> At a Glance
> – “Heated Rivalry” tops HBO Max, sparking record book sales.
> – No. 1 series on HBO Max as the first-season finale approaches.
> – The show fuels interest in the “Game Changers” book series.
> – Why it matters: It shows the growing influence of queer sports romance on mainstream media and book markets.
Since its Thanksgiving debut, the TV adaptation of Rachel Reid’s 2019 novel “Heated Rivalry” has taken social media by storm. The series, centered on a decade-long secret romance between Canadian Shane Hollander and Russian Ilya Rozanov, has become the No. 1 show on HBO Max as its first season heads into the finale. Fans and critics alike praise its blend of slow-burn romance and explicit scenes, driving a surge in sales for the source material.
A Game-Changing Series
Developed, written, and directed by Jacob Tierney, the show was drawn to the story for its “pure queer joy.” Tierney noted that the pitch felt like a Harlequin romance with a happy ending, emphasizing the focus on two boys in love and plenty of sex.
Jacob Tierney said:
> “Unashamedly, when pitching, it was just like, this is a Harlequin romance. This has a happy ending.”
Jacob Tierney added:
> “This is about two boys in love and a lot of sex.”
Impact on Books and Readers
The series has boosted sales of the six-novel “Game Changers” series, which Harlequin reports has sold 650,000 copies since 2018. Readers praise the authenticity of the hockey setting, with editor Mackenzie Walton saying the sport feels central to the story.
| Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TV series | No. 1 on HBO Max | First-season finale Friday |
| Book series | 650,000 copies sold | Since 2018 |
| Renewal | Second season | Already confirmed |
The show’s success has also highlighted the importance of diverse casting, with lead actors Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams chosen for their chemistry and representation.
Casting and Diversity
Tierney praised the casting, saying the show would live or die on their chemistry. Reid also valued having Shane portrayed by an actor of Asian descent, aligning with the book’s diverse character.
Jacob Tierney said:
> “The show was going to live and die based on this casting.”
Jacob Tierney added:
> “I think once they did their chemistry read together, everybody was like, ‘OK, fine, done.'”
Rachel Reid said:
> “If I built the perfect actors in a lab, I could not have built better people to play these characters.”
Leah Koch wrote:
> “A breakthrough title does sometimes allow other authors more access, but not always.”
Leah Koch added:
> “But hey, maybe they’ll prove me wrong, and would that be nice?”
Laura Dusi-Showers said:
> “I think it’s opening people’s eyes to what could be.”
Rachel Reid said:
> “The series just came from a love of hockey, but also my own conflicted feelings about all the bad things about the culture around the sport, especially the homophobia.”
Rachel Reid said:
> “They’re getting really, really emotional or excited about one little quiet part or one line delivery, and that has nothing to do with the sex on the show.”
Key Takeaways
- “Heated Rivalry” has become HBO Max’s No. 1 show, boosting book sales to 650,000 copies.
- The series showcases the growing impact of queer sports romance on mainstream media.
- Diverse casting and authentic hockey storytelling have driven critical and fan acclaim.
Industry Snapshot
Warner Bros. Discovery announced it will sell its studio and streaming assets to Netflix for $82.7 billion.
