Gay hockey show ‘Heated Rivalry’ has viewers getting hot

The new TV show “Heated Rivalry” is getting rave reviews, and it seems tailor-made for gay fans and athletes. And anybody else.

The show centers its story on two gay pro hockey players — one American and one Russian — who have a heated on-ice rivaly, but who off the ice are in a romantic relationship.

So far the reviews from critics and fans seem to be glowing. On Rotten Tomatoes, it’s got an 86% from critics and a 95% from the public.

Hollywood Reporter critic Daniel Fienberg watched the first two episodes, and he seems to be yearning for more.

“So far Heated Rivalry is swoony, raunchy, very Canadian and will [be] satisfying viewers looking for seasonal flirtation (and more) without a trace of Christmas content,” he wrote.

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BuzzFeed editorial director Spencer Althouse said that “Heated Rivalry” is the “perfect show.”

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The leads of anticipated TV series Heated Rivalry can be seen in a steamy clinch, and writer Rachel Reid is ready for what’s to come.

The show is so good that various people are talking about already watching the first two episodes that have been released a second time. In a couple days.

Not surprising, with that kind of response, some people are already looking forward to season 2.. and season 6.

The show even grabbed the attention of the New York Times, which apparently made it one of its must-watch for the week.

Though warning — and not quite a spoiler alert, we have no idea what happens — one of the common reactions seems to be that the ending of episode 2 is a tough one. A “cliffhanger,” you might say?

Regardless, everyone seems to be absolutely in love with “Heated Rivalry.” With all this reaction, we’re even thinking of subscribing to HBO Max for a month or two just to watch. All the reviews seem to indicate some story, solid characters and, yes, some steamy romance. In hockey.

For the record, no current or former NHL player has ever come out publicly as gay or bi. It’s the only major men’s pro league in North America with zero out athletes to claim from its history. Every other league has at least two.

Let us know what you think. Outsports contributor Ken Schultz will have his full review of the first couple of episodes later this week.

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