The HBO Max series "Heated Rivalry," adapted from Rachel Reid's romance novels, has gained significant popularity for its portrayal of queer, closeted professional ice hockey players navigating love and its associated challenges. While the series features explicit sexual content, its appeal extends beyond mere titillation, according to Emma Glassman-Hughes, a writer, reporter, and editor at Popsugar.

Glassman-Hughes suggests that the show's success stems from its ability to tap into a universal human experience: yearning. This yearning, she argues, resonates with viewers on a deeper level, transcending the specific context of the narrative. The series, set in Canada, premiered on HBO Max after the premiere at TIFF Lightbox on November 24, 2025.

Jonquilyn Hill, host of the podcast "Explain It to Me," notes that the series has permeated various online spaces, including group chats and social media algorithms. Hill, who joined Vox in 2022 and previously hosted "The Weeds," emphasizes that the show's core is ultimately a sweet and relatable story, despite the focus on sexual content. The series follows the characters Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie as they navigate their relationship.