Full Breakdown
Amber Glenn Proposes a Queer Spin-Off of "Heated Rivalry" for Figure Skating
3/6/2026, 11:53:38 PM
Amber Glenn's Vision for Figure Skating
Amber Glenn, a national champion figure skater and the first openly queer woman to represent Team USA in Olympic singles figure skating, has expressed her desire to create a "Heated Rivalry"-style television series centered on female figure skaters. During her appearance at the GLAAD Media Awards on March 5, 2026, Glenn articulated her enthusiasm for a queer adaptation of the popular hockey drama, stating, “I want yuri ‘Heated Rivalry,’ please! Hire me. I can fall in love with my co-star, please.” The original "Heated Rivalry" series follows the romantic entanglements of two male hockey players, and Glenn envisions a similar narrative featuring female leads.
Background on "Heated Rivalry"
The series "Heated Rivalry" has gained significant popularity since its release, focusing on the secret romance between NHL rivals Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. The show has resonated with various sports figures, including Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka. Glenn's proposal for a spin-off highlights her commitment to pushing the boundaries of representation in sports media, particularly for queer women.
Glenn's Olympic Journey and Rivalry Insights
Glenn recently concluded her participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, where she won a gold medal in the team event. However, her performance in the women's singles short program was less successful, resulting in a 13th place finish due to a jump error. Despite this setback, she qualified for the finals and improved her standing to fifth place overall. Reflecting on her Olympic experience, Glenn noted that her performance issues stemmed from a "literal lack of balance," not pressure.
In discussing potential rivalries in figure skating, Glenn identified retired skater Gracie Gold as a notable figure she would have liked to compete against. She remarked, “Honestly, I feel like it would have been with Gracie Gold... that would have been great.” Glenn's connection with Gold extends beyond competition, as both have engaged in discussions about mental health advocacy and the evolution of women's figure skating.
Official Statements & Responses
Glenn's call for a queer spin-off has garnered attention, especially given her status as a trailblazer in the sport. She has previously stated that coming out as pansexual in 2019 allowed her to feel liberated and authentic in her skating. Her openness about her sexuality has been a source of inspiration for many, and her proposal for a series featuring queer narratives aligns with her advocacy for greater representation in sports.
Criticism & Opposition
While Glenn's proposal has been met with enthusiasm from fans and supporters, there may be skepticism regarding the feasibility of such a series within the current landscape of sports media. Critics could argue that the focus on romantic narratives may detract from the competitive aspects of figure skating.
What's Next
As Glenn prepares for the upcoming Figure Skating World Championships in Prague, her proposal for a "Heated Rivalry" spin-off remains a topic of interest. The second season of the original series is set to begin filming in August 2026, with a potential release date in April 2027. Glenn's aspirations for a queer adaptation could pave the way for more inclusive storytelling in sports entertainment.
