US EditionGay ice hockey drama 'Heated Rivalry' becomes a surprise hit in Russia despite anti-LGBTQ+ laws
- Jonah De Simone, former Guelph Gryphon and on-ice body double, performed for Hudson Williams during filming at the Sleeman Centre using Guelph Storm branding.
- On a tight budget under $5 million, the series was shot in just over a month, prompting local hires and consulting from Josh Dixon, Guelph Gryphons head coach.
- Jacob Tierney created, wrote and directed Heated Rivalry, which debuted on Crave on November 28 and quickly became Crave's most-watched original with season two confirmed.
- Local advocates say the show fills a gap in men's sports representation and hope the Guelph Storm will expand pride nights and embrace this cultural moment.
- Internationally, audiences in countries with restricted LGBTQ rights, including Russia, and Chinese audiences earlier this month have sought out the series through unofficial means as episode five drives intense attention.
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Midland Today
TV hit Heated Rivalry reflects Canadian values as LGBTQ rights threatened: Carney
OTTAWA — The Canadian TV show about two professional hockey players who fall in love reflects Canadian values in a world where LGBTQ rights are under threat, Prime Minister Mark Carney said.
Does Hudson Williams Regret Doing Heated Rivalry? Star Unveils Dark Side Of Fame As He Plans 'Exits' From Crowds
Hudson Williams, the breakout star of the global hit 'Heated Rivalry', has delivered a raw and vulnerable account of the 'psychological toll' caused by his meteoric rise to A-list status. Speaking on the Shut Up Evan podcast on 20 January 2026, the 24-year-old Canadian actor revealed that he and co-star Connor Storrie have had to 'learn in 30 days what many actors learn in five years.' In just a few weeks, they spoke at the Golden Globes and wal…
Why Has ‘Heated Rivalry’ Launched So Much Heated Discourse?
Fanfiction, erotica, and romance allow fans and creators to escape reality and enter into fantasy, to hope for a version of a better world. Perhaps Heated Rivalry generates so much discourse because of the power, danger, and necessity of this kind of hope.
Until the end of the year, Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams were two unknown players from the big audience, living from small roles and works in restaurants to survive. Until he disappeared, in the North Hemisphere, the series "Heated Rivalry" ("heated rivalry" in English). The series, which arrived in Brazil on 11 February by HBO Max, is focused on two hockey players in the ice, the Russian Ilya Rozanov (Connor) and the Canadian Shane Holland…
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