rozanov] at the top of their game face an unexpected challenge when they develop feelings for each other, complicating their careers and the sport’s expectations,” per an IMDb synopsis.

Series creator Jacob Tierney clarifies this is not a Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce reference.

Actors Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams discuss their popular Crave series that is now streaming on HBO Max, including their creative priorities in telling this story.

Although Heated Rivalry has quickly become an international hit with a Season 2 renewal, not everyone is a fan of the steamy gay hockey romance. Following Jordan Firstman‘s criticism of the Crave/HBO Max show’s sex scenes,

There's some tension between the HBO Original series I Love LA and the HBO Max-acquired series Heated Rivalry.

Heated Rivalry Season 1 Episode 5, titled I’ll Believe in Anything , is scheduled to premiere on Friday, December 19, 2025 exclusively on HBO Max. Each new installment becomes available at 12 a.m. PT / 3 a.m. ET on its Friday premiere date.

Note: This story contains spoilers from "Heated Rivalry" Episode 4. Is TheWrap watching "Heated Rivalry"? Absolutely. The gay hockey romance drama from Crave and HBO Max just aired its fourth episode,

The LGBTQ hockey drama 'Heated Rivalry' has presented many physical demands for the show's stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams—on and off the ice.

In the emotionally charged hockey drama ‘Heated Rivalry,’ Svetlana is played by actress Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova. Learn more about her role and career.

The fourth episode of Heated Rivalry includes a needle-drop that evokes queer longing and desire like none other, and viewers are still reeling from it.