Story perspectives

New HBO Series Explores Queer Love in Hockey Rivalry

11/26/2025

Summary

Story summary

HBO's Heated Rivalry adapts Rachel Reid's novels to center the romance and rivalry between two hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.
Set against a fictional hockey backdrop, the series aims to normalize queer relationships within the genre.
Jacob Tierney, writer-director, says the show explores love through physical intimacy reflecting contemporary relationships.
The series premieres November 30 on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the U.S. and Australia.

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Story summary

HBO's Heated Rivalry adapts Rachel Reid's novels to center the romance and rivalry between two hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.
Set against a fictional hockey backdrop, the series aims to normalize queer relationships within the genre.
Jacob Tierney, writer-director, says the show explores love through physical intimacy reflecting contemporary relationships.
The series premieres November 30 on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the U.S. and Australia.