Heated Rivalry: How a TV Show is Changing Perspectives on LGBTQ+ Athletes
January 9, 2026
==========================================================================
Heated Rivalry star Hudson Williams has shared powerful insights into the real-world influence of the hit series, revealing that closeted professional athletes from hockey, football, and basketball have reached out after the show's global success.
The series, which is officially renewed for a second season, is inspired by Rachel Reid’s book of the same name. It follows Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), two professional ice hockey players on rival teams who develop a romantic relationship, exploring themes of love and identity within the sports world.
Critical acclaim and positive viewer response have sparked broader conversations about LGBTQ+ visibility in professional sports — a subject the show tackles head-on. While fictional, the series has clearly struck a chord with fans and industry insiders alike, prompting reflections and discussions about representation and acceptance in elite athletic environments.
Hudson Williams Discusses the Show’s Impact
During his appearance on SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live on January 8, Williams opened up about the profound impact of Heated Rivalry. He explained that the show’s team frequently receives messages from professional athletes who haven’t yet come out publicly.
“It's often anonymous messages from players in hockey, football, and basketball who say, ‘I’m a professional athlete, and I’m still in the closet,’” Williams shared. He added that many reach out to Rachel Reid, the author of the book, who then forwards these heartfelt, private messages.
He emphasized how these messages genuinely affect the cast and production team:
“Sometimes they reach out privately on Instagram. Those are the ones that really hit you — you realize, ‘Wow, this show is celebratory, but it’s also hitting people right in the nerve.’”
Addressing Content and Viewer Reactions
Williams also spoke about the series’ explicit sex scenes, which have sparked some criticism. He acknowledged that the portrayal of intimate scenes involving the gay couple has been labeled “graphic” by some viewers.
He pointed out the double standard in perceptions, noting:
“If this were straight sex scenes, people would say, ‘It’s not [graphic],’ because there are no explicit nudity, no breasts, no genitalia shown. It’s mostly just the butt… If they were straight intimate scenes, it wouldn’t be talked about this way.”
This candid discussion has resonated with audiences and critics, fueling ongoing conversations about representation and nudity standards in television.
Community Reactions and Hopeful Perspectives
The series’ cast and creators have received praise for highlighting important issues through compelling storytelling. On Reddit, viewers expressed their appreciation:
“That article is a fantastic read, and I’m not surprised at all. Jacob Tierney, the showrunner, excels at making stories relatable and impactful.”
Others shared hope for greater acceptance:
“It’s really sad that LGBT pro athletes still feel like they have to stay in the closet, but I’m hopeful Heated Rivalry can help turn that around.”
They pointed out recent actions, like the Seattle Kraken's Pride jerseys and the backlash against such displays, illustrating how much progress and resistance exist simultaneously.
Availability
Heated Rivalry Season 1 is streaming now on HBO Max in the United States. For more entertainment updates, explore upcoming TV shows of 2026, binge-worthy series, and the top shows of 2025.