After making waves in 2025, Heated Rivalry is turning up the heat. The upcoming second season of the book-to-screen adaptation is coming in hot, and production has officially started. While the series won’t return on the 2026 TV schedule, the excitement is definitely building. So, unsurprisingly, when the show announced that it had begun filming, the comments section was full of unhinged reactions.

Season 2 of Heated Rivalry was announced late last year as Season 1 was airing, and fans were getting antsy for updates about The Long Game. They can now breathe easy, though, because it's Instagram offical that filming has begun. Take a look:

Plenty of people shared their thoughts about this exciting announcement in the comments, and it’s not just the fans who are enthusiastic. Series creator Jacob Tierney and Edvin Ryding, one of the newest cast members of Heated Rivalry, took to the comments section to express their excitement for the new season:

• Jacob Tierney: Wheeeeeeeeeeee
• Edvin Ryding: LETSGOOOOO

A handful of companies were also getting in on the fun, and I am right there with them:

• Panera Bread: this is about to become my entire personality (again)
• Ottawa Tourism: Ok it’s happening it’s happening!!!
• Cameo: plz take good care of me
• Explore Canada: Our bodies are ready.

While I get why Ottawa Tourism and Explore Canada commented on this update (seeing as the show takes place there), and I've been told Cameo's comment will make more sense when Season 2 comes out, the Panera comment threw me in the best way. There is just something about a brand account in the comments of a post that has nothing to do with it that makes it even more hilarious, because it shows that whoever is running the social media of said company is just one of us.

Of course, many fans were as pumped as ever, too, and there was quite a lot of Caps Lock being used to prove that:

• perksofabby: I AM ABOUT TO BECOME AN EVEN MORE ANNOYING VERSION OF MYSELF LOOKOUT WORLD
• andrewsgrotto: Am I supposed to care? 🙄… (PRETENDING I DONT CARE SO IT COMES FASTER 😍)
• julietfoxreads: IS THAT TROY IN HARRIS’ OFFICE?! SHOW US THE CAKE POP 😱😱😱😱
• nicholascaldone: suddenly, life has meaning again.
• bexlewis: HBO is scared and asking me to please watch something else because it's not yet 2027 but I'm simply too seated!

I, for one, am super stoked for Season 2 of the hit hockey romance. As someone who has never read the books, I have no idea what to expect, aside from challenges for Ilya and Shane's relationship, and that just makes me even more hyped. More info is slowly being released about the new season, including new cast members such as Ryding, who is portraying Ilya’s teammate, Luca Haas. Even though it won’t be premiering until sometime in 2027, the wait will certainly be worth it. And the fact that they're now filming has me more pumped than I already was.

The other great thing about Season 2 of Heated Rivalry starting production is that we could be getting some BTS content in the near future. It may not be a lot because obviously we don't want spoilers, but this post gives me hope that we could get to photos of Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie and co. working soon.

If anything, the post confirming production has started should be enough for the time being. And you best believe I'll be ready for more updates and unhinged reactions to them when the time comes. For now, the first season of Heated Rivalry is streaming for those with an HBO Max subscription. Season 2 will be coming in 2027.

As one of the many people who became obsessed with Heated Rivalry last year, you best believe I’ve been impatiently awaiting the second season of this book-to-screen adaptation. Many other fans have as well, and the intense popularity of this show has been a lot to take in. Now, as the cast and crew get back to work on Season 2, they are urging fans to remain calm and give them the space they need to film this next chapter of Shane and Ilya’s story.

Unlike when they filmed Season 1, Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, who play Ilya and Shane, respectively, are household names and viral heartthrobs. These actors and this show are so big that even the NHL’s commissioner has commented on it all, and now, all eyes will be on them and this production. However, as filming begins in Toronto, creator Jacob Tierney and the show’s team are urging fans to give them “space.” Here’s the full statement that was posted on Instagram:

It’s no secret that Heated Rivalry fans are intense. In fact, earlier this year, Hudson Williams called out fans’ “hateful love” on social media. He also confronted autograph seekers in Paris this summer, calling them out for following him and then trying to light the headshots they were holding on fire (via E! News).

Most recently, Williams and Storrie were spotted on the streets of Toronto, with images posted by Deux Moi of them walking around going viral on social media.

The fact of the matter is, while many fans are respectful and polite, when a show like this gets as big as it is, toxic fandom and extreme attention are hard to avoid. So, Heated Rivalry is taking precautions as it enters production, in the hopes that they can glide through this next chapter without any major incidents or leaks.

Speaking of this next chapter, Season 2 of Heated Rivalry will follow the events of Rachel Reid’s book, The Long Game. Tierney has said he’ll stay faithful to that story, and considering Season 1 is incredibly close to its source material, I don’t doubt him for a second. That means we should get to meet some new characters (and couples) as Shane and Ilya work through the next step in their relationship. And trust me, you won’t want to miss it.

However, while we’ll all be paying close attention when the show comes out (hopefully in 2027), for now, maybe steer clear of it. Keep The Long Game in mind, and let them cook in Canada. That way, when it's time, we'll all get to enjoy another magical season of this show so many of us fell in love with last year. In the meantime, you can rewatch Season 1 of Heated Rivalry with an HBO Max subscription.

In the last few years there has been a ton of conversation about the power of representation in Hollywood. That include Asian representation, and there have been some major steps forward thanks to a number of acclaimed projects like Crazy Rich Asians, Everything Everywhere all at Once, and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (the latter of which is streaming with a Disney+ subscription). But Simu Liu recently called out the "hate campaign" that can often come when an Asian actor ends up finding fame. Let's break it all down.

Liu has been open about how Shang-Chi was a big deal for representation, and his career has been thriving ever since. But the 37-year-old actor recently took to Threads to speak about a trend involving actors of color getting hate after their big break. In his words:

After referencing lies and that came his way after booking the title role of Shang-Chi, Simu Liu got honest about a pattern he's feels he sees over and over again with actors of color in Hollywood. He's not the only actor to speak out about how the internet can indeed be "insane," and it sounds like he's seeing the source of his trauma repeated for other actors.

While he didn't name names in his Threads post, many fans think that Liu is referencing the recent controversy surrounding Heated Rivalry star Hudson Williams. The show was wildly popular for those with a HBO Max subscription, and catapulted Williams and Connor Storrie into megafame.

Recently though, he's been the subject of backlash thanks to a photo from his teen years that resurfaced showing him with a swastika drawn by someone on his head. This was apparently during an event in High School where other students drew on him. Sources maintain he "deeply regrets" the event, as well as the photos finding their way online.

Of course, we've seen the Internet come at a number of Asian actors. For instance, Star Wars actress Kelly Marie Tran faced intense racist backlash after debuting in The Last Jedi, resulting in her leaving social media and going into therapy simply for being cast. That's not counting other actors of color who have faced similar hate online after achieving career success.

Simu Liu will (finally given that sequel talk) reprise his role as Shang-Chi in Avengers: Doomsday, which hits theaters on December 18th as part of the 2026 movie release list. As for Hudson Williams, we'll have to see if his career is negatively affected by this new controversy.

When we, as TV and movie lovers, buy into a fictional portrayal of the real world, it means a lot when we can identify in some way with the characters we’re seeing on screen. That means representing people of all ages, backgrounds, body types, races, disabilities, personalities, etc. As awareness has increased about Autism Spectrum Disorder, I love that we’ve also seen it more prevalently portrayed on our screens.

In addition to reality shows like Love on the Spectrum that challenge stereotypes that autistic people may face, there are several movies and series that include characters who have autism. Because the spectrum is so broad, no singular portrayal can be accurate of the entire community, and that’s why it’s so important that so many of these characters exist. Below I’ve listed 8 characters from TV shows and movies who are on the autism spectrum.

Christian Wolff (The Accountant)

Both The Accountant (2016) and The Accountant 2 (2025) star Ben Affleck as Christian Wolff, an accountant with savant-level math skills who is also a lethal assassin. The movies show how his autism helps him to quickly and easily “assist” criminals with their finances, but also how he struggles with social interactions. The sequel digs into his upbringing and relationship with his brother, and there are some fun scenes where Christian tries line dancing and even speed-dating.

Shane Hollander (Heated Rivalry)

Heated Rivalry was a spicy smash hit for HBO Max when it came out in 2025, with Hudson Williams portraying Shane Hollander, a hockey player who engages in a relationship with rival Ilya Rozanov. While autism is never mentioned in the first season of the book-to-screen adaptation, author Rachel Reid has confirmed Shane is on the spectrum.

Hudson Williams told THR his father has autism, and he drew inspiration from him on how to play Shane. I think it’s a great portrayal because it doesn’t lean on extreme stereotypes, it’s not made to be Shane’s defining character trait, and still, fans are able to recognize and identify with his neurodivergence. Be sure to check out this authentic performance, but be warned — Heated Rivalry is one of HBO Max’s most sexually explicit shows.

Temple Grandin (Temple Grandin)

This biographical drama, Temple Grandin from 2010, stars Claire Danes as the titular character, who fought speech and sensory issues and grew up to make revolutionary changes to the cattle ranching industry. The TV movie is based on Temple Grandin’s memoirs and seeks to give people a broader understanding of Grandin and autism. It won several Primetime Emmy Awards — including Outstanding Lead Actress for Danes, who also won the Golden Globe for the role.

Sam Gardner (Atypical)

Another example of autistic characters on TV is Atypical’s Sam Gardner (Keir Gilchrist). The Netflix series is centered around an 18-year-old trying to navigate life as a teenager, including social situations like dating, but it also looks at his family. Through four seasons, it shows — sometimes casually and sometimes in heightened situations — how Sam’s autism affects everyone in the family and how they make accommodations to try to make things easier for him. Atypical is one we think everyone should check out.

Max Braverman (Parenthood)

Max Burkholder portrays Max Braverman, whose autism becomes a main storyline in Parenthood right from the start of what would go on to be six emotional seasons. This series gives us a good look inside the minds of Max’s parents, particularly as they learn to establish routines, navigate behavioral issues, and find Max the help he needs at school. As Max grows up, we also see how his feelings about autism change over time.

Parenthood also features another possible autistic character in Ray Romano’s Hank Rizzoli. Hank discovers that he might be on the spectrum after reading a book about autism to try to better understand Max. He finds that he relates to a lot of what is being described in the book, and autism would explain a lot of what he’s been through in his life. His character seemingly represents the people who don’t realize they’re on the spectrum until adulthood; however, Hank was never formally diagnosed at neurodiverse.

Wendy Welcott (Please Stand By)

Dakota Fanning has been praised for her performance in 2018’s Please Stand By as Wendy Welcott, an autistic woman living in a group home, where she spends her days working on a Star Trek script. After missing the mail-in deadline to submit her script for a screenwriting contest, she flees home to deliver it in person — thus proving she’s more independent than her sister thinks. Her journey is sometimes harrowing, but Fanning portrays Wendy as confident, competent, creative and complex, and it’s beautiful to see her fight for something she cares deeply about.

Shaun Murphy (The Good Doctor)

Despite displaying some stereotypical characteristics of autism — including savant syndrome — Freddie Highmore’s role as Dr. Shaun Murphy on The Good Doctor is generally considered a positive representation. While Shaun struggles with eye contact, can interpret things super literally, and exhibits sensory sensitivity, many fans of the medical drama enjoy seeing him respected in his profession as he navigates workplace dynamics and relationships.

Woo Young-woo (Extraordinary Attorney Woo)

Extraordinary Attorney Woo is a fascinating look at one way autism is portrayed in South Korean entertainment. The series (available to stream with a Netflix subscription) stars Park Eun-bin as autistic rookie attorney Woo Young-woo. It’s impossible not to be charmed by the attorney and her special interest in whales, as she navigates plenty of bias regarding her autism, as well as professional rivalries and budding romance.

These are only a handful of characters on the autism spectrum that can be found on TV and in movies. Many children’s shows have come to feature autistic characters, including Sesame Street and Carl the Collector. There are also many characters who seem to display characteristics of neurodiversity but whose diagnoses have not been confirmed, including The Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon Cooper, Community’s Abed Nadir, Criminal Minds’ Spencer Reid and more.

It’s great to see so many facets of autism represented in entertainment. Hopefully, it will only continue to broaden people’s understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity.

Even though the 2026 TV schedule is chugging right along, one of 2025’s biggest surprise hits, Heated Rivalry, is still a major point of conversation. The hockey romance was renewed for Season 2 while Season 1 was airing, and now the wait is on to see what happens to Shane and Ilya next. The project’s creator, Jacob Tierney, gave us a tease about what’s to come, specifically addressing the challenges the couple could face. As a fan of the books, I hope he’s referring to a specific storyline from The Long Game.

What Jacob Tierney Said About The Challenges Shane And Ilya Will Face In Heated Rivalry Season 2

We know that Season 2 of Heated Rivalry will be a book-to-screen adaptation of Rachel Reid’s book, The Long Game (which is the second novel she wrote about Shane and Ilya). With that in mind, it will pick up after the events of Season 1, and we’ll see the hockey players navigate a new chapter of their relationship. Speaking about that chapter and what it will look like, Jacob Tierney told Deadline:

First of all, I love that the show will continue to be joyful and celebratory. However, it will keep addressing the complexities and challenges of Shane and Ilya’s situation earnestly, too. When Season 1 ended, they were a couple; however, the world does not know that yet.

The pressure that comes with their careers and the potentially negative reactions people could have to them being a couple will still be challenges for them. Addressing the hurdles these guys will have to handle in Season 2, the show’s creator said:

As someone who has read all of Rachel Reid’s Game Changer books – including Heated Rivalry and The Long Game – this is something I adore about these stories too. So, with that in mind, there’s a storyline Reid wrote into her second novel that I hope Tierney includes in Season 2 in a big way.

I Hope One Big Challenge Ilya Overcomes In The Long Game Is A Major Storyline

Major spoilers for the book, The Long Game, are ahead!

One of my favorite storylines in The Long Game happens when Ilya decides to go to therapy. There are multiple things he’s struggling with, including keeping his relationship with Shane a secret. And as the book goes on, he really learns how to understand and deal with the challenges he’s facing.

Through his time in therapy, he’s able to consider and work through massive life changes he’s faced, like his father's passing and his moving to Canada to play for an entirely new team. He’s also able to talk about Shane, too. Along with that, he's able to unpack past trauma, like the death of his mother. And it's through these sessions that Ilya realizes he has depression.

This storyline showcases Ilya’s mental health journey in such a lovely and serious way. It helps us understand him as well as his outlook on his relationship with Shane in a complex way. I hope the show both incorporates it and handles it with great care.

I’m sure that will happen too, seeing as Jacob Tierney has said he’d stay faithful to the source material. I’m also sure that Connor Storrie can act out this part of his character’s story with so much nuance and grace.

Overall, this part of the book adds even more depth to Shane and Ilya’s relationship, and it helps us and Shane understand the Russian hockey player on a deeper level. So, I really hope that when I watch Season 2 of Heated Rivalry with my HBO Max subscription, this part of The Long Game is included.

Heated Rivalry is currently one of the most talked-about series on any streaming platform. It has fans who are quite passionate about its romantic storyline, to say the least. However, now two stars of the series have aimed at a particular subset of fans whom they don't feel are the sorts of fans they want.

In identical posts to Instagram, Heated Rivalry's Hudson Williams and François Arnaud have called out what they call "hateful 'love'" from fans who, despite the themes of the series, they believe have been posting bigoted material. The statement reads...

The fact that both Williams and Arnaud made identical posts at the same time shows coordination and indicates this has been a topic of discussion among those that are part of Heated Rivalry. It's become enough of an issue that at least these two felt the need to say something.

Needless to say, Heated Rivalry has the most up front and public gay characters in media right now. While this fact has caused many to embrace the show, which allows gay characters to experience a traditional romance on television, others have been less than welcoming to the series for all the same reasons.

There has also been some within the gay community who have taken issue with the series. The way Heated Rivalry portrayed its sex scenes was critcized by I Love LA's Jordan Firstman. However, what ever strong feelings there were on the topic appear to have been worked out.

And there have been those people who appear to be the real target of this post, fans whose apparent passion for the series crosses a line. Some have seemingly blurred the line between fiction and reality, believing that actors on the show are, or should be, together in reality. The sexuality of various actors is being repeatedly questioned, despite that being none of the business of those doing the questioning.

A second season of Heated Rivalry is already planned, and there is a third book on the way in the romance novel series that inspired the show, so if the passionate fan base remains its a safe bet that Heated Rivalry will be with us for a while. With that being the case, the stars must make it clear how they feel about certain fans, as any inappropriate behavior now is only likely to get worse if something isn't done.

There’s nothing quite like a comment from Hudson Williams. The actor, who plays Shane Hollander in the book-to-screen adaptation of Heated Rivalry, has a wicked and cheeky sense of humor, and his interviews and comments on Connor Storrie's posts specifically prove that. Case-in-point, he left a hilariously suggestive response on the Ilya actor’s latest post about a sparkly choker he recently wore.

If you were paying attention to what aired on the 2026 TV schedule as February turned to March, you probably saw a whole lot of Connor Storrie. That’s because after hosting Saturday Night Live (you can stream it with a Peacock subscription), he got on a plane, flew to LA, put on an amazing suit and sparkly choker, and attended the Actor Awards (which are available with a Netflix subscription). Then, after all that, he took a moment to celebrate his stunning outfit, posting on Instagram:

As you can see in the images, Storrie rocked a sleek black suit with no shirt, and that helped make the jewelry the standout moment of the ensemble. He was decked in it too, as he wore a beautiful choker, watch, earrings and a ring from Tiffany and Co.

So, with all that in mind, Hudson Williams left a hilariously perfect comment about his co-star’s sparkling moment:

Well…considering the fact that I got to know these guys through their smutty hockey show that I streamed with an HBO Max subscription and know the spicy scenes that could come in Heated Rivalry Season 2, my mind went right into the gutter when I read this. And that’s probably where it’s supposed to be. The thirst levels for Williams and Storrie have been high ever since their sexually explicit HBO project premiered, and the Shane actor has proven time and time again that he loves a suggestive, cheeky and chaotic quote.

Fans of the two actors were here for Williams’ comment too, and many noted that they had similar thoughts as they took in Storrie’s outfit. Here are a few of the highlights:

• you’re so real for that -camrynciara
• this is frying me -xoxolilycox
• Get in line bro -17jul07
• you’re so real 🤭 -niniwpc_
• yeah what he said !! 👏 -camrynciara
• Huddyyy. Never change ❤️❤️❤️ -irenekagz
• best. comment. ever 🤭🤭 -crystalpoarch87

Let’s not forget, this comment came from the guy who said Heated Rivalry Season 2 would be “hotter, wetter, longer” when it got renewed. So, while this comment would probably leave his character, Shane, in shambles, it is so incredibly on-brand for Hudson Williams, the man who once told Teen Vogue during a conversation about unhinged things he's said that he is media-trained but is "not very coachable, and [does not] care."

Now, considering both Williams and Storrie are very well-dressed men, I expect more A+ looks like the one above. Which means, I also expect more hilarious comments as well. So, make sure you are checking those replies, everyone, because you never know what Hudson Williams is going to say.

Looking over the upcoming DC movies and upcoming DC TV shows that have been officially announced or reported to be in development, there are a handful of opportunities where the DC Universe franchise could potentially introduce Dick Grayson, a.k.a. Nightwing. You may have also seen that last December, Heated Rivalry star Hudson Williams campaigned to play the former Robin. Now comic book writer Scott Beatty, who has experience working on Nightwing, has shared his thoughts about Williams gunning for the role.

Beatty previously co-wrote Nightwing: Year One with Chuck Dixon, which was published back in 2005 and delivered a retelling of the events that led to Dick Grayson retiring as Robin and becoming Nightwing. Hudson Williams was holding up a collected edition of this storyline when he mentioned his interest in joining the DC Universe, but Beatty only learned about this recently. As he wrote on his Blogspot page:

Hey, better late than never discovering that Hudson Thames wants to be the next live-action Nightwing. It makes me wonder the actor, who co-leads the steamy Heated Rivalry with François Arnaud, has also read Scott Beatty and Chuck Dixon’s Robin: Year One and Batgirl: Year One stories. By the way, the hockey series can be streamed with an HBO Max subscription, and since DC also falls under the Warner Bros. Discovery banner, then that already gives Thames a foot in the door with being considered for Dick Grayson. Also, with how sexual Heated Rivalry and how Nighwing’s butt gets a lot of attention from DC Comics readers… I’m just saying.

To be clear, there’s no indication that James Gunn, who co-runs DC Studios with Peter Safran, is looking at Williams to play Nightwing… or even anyone at the moment. But if a list of candidates is ever assembled, Scott Beatty approves of the newly-popular Shane Hollander actor being on it, adding:

While Dick Grayson has previously been portrayed in live action by Burt Ward and Chris O’Donnell, those versions were fighting alongside Batman as Robin. Titans’ Brenton Thwaites is the only actor who’s portrayed Dick in his Nightwing form, having adopted the new superhero identity at the end of Season 2. There were plans for The LEGO Batman Movie’s Chris McKay to direct a Nightwing movie during the DCEU era, but those never made it past.

With The Brave and the Bold set to feature an older Batman teaming up with his son Damian, who will suit up as Robin, it will be easy enough to have Dick Grayson already be Nightwing whenever he’s introduced to the DCU. The question is where and when, and we’ll let you know once that’s decided. Hopefully sooner rather than later, as it’d be a shame for Hudson Williams to age out of the role.

For the next two weeks, the Milan Cortina Olympics in Italy are going to dominate the 2026 TV schedule. Before the opening ceremonies kick off, which you can watch with a Peacock subscription, it’s a good time to look at how far the Olympic torch traveled and what stars took part in the traditional relay. It includes everyone’s favorite Olympic commentator, Snoop Dogg, and legendary action star Jackie Chan.

The Olympic torch relay has become a huge tradition over the past 100 years or so, since the first relay before the 1928 games in Amsterdam. I vividly remember getting to see the torch go by in St. Louis, MO, when I was a kid, as it headed for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. It will likely be doing a similar trek across the U.S. in two years when L.A. will host The Games again, but first, it took a long route around Italy.

By The Numbers

The sheer number of miles traveled is pretty staggering. As is tradition, the relay began in Greece. The torch was lit on November 24th at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, Greece. From there, the relay began at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympics. It then passed through the hands of 450 torchbearers, covering 1,400 miles (2,200 km) across most of the country. It arrived in Athens on December 4th, and the handoff at the Panathenaic Stadium for the Italian leg was begun.

The torch arrived in Rome, its first stop in the host country, later on December 4th. By the time it reaches San Siro Stadium in Milan for the opening ceremonies, 10,001 runners will have carried it over 7,400 miles. That includes traveling through all 20 regions of Italy and 110 provinces. It will have made 60 stops over 63 days in that time. One of those stops was in Cortina d’Ampezzo on January 26th, just in time to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Winter Olympics there. You might know that town from the Roger Moore-era Bond film, For Your Eyes Only.

The Stars Came Out To Carry The Torch

As is tradition, the vast majority of the runners are former Olympic athletes and well-known athletes from other sports, usually most famous in the host country. As such, a huge number of Greek and Italian sports stars carried the torch on its journey. That includes some well-known European soccer players, like Robert Pires, Fabio Cannavaro, and Cesc Fàbregas. Italian Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli also got in on the action.

U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, carried the torch in that country, along with American billionaire and owner of the Los Angeles Times, Patrick Soon-Shiong. The U.S. Ambassador to Italy, who owns the Houston Rockets in the NBA, Tilman Fertitta, ran a leg in Italy, and it’s in Italy where things got really fun.

Snoop Dogg, who might have started as a Gangsta rapper, has reinvented himself as America’s sweetheart (and coach on The Voice), ran part of the relay through the streets of Milan. Jackie Chan picked up the torch for a jaunt through the ruins of Pompeii.

Appropriately, the stars of a show about ice hockey, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, from Heated Rivalry, one of the hottest shows available with an HBO Max subscription, each took a turn in the town of Feltre. Italian actress Alessandra Mastronardi, who American audiences know from Master of None, available with a Netflix subscription, and the Nicolas Cage flick The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, got a chance to carry the torch as well.

All that’s left now is who will get the honor of lighting the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremonies, which in the past has included sports luminaries like Mohammed Ali and Wayne Gretzky.

Before Hudson Williams became a global superstar for playing Shane Hollander in the smash hit Heated Riavalry, he was making short films with his friends. Now, those friends are opening up about the actor, his rise to fame, and his willingness to commit to his craft. And they’re doing it through stories that involve sucking fingers, reactions to watching his incredibly popular and “horny” HBO show, and pickleball.

For a long time, Williams was waiting tables in Vancouver and making short films with his friends from Langara College. Now, one of those pals, Zack Fonzovs, has spoken to USA Today about his friendship with the Heated Rivalry star, and he specifically recalled them working on a short film together. Explaining that he had asked the actor to “bite off” someone’s “finger” for the scene they were working on, Fonzovs said:

I’d imagine that an ask like that would not garner an immediate “yes” from everyone. However, it’s obvious here that Hudson Williams was down to do it for his friend and their film. It shows his commitment to the craft and his willingness to do what needs to be done for a scene.

Both those things are on full display in Heated Rivalry (which you can stream with an HBO Max subscription), too. The smutty queer hockey show does not shy away from sex in the slightest, and as we move into Season 2 of the book-to-screen adaptation, that spicy precedent will more than likely be held. One of the reasons why the show works so well is that Williams and his co-lead, Connor Storrie, act out every moment they’re in, including the sexy ones, with pure passion and commitment.

To the young actor’s friends, his commitment to his role in Heated Rivalry came as no surprise. When they saw him in those intimate scenes in the sexually explicit HBO project, it didn’t take them aback, because he’s always fearlessly committed to the project he’s working on. In the words of his friend Mark Masterton:

Hudson Williams’ friends made it clear that he’s not afraid to take off his clothes or do something wild for a film. So, seeing him thrive in a show like Heated Rivalry makes a lot of sense.

Now, as the actor navigates intense fame, his pals are cheering him on. However, they’re also trying to help him maintain a sense of normalcy, as Masterton said:

That’s a good friend right there! The story also notes that Williams’ pals watched the first few episodes with him when they came out. Now, I can’t wait to see how they continue to support him as we move into Season 2 of Heated Rivalry.

The show was quickly renewed amid its rise in popularity, and now fans are eagerly waiting for Shane and Ilya’s next story. Meanwhile, Hudson Williams’ star is continuing to rise, and his friends are continuing to both support him and make fun and wild projects together.

For years now, there's been discussion about the power of representation in the media, particularly LGBTQ+ stories. And in the past month we've been treated to some moving stories, specifically the steamy queer series Heated Rivalry (which is streaming with a HBO Max subscription), as well as Will Byers finally sharing his queerness in the penultimate episode of Stranger Things. I watched both of these shows' coming out scenes in the same week, and I couldn't help but think about all the young LGTBQ+ folks who might be streaming at the same time.

While Heated Rivalry's sex scenes helped it go viral, the last few episodes told an emotional story about Shane and Ilya coming to terms with their true feelings for each other. Will's sexuality was something hinted at since Stranger Things Season 1 (which is streaming with a Netflix subscription), so his coming out scene was a long time coming. While they were very different sequences and shows, they were both heartwarming, emotional, and a powerful example of representation.

Stranger Things And Heated Rivalry Had Two Different (But Powerful) Coming Out Scenes

While Stranger Things is an action-packed sci-fi story, Heated Rivalry is a book-to-screen adaptation focusing on closeted hockey players with (presumably) a fraction of the budget. Funny enough, their stories about characters coming out of the closet aired at around the same time, showing two distinct but moving takes on how terrifying it can be for queer folks to tell their loved ones about their hidden sexuality.

In Heated Rivalry's finale "The Cottage," Shane's father stumbles upon he and Ilya kissing, forcing him to come out to his parents. What resulted was a beautifully moving scene, where Shane's mother weeps and apologizes for making him feel like he couldn't tell them about his queerness. It's a scene that illustrates a parent's love, and how even LGBTQ+ folks who have loving families can still struggle to come out of the closet thanks to the fear of being rejected.

Throughout Stranger Things' run on Netflix, Will was heavily hinted at being gay, starting from its very first season on the air. But it took until Season 5, and some encouraging words from Maya Hawke's Robin, before he could finally come out to his family and friends.

What resulted was not only him being accepted by both Joyce and The Party, but his strong sense of self manifested in him being able to use his own abilities to fight Vecna. Noah Schnapp offered a beautiful performance in the coming out scene, and seeing the rest of the cast one by one put their support behind him was tear-inducing. The group hug at the end was the cherry on top, and serves as an example of how many LGBTQ+ folks wish their own coming out story would go down.

I'm in my 30s and have been an out gay man since 17, but that didn't make me any less emotional watching these sequences in Heated Rivalry and Stranger Things. I remember the fear of coming out, and the tears that came as I slowly told my friends and family, although most of all these episodes made me think of queer youth who might be watching these two wildly popular streaming shows.

I came out of the closet before we got much positive LGBTQ+ representation; this was before shows like Glee helped to pop that bubble. I can only imagine how powerful it would have been to see these positive coming out scenes on the screen as a young person, and I only hope that queer youth are given comfort and hope when seeing the way both Will and Shane were embraced.

Heated Rivalry Season 1 is streaming on HBO Max, Stranger Things is streaming in its entirety on Netflix, along with a documentary about the final season that just premiered as part of the 2026 TV schedule. Luckily, Heated Rivalry was renewed for Season 2, so hopefully the wait between seasons isn't too long.

SPOILERS for Heated Rivalry (the show and the novel), as well as the books, The Long Game and Role Model, are ahead! Read with caution!

Heated Rivalry is a faithful book-to-screen adaptation of its source material, and yes, that includes the sex scenes. Throughout Season 1 of the hit series that’s available with an HBO Max subscription, a lot of the intimate and explicit scenes from Rachel Reid’s novels are featured. Now, with Season 2 on the way, I’m thinking about her other books and the spicy moments that we need to see in the upcoming episodes of this hockey romance.

For a quick overview, we know Season 2 will cover the events of Shane and Ilya’s second book, The Long Game. However, like how Season 1 featured Scott and Kip’s story from the book Game Changer, I think it’s perfectly possible for some of Rachel Reid’s other novels to come into play. Specifically, I think Tory and Harris’ book, Role Model, will be featured, since its timeline has direct overlap and a shared setting with Hollanov’s sequel. So, with that in mind, let’s get down to business.

The Long Game

The Long Game picks up after the events of Heated Rivalry, and it shows us how Shane and Ilya handle their lives and their relationship, which is still a secret. It's established early that Ilya was traded to Ottawa to be closer to Shane, and they started their charity together. So, their plan (which is mentioned in the critically acclaimed first season of Heated Rivalry) is working; however, as the book progresses, they have to grapple with the notion that they can’t live like this forever. Obviously, a lot of spicy moments happen amid all that, too, so let's talk about a few of them.

What Happens Between Shane And Ilya After Fabian’s Concert

Toward the beginning of The Long Game, Shane and Ilya are putting on their hockey camp, and a retired player named Ryan is helping them. Ryan and his boyfriend Fabian, who is a musician, are the focus of the book, Tough Guy. And during their appearance in Shane and Ilya’s story, the three hockey players go to one of Fabian’s concerts.

Let’s just say, the sexual tension between Shane and Ilya is off the charts during the concert that’s described as “sexy and mesmerizing” in the book. However, they can’t really act on it, because they haven’t revealed their relationship to the public.

Then, things get hot and heavy when they get home. Actually, even when they’re driving home, Shane thought about how he was “so horny he felt drunk.” Overall, the whole section is intense and charged because they’ve spent the night wanting to act on feelings they’ve been repressing. So, they let it all out. Truly, it’s a hot scene; however, it also illustrates the desire these two have to be an out couple and the struggle of keeping their love private for so many years.

Shane Drives To Ottawa To See Ilya On Halloween

This scene comes in the aftermath of a costume party Ilya has with his teammates in Ottawa. Overall, Ilya, who was dressed like a gladiator, wasn’t having the best time, and he was missing Shane painfully. However, Shane surprised him by showing up unannounced and ready to pounce on Ilya. What follows is passionate and aggressive sex, and by the end of it, Ilya is feeling very emotional.

Now, it is so unlike Shane to do something so spontaneous, and it’s unlike Ilya to get that emotional, and that’s why this scene is important to the story. It illustrates the struggle these guys are facing and the lengths they're willing to go to take care of each other.

The First Time Shane And Ilya Are Together After The Near-Plane Crash

This whole scene has to be in the show, because so much happens. First, this is the first time Shane and Ilya see each other in person after Ilya and the Ottawa Centaurs had a near-death experience on a plane.

Second, this is when Shane proposes to Ilya. He fills Ilya’s house with electric candles, pops the question, and tells his love that he’ll always choose him.

As you can probably assume, they have sex after that. Let me tell you, we'd better get to hear Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams say the lines “Yours” and “Mine” respectively when their characters consummate their new engagement.

The Trophy Room

So, this scene comes in the aftermath of the world learning about Shane and Ilya’s relationship and before they met with the league’s commissioner, Roger Crowell.

After some very hard interactions with people in their lives following the unfortunate event that led to their romance being revealed, the two finally get to see each other in person. Immediately, they start to have sex, and Ilya guides them to Shane’s trophy room.

When Shane asks why they’re about to do it there, his partner responds that it’s because they need to remember who they are and how much they’ve done for their sport. Ilya also makes it very clear that he views his partner as a “king,” which is only emphasized by the setting and the passion of this spicy scene.

Role Model

In Role Model, we follow recently traded hockey player Troy Barrett as he joins the Ottawa Centaurs (which is the team Ilya plays for in The Long Game), and meets, befriends and eventually falls in love with the team’s social media manager, Harris Drover. Relative to Shane and Ilya, this relationship is more of a slow burn (at least where spice is concerned). However, when they finally get together, sparks fly.

Troy And Harris' Intimate Moment After The Near-Plane Crash

Speaking of when they finally get together, Troy and Harris share their first kiss and intimate moment in Florida after the near-plane crash the team experiences. For chapters upon chapters before this, these two had been yearning for each other. Then, finally, motivated by Ilya encouraging Troy to act on his crush on Harris and the fact that life is short, the hockey player and the social media manager acted on said feelings, kissed and had a spicy time together.

This also served as the inciting incident that made them examine their feelings on a deeper level, and it was ultimately the moment that turned these friends into lovers.

The Scene Where Troy Realizes He Loves Harris

As things get really serious between Harris and Troy, the social media manager takes the hockey player home to meet his family. It’s a truly wholesome event, and they welcome Troy with open arms. It’s reassuring, and right after it, Troy realizes he wants to publicly come out.

All that culminates with them spending the night together at Harris’s place, and the banter in this scene, mixed with the intimate moments, shows just how comfortable these two are together. It’s warm and lovely, and ultimately, I really need to hear Troy sweetly (and secretly) tell Harris’ stuffed animal (yes, you read that right) that he’s “in love with” him.

Like Season 1 of this sexually explicit HBO Max project, I’m sure Season 2 of Heated Rivalry will be horny, that’s a given. However, when it comes to the sex scenes they include, I hope they use the ones above (and others). That’s because not only are they hot, they also move these romances forward and help us understand where the relationships in this show are at.

As the 2026 Golden Globe winners were announced, there was a lot of chatter about Jennifer Lopez’s sheer look, Jennifer Lawrence’s floral gown and more marvelous fashion moments from the women in attendance at the ceremony. However, the men brought their A-game to the red carpet as well, and I think we should give some of them, including Glen Powell and Michael B. Jordan, their flowers.

Glen Powell Looked Classy In Navy Blue

Alright, let’s start with Glen Powell. He was at the Golden Globes to celebrate Chad Powers. Wearing an incredible navy blue velvet suit by Brunello Cucinelli, the actor and his stylist, Warren Alfie Baker, paired the suit with a matching bow tie and cumberbund. Take a look:

According to Baker’s Instagram, Powell is also wearing an Omega watch. However, it’s the sunglasses that make the look for me.

All around, this fit was perfect, and the blue was classy. I also loved the different textures featured in this suit that was all navy blue (which also happens to be one of the colors for the football team Powell’s character plays for in Chad Powers).

It was classic, while also being so much more than the typical men's suits we see. Plus, it celebrated Chad Powers (which you can stream with a Hulu subscription) in such a cool way.

Michael B. Jordan Rocked A Classic Suit With Chic Glasses

At first glance, Michael B. Jordan’s suit looked like a sleek classic double-breasted outfit. However, I love how unique it is with its deep brown color that was paired with a lovely shining brooch, an off-white shirt, and a black tie. Plus, like Powell, he rocked some killer sunglasses too, take a look:

To get into the details, the Sinners star’s suit was custom Prada, per GQ. According to the actor’s stylist, Jason Bolden, this look was inspired by the movie Jordan was nominated for and his characters, Smoke and Stack. Meanwhile, those cool sunglasses were actually found by Jordan at a family-owned boutique in Japan, and his jewelry was David Yurman.

So, overall, the actor and his stylist created a 5-star look that fits right in with the 5-star reviews Sinners got.

I’d Also Like To Shout Out Colman Domingo, The Heated Rivalry Boys, Snoop Dogg And Duke McCloud

Now, obviously, the two aforementioned stars were not the only guys dressed to the nines at the ceremony. So, let’s go over a few other highlights.

Colman Domingo: If you have been paying attention to red carpets for the last few years, you know Colman Domingo kills any carpet he steps onto. He is truly a fashion icon, and he proved that again with this custom black Valentino suit.

The Sing Sing star actually told Vanity Fair this was one of his more “laid-back” looks, which is true. However, that impeccably tailored suit and the stunning silver Boucheron jewels sprinkled up the right side of the blazer are undeniably gorgeous.

Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams: On the heels of Heated Rivalry’s Season 2 renewal and pop culture domination, its stars appeared on the red carpet of the Globes, ready to stun. According to Vogue, Hudson Williams, who plays Shane, wore a Giorgio Armani peak-lapel dinner jacket, a silk shirt, black pants and a beautiful gold Bulgari necklace. His co-lead, Connor Storrie, went for a classic black suit and tie by Saint Laurent, and the Ilya actor paired it with some rockstar sunglasses and a Tiffany and Co. brooch. They really dressed to impress as they continue to make a fantastic first impression on Hollywood.

Snoop Dogg: The pop of red in Snoop Dogg’s suit is perfect, and that mixed with the double-breasted cut and the otherwise all-black look is so sleek. Along with that, according to WWD, his shoes are by Stacy Adams and only cost about $100. Overall, it was a fun play on the classic black look, and it was perfect for the beloved rapper.

Duke McCloud: Last, but certainly not least, is Duke McCloud. The 6-year-old star of All Her Fault rocked a light teal suit and paired it with an exquisite emerald brooch. While chatting with ET, the young actor said he picked this particular fit, because “it was blue, and he could putted this jewelry on.” It also came with a pocket square. Those are all great reasons to pick this stand-out look!

All around, the guys came to play at the Golden Globes, and it was so fun to see. Now, as the awards season continues on the 2026 TV schedule, I’m looking forward to seeing how these men and other attendees continue to rock the carpets.

Those following along live with the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday got to see plenty of great moments, like Nikki Glaser’s joke about Leonardo DiCaprio’s girlfriend, Teyana Taylor’s powerful message to “little Black girls” and Jennifer Lopez adding to her fashion icon status with possibly our favorite version of the sheer dress trend. There were some misses, too, including the UFC tie-in as the Heated Rivalry stars took the stage to present, and fans aren’t missing the opportunity to roast the awkward moment.

Heated Rivalry has become such a phenomenon that I’m sure the attention has been overwhelming for its stars, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. But the way that was handled by the Golden Globes was just plain awkward, as before they took the stage, an announcement was made:

Lights started flashing as UFC fighters Mackenzie Dern and Brian Ortega walked on stage, strutted up to the front and posed, uttering a few words to each other as they were seemingly satisfied with the crowd situation before pivoting and walking back off-stage. It looked more like a fashion show than anything, which one fan noted with the meme:

The fact that Mackenzie Dern — complete with her UFC title belt — and Brian Ortega’s names weren’t even announced added to the confusion of the moment, because I promise you not everybody knew who they were or what they were doing. I’m with fans like this who still don’t know what the point was:

It was clear from the audience’s non-reaction that this segment was not hitting, and another fan posted:

With Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie’s protection being the supposed reason for the UFC fighters’ presence, I thought there would at least be some kind of interaction between them. However, the Heated Rivalry actors then took the stage and proceeded with their own comedic bit about being nervous and picturing everyone in the audience naked.

Some of us, however, were still shaking our heads over what had just happened:

In addition to some A+ meme work, several on social media voiced their confusion over the UFC promotional moment, writing:

• Sorry I'm still not over that UFC bit like wtf was that??? – MyersFTW
• The UFC part on the Golden Globes was a bit??? Felt out of place. – negaprez
• We used to be a proper country… we used to not have a ufc bit during an award show… – Danielle_Sny13
• Can someone please explain to me why they brought out those two random UFC ppl for two boys who star in a gay hockey show?? lmfao – tpwklillie

I can see where a Heated Rivalry crossover with the UFC would make sense on paper. They’re both sports-related, they both include … wrestling (heh), and the mixed martial artists probably would make good bodyguards for Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, but the way the Golden Globes handled it was worthy of the penalty box.

Heated Rivalry is available to stream with an HBO Max subscription.

Plenty of HBO shows got the world talking, and the book-to-screen adaptation Heated Rivalry has definitely joined those ranks. The Canadian series (which is streaming with an HBO Max subscription) has become a sensation, making household names out of stars like Shane Hollander actor Hudson Williams. He recently rocked glasses while appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, leading fans to freak out thanks to a connection to the steamy series.

Williams has been dealing with sudden fame thanks to the success of Heated Rivalry, which was on full display when appearing on The Tonight Show. There were a bunch of subtle references to the show during his interview with Fallon, including being served ginger ale and seemingly wearing Shane's famous glasses. The latter definitely got fans' attention, as many took to Twitter as a result. Check out one such response below:

While Williams wearing glasses isn't groundbreaking, the fact that they're seemingly the same ones that his character Shane wears in Heated Rivalry turned the heads of the passionate fanbase. Those specs were a plot point during the first season, with his lover Ilya seemingly turned on by them, and asking his secret lover to wear them during phone sex. This is just one of Heated Rivalry's steamy scenes, and is also why the fandom noticed when he rocked them on The Tonight Show.

Fans were invested in Ilya and Shane starting with their first sex scene, with folks following the years-long relationship between the two closeted Hockey players. Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie's chemistry while doing press has also captured the hearts of viewers, which is likely why something like the actor wearing glasses has gotten so much attention. Another tweet pulled a clip from Heated Rivalry, where Ilya asks Shane to keep the specs on. As you can see below:

Hudson Williams put on the glasses when Jimmy Fallon showed him a photo of him and Storrie, so it's not like he had to read something. That, combined with the ginger ale, makes me think that he rocked them purposefully to titillate fans who tuned in to see the interview.

Heated Rivalry was renewed for Season 2, with Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie teasing fans by saying it'll be "hotter, wetter and longer". The two of them know that sex sells, so much so that they got matching tattoos with those two words. Season 1 ended with Shane and Ilya finally committed to being in a relationship, even if they're keeping it a secret for now. And it should be interesting to see how this changes the narrative whenever it returns.

The first season of Heated Rivalry is streaming in its entirety over on HBO Max. It's currently unclear when Season 2 will premiere, but some fans are crossing their fingers that production starts soon so it can be part of the 2026 TV schedule.

Plenty of HBO shows got the world talking, and those with a HBO Max subscription were recently treated to another megahit: Jacob Tierney's Heated Rivalry. The book to screen adaptation went viral shortly after its premiere, thanks to its touching LGBTQ+ narrative and those steamy sex scenes. It's also made the cast into household names, and Shane Hollander actor Hudson Williams recently spoke about that overwhelming attention, and trying to set healthy boundaries with fans.

I was hyped when Heated Rivalry gave queer fans their own smutty show, but its popularity has expanded past the community and into the mainstream. The internet is pretty obsessed with both Ilya actor Connor Storrie and Williams, including discourse about their sexualities IRL. While speaking with CNN about the show's success, the latter actor got honest about the "crazy" nature of his sudden fame. In his words:

Honestly, this makes sense. Scrolling through social media there are countless posts thirsting over the cast of Heated Rivalry, as well as folks wondering about their sexuality. Williams and Storrie haven't disclosed how they identify, and are now dealing with the sudden megafame that came with the show's success. Finding a way to set boundaries seems like a healthy way to approach this lifestyle change, especially since Season 2 of Heated Rivalry is already on the way.

Later in the same interview, Hudson Williams spoke more about the challenges of filming Shane and Ilya's sex scenes. On top of how vulnerable it is to shoot this type of work, he spoke about nudity, and trying not to expose any crew members to part of his body. In his words:

It sounds like, despite how free the sex scenes look on Heated Rivalry, they're far more technical than it might appear to audiences. And Williams had to be very specific about the angles and positions he was in to keep some sense of modesty, as well as not making any crew members uncomfortable.

One can only imagine how much more famous Hudson Williams and the rest of the Heated Rivalry cast will get, especially once the show returns for Season 2. Hopefully he's found some ways of establishing boundaries, despite all the chatter about him and Connor Storrie.

Heated Rivalry is streaming in its entirety on HBO Max. It's currently unclear when Season 2 will happen, but there are plenty of fans hoping that production starts soon so that it'll arrive as part of the 2026 TV schedule.

Major, major, major spoilers for Heated Rivalry’s fifth episode are ahead! If you haven’t watched it yet, go stream it ASAP with an HBO Max subscription.

For those who have read Rachel Reid’s novel, Heated Rivalry, you likely knew that Episode 5 would be a very big deal in the book-to-screen adaptation that’s been airing on the 2025 TV schedule. Meanwhile, for those experiencing Shane and Ilya’s story for the first time, this episode likely shocked them. However, whether you went into this episode knowing what could happen or not, it’s worth freking out about. Fans proved that too, when they started posting about the incredible way Episode 5 ended.

In the episode titled “I’ll Believe in Anything,” we get to witness a major turn in Shane (Hudson Williams) and Ilya’s (Connor Storrie) relationship as they finally admit their feelings for each other. While they still feel like they cannot make their relationship public, this episode shows them accepting their love (Ilya even told Shane he loved him, but it was in Russian, so Shane didn’t understand it). Meanwhile, Scott (François Arnaud) and Kip (Robbie G.K.) – who were the focus of Episode 3 – returned, and in a truly historic moment, Scott kissed Kip publicly after winning the show’s equivalent of the Stanley Cup.

The collision of all that led to one final moment between our main couple, where Ilya calls Shane to tell him he’ll meet him at the cottage, where they will be able to spend much-needed alone time together. So, in short, a lot happened, and because of Scott and Kip’s big and televised announcement, Ilya had the confidence to act on his feelings for Shane in a big way. Rightfully, fans are losing it over all this, and posting things like:

A common comment from fans is how this whole scene felt like a major moment of “cinema.” The way the show bounced back and forth between Scott and Kip’s kiss and Shane and Ilya watching it all on TV was magical. It clearly conveyed the gravity of everything going on, as it was both a historic instance in both relationships. It also aggressively moved the story forward for the next episode. To quote @harrietsdamian:

Literally, as I’m sitting here writing this, I’m getting misty-eyed thinking about this magical scene.

Really, this moment is so wonderful for so many reasons, and one of them is simply that it’s a magnificent and well-executed romantic scene. A lot of fans love how much care and consideration clearly go into the making of this series, because it shows how powerful this genre can be. For example, @hollanovvs posted the following reaction to Episode 5’s last scene:

Seriously, this scene had so many screaming and crying. It really was an intense and breathtaking moment, and @jerstonefilm pointed that out in a brilliant (and funny) way by comparing the end of Episode 5 to the end of Challengers:

The possibilities of what comes next are also propelling this major fan freakout. Up to this point, Shane and Ilya have only had brief moments together. A night here, an interaction there, and that’s it. What was proposed in this episode was a week or two of alone time at Shane’s private cottage. That is a very exciting idea, and it is very, very needed for these two boys who need to address their feelings for each other in a big way.

So, knowing that Ilya is going to the cottage is exhilarating. In fact, it’s so exciting that it’s worth celebrating like we just won a race, as @4hollanov posted:

Gosh, I’m really not ready for what comes next, and I’ve read the book. Without spoiling anything, I will say that the cottage is a huge part of the original novel, and it changes Shane and Ilya’s relationship forever (whether that’s in a good or a bad way, you’ll have to wait to find out).

Now, overall, this scene really proved why Heated Rivalry is turning into one of the best LGBTQ+ shows on TV right now, and it’s getting me so excited for what’s next. Not only did we get to see Scott and Kip’s story come full circle as they made their relationship public, but we also got to see the beginnings of Shane and Ilya gaining the confidence and assurance to act on their own feelings.

So, with all that being said, get excited for what’s next, folks, because the Season 1 finale of Heated Rivalry will be released next Friday on HBO Max. And like Episode 5, I’m sure it’ll leave fans freaking out.

Over the past few years, there has been a ton of conversation about the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in the media. That includes the power of telling authentic stories, as well as the debate about casting straight actors in gay roles. A new fold in this discourse happened recently when I Love LA actor Jordan Firstman threw some shade at Heated Rivalry's sex scenes (both shows are streaming with an HBO Max subscription). Although he and Shane Hollander actor Hudson Williams seem to have squashed the beef... and brought some A+ social media content in the process.

Heated Rivalry's love scenes are a big reason why the series went viral, and has been so popular since its premiere. While I love that we have a smutty show for queer folks, not everyone has enjoyed it as much. Case in point: Firstman's viral comments about the show.

What Jordan Firstman Said About Heated Rivalry

Jordan Firstman is known to audiences thanks to his scene-stealing roles in English Teacher (streaming with a Hulu subscription) as well as I Love LA. He's also got an irreverent social media presence, which is where he first claimed that Heated Rivalry's love scenes didn't feel like "real gay sex." During an interview with Vulture he expanded those thoughts, offering:

These comments quickly went viral online, and inspired Heated Rivalry actor François Arnaud to directly respond. A potential feud between the two HBO shows that got the world talking began, but luckily, it seems like they've already reached a resolution. And we have both the network and Nicki Minaj to thank.

How Firstman And Hudson Williams Worked It Out In The Remix

Fans first noticed some goodwill happening between the shows when an image of Jordan Firstman and Shane Hollander actor Hudson Williams smoking a cigarette together landed online. The potential beef was further squashed when the pair wrapped holiday gifts at an HBO event, and posted an A+ video where they lip-synced to Nicki Minaj and Miley Cyrus' viral interaction from the 2015 VMA Awards. Check it out below:

Honestly, I love it. This give and take between the two pop stars has been endlessly quotable in the decade since they went viral, and I think recreating it was the perfect way to show that there's no hard feelings between Firstman and the Heated Rivalry cast.

For his part, Hudson was encouraging folks to watch I Love LA even in the midst of the faux feud. Luckily for fans, both shows are still airing on HBO Max. So why not do a double feature of these two series, both of which feature gay love scenes?

I Love LA has one more episode to go and Heated Rivalry has two that'll air on HBO Max as part of the 2025 TV schedule.

Spoilers for Episode 4 of Heated Rivalry are ahead! Read with caution, and stream the show with an HBO Max subscription.

Everyone, I can’t stop thinking about the ginger ale. To contextualize that, in Episode 4 of Heated Rivalry, when Shane (Hudson Williams) went over to Ilya’s (Connor Storrie) house, the Russian hockey player gave the Canadian hockey player a ginger ale and made him a tuna melt, and it meant so much! While that might seem like a minor thing to hyperfixate on, I promise it’s not. So, let’s discuss just how significant Ilya giving Shane a ginger ale was.

For those who have read Rachel Reid’s novels that inspired this book-to-screen adaptation, the tuna melt and ginger ale scene is iconic and very important in Shane and Ilya’s relationship. It’s the moment where Ilya asks Shane to stay for the first time, and it marks a major turning point in their story, as it seems like these two might want to take evolve situationship into a relationship.

Up to this point in Heated Rivalry’s run on the 2025 TV schedule, Shane and Ilya’s relationship has been purely physical. In this queer smutty hockey romance, the two athletes fall into a years-long situationship where they secretly meet up to have sex. However, in Episode 4, it starts to go further when Ilya asks Shane to stay and proves how much he cares about him.

He does this through the ginger ale. In the episode, when Ilya offers to make Shane a tuna melt, he also offers him a cold ginger ale and passes absolutely no judgment about it. Now, you’d think that wouldn’t mean much. However, it’s a very big deal because Shane isn’t a big drinker, so he likes to sip on this beverage instead.

In the world these two guys live in, drinking and partying are very normal, and Shane’s aversion to both is judged by some. During Episode 4, that’s clearly shown too, because after Ilya gives Shane a ginger ale, there are two scenes where he asks for the beverage and gets weird looks.

One comes during a lunch Shane has with his parents. He asks for the ginger ale, and is told they don’t have it. Then, his mom said he could have a glass of wine. Later on, when he’s at a bar, he asks for the drink again, and the bartender responds in a confused tone with “I mean I do…” After that, Shane quickly changes his mind and orders a beer instead.

All three of these scenes pretty much happen back to back to back, and what it shows us is the intense care and acceptance Ilya has for Shane. And I know what you might be thinking, "But it’s just ginger ale," and sure, that’s true. However, Shane cares so much about what he eats and drinks, and gets judged for it. So, to have someone simply accept him, provide for him, and not make a big deal out of it is a big deal.

As someone who chooses not to drink alcohol, if a partner did something like this for me, I’d feel so cared for. It’s such a simple yet thoughtful gesture that shows how much attention they are paying.

So, yeah, I’m hyperfixating on that ginger ale, and I hope we get to see more kind moments like it as Heated Rivalry, which has been renewed for Season 2 already, continues to air on HBO Max.

Over the last few weeks, Heated Rivalry has received acclaim from both fans and critics alike. Many have praised this spicy LGBTQ+ hockey romance, and there’s been a lot of talk about how it depicts the sexual relationship between Russian hockey player Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) and Canadian hockey player Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams). However, I Love LA star Jordan Firstman made headlines as he heavily criticized the sex scenes in this new series, and now, a few of the stars have responded.

What I Love LA’s Jordan Firstman Said About Heated Rivalry’s Sex Scenes

Both Heated Rivalry and I Love LA feature sexual scenes, and as both series have been airing on the 2025 TV schedule, there’s been a lot of talk about them. So, with that being said, Jordan Firstman, who plays Charlie in I Love LA, was asked during an interview with Vulture about a scene he had involving a sex tape.

The journalist noted that the sequence was “legitimately casual,” and then said that it was “such a contrast” to the "posed" sex scenes in Heated Rivalry. In response, the actor criticized those scenes in the book-to-screen adaptation of Rachel Reid’s novel, explaining:

As the interview went on, Firstman spoke a lot about being gay and telling stories about gay people. When the journalist noted that the movie Rotting was the best gay film of the decade when it came to “feeling honest about what gay life is like,” the I Love LA actor brought up Heated Rivalry again, saying:

The journalist then noted that neither Storrie nor Williams has revealed their sexualities publicly, with Heated Rivalry showrunner Jacob Tierney saying there’s no reason to either. Firstman pushed back on that, saying:

Now, after all of that made headlines right around the time Episode 4 of Heated Rivalry premiered, two of the hockey romance’s stars responded.

How The Heated Rivalry Cast Responded To The Criticism

In the aftermath of Firstman’s comments, François Arnaud, who plays Scott, a gay hockey player who was the focus of Episode 3, responded. In the comments section on Just Jared’s Instagram post about these criticisms, he posted two questions about there being more than one way to portray gay sex on TV. The Scott actor wrote:

After that comment, Hudson Williams, who plays Shane, reposted it alongside the graphic from Just Jared about the viral criticism on his Instagram story. Along with adding the questioning comment his co-star wrote, the Heated Rivalry co-lead complimented Jordan Firstman’s show, writing:

Right now, both these highly talked about series are available to stream with an HBO Max subscription. Also, both I Love LA and Heated Rivalry have been renewed for second seasons. So, as this discourse about them continues, we’ll keep you updated.

Meanwhile, to keep up with both projects, you can catch new episodes of Heated Rivalry every Friday, while I Love LA drops new episodes every Sunday at 10:30 p.m. ET.

The comic book genre continues to be wildly popular, and fans who spent years watching the DC movies in order have watched as co-CEO James Gunn has introduced a new shared universe to the masses. Fans are curious about who might play which characters in upcoming DC movies, leading to countless rumors and theories. Some actors are also campaigning for roles, case in point being Heated Rivalry's Hudson Williams actively trying to play Nightwing.

Heated Rivalry is wildly popular right now for those with a HBO Max subscription, making household names out of its two stars. Williams plays protagonist Shane Hollander, and he recently took to Instagram Story to try and get Gunn's attention. You can see his post below:

Hudson is officially shooting his shot, and I have to tip my hat to his chutzpah. Heated Rivalry is a HBO show that's got the world talking, so it's a great time for him to make some moves. That includes this not-so-subtle hint that he wants to play Nightwing in the DCU. Are you listening, James Gunn?

There's been chatter about a Nightwing project dating back to the previous DCEU. Chris McKay was slated to direct the project, which never got out of development hell. A report claimed the Nightwing movie was dead in the DCU, but perhaps that's because Gunn and company want to craft a new one. Fingers crossed we get to see Dick Grayson on the big screen sometime soon.

Throughout the former DCEU, Batman's protegees were noticeably missing. Aside from the dead Robin suit we saw in Batman v Superman and the scrapped Batgirl movie, we never got to see The Dark Knight interact with the larger Bat-family. Fans are hoping that changes in the newly formed shared universe, and clearly Hudson Williams is ready to play Dick Grayson aka Nighwing. And I think he's got the talent and physique to pull off the role.

The first slate of DCU projects is titled Gods and Monsters, and one of the announced movies was The Brave and The Bold. This was originally billed as a film about Batman and his son, Robin Damian Wayne. Unfortunately Gunn put doubt on whether or not this family story would still be included, which has me wondering if we'll even get to see Robin at all. As a DC fan who has always loved Bruce Wayne's sidekicks, I'm really hoping that some members of the Bat-family get to join the shared universe sooner rather than later.

The next DC movie hitting theaters is Supergirl on June 26th as part of the 2026 movie release list. As for Hudson Williams, he can be seen in new episodes of Heated Rivalry airing Fridays on HBO Max. We'll just have to wait and see if he's actually in the running to play Dick Grayson/Nightwing in the DCU.