HBO's new drama 'Heated Rivalry', about two gay ice hockey players, has generated buzz even before its release. The show, based on Rachel Reid's novels, follows Russian player Ilya Rozanov and local champion Shane Hollander as they engage in a secret sexual relationship while competing on the rink.
The series, created by Jacob Tierney, features explicit sex scenes that have drawn attention. However, critics note that the show lacks substantial exploration of masculinity or homoeroticism in sports, focusing instead on the thrill of secret encounters. The actors' physiques and choreographed intimacy have been described as waxy and lacking spontaneity.
Performances are generally wooden, with Connor Storrie's portrayal of Rozanov being a standout. The third episode shifts focus to a teammate, Scott Hunter, and his relationship with a barista, but this subplot is deemed tedious and emotionally remote.
'Heated Rivalry' is part of a wave of gay-themed romances that critics argue exploit gay culture without meaningful understanding, desexing gay men to make them palatable for a young female audience. Despite its raunchy content, the show is seen as lacking the satirical edge of works like Bret Easton Ellis's novels.
