Rachel Reid (novels) & Jacob Tierney (creator)

CAST

Hudson Williams
Connor Storrie
François Arnaud
Christina Chang
Dylan Walsh

Review

From the very first click of that lighter, I felt this show understood the assignment. Starting with the cigarette scene was perfect. It’s the kind of opening that lets me know to relax and enjoy, that they’ve got this. I’m in good hands. And honestly, from that moment on, Heated Rivalry didn’t just meet expectations, it skated right past them and gave me an Ilya wink while doing it.

One thing the premiere nails is how it tweaks Shane just enough to make him more assertive and more openly curious. His attraction to Ilya feels both natural and not a total surprise to Shane, and their chemistry hits instantly. The temperature jumps ten degrees when these two walk on screen. Again, their chemistry is off the charts, and the heat is something to see, so I’m obsessed with the Show.

I love finding out that Ilya asked for Shane specifically for the commercial shoot that started it all. Ilya was always the more forward one of the two. The show illustrates that very well. The entire gym sequence was so sensual, it was another indication that they were really doing this adaptation justice. The show commits fully, and unapologetically to the heat. And I bless them for it.

Connor and Hudson ARE Ilya and Shane, I had…some apprehensions, but my god… these two are perfection. Their body language, and bodies, their micro-expressions, and the way they orbit each other even when they’re pretending not to, is the kind of chemistry that feels choreographed and reckless at the same time. It’s like watching art and chaos make out.

This show has premium-level sensuality. The lighting and the camera angles all feels intentional and intimate. Every scene has this soft, almost poetic glow that makes even the quiet moments feel charged. It’s not just hot; it’s beautiful. Gorgeous, even when it’s horny. Especially when it’s horny.

Speaking of that, let’s take a moment to appreciate how carefully the show handles intimacy. Their first time together? Absolutely stunning. Roz was checking in every step of the way, making sure Shane was okay. It really worked for me; it felt natural while showing viewers how it can be done. They showed a kind of intimacy that hits harder than any sex scene. Tender, respectful, and hot.

I appreciate a lot of the choices they’ve made on this show, like turning one of the book’s moments into an unsent text? Is such a small choice but so emotionally honest. The kind of thing that instantly transports you back to being young and terrified of wanting someone you’re not supposed to want.

The kisses, on the nose kiss, lips, Forehead are details that did not stand out to me in the book, but here it does, and I love that.

I don’t remember the time jumps being so jarring in the book, but at least the emotional throughline is intact. And honestly, the chemistry is so blistering that you barely remember to care.

Overall, this premiere is EXACTLY what an adapted queer sports drama should be.

Sexy. Emotional. Tender. Competitive. Brutal. Beautiful.

Heated Rivalry is absolutely delivering on its promise with a talented cast, electric tension, jaw-dropping intimacy, and a story with real emotional teeth.

Weekly viewing feels delicious, but I can already tell this is going to be a god-tier binge once the season wraps.

This might genuinely be the best thing the gay/bi community gets this year, and I’m not exaggerating.

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