NHL Reacts to Gay Hockey Drama Heated Rivalry’s Success

by

Fans of TV’s newest phenomenon are entering a new arena.

The new series Heated Rivalry, streaming on Crave and HBO Max, is generating excitement not just for its engaging story about a secret romance between rival hockey stars (played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie), but also for the renewed interest it’s bringing to the sport of hockey – something the NHL is happily embracing.

According to a league representative who spoke with The Hollywood Reporter on December 22nd, hockey is attracting new fans in unprecedented ways. They believe this current moment could be the most unique in the NHL’s 108-year history for building a wider fanbase.

The rep added, “See you all at the rink.”

It’s not surprising that the Canadian series is so inclusive. The show is based on novels by Rachel Reid, called Game Changers, and she specifically wanted them to address and challenge prejudice against LGBTQ+ people in sports.

Rachel shared with The Hollywood Reporter that she often considered the challenges faced by NHL players who hide their sexuality. This inspired her to write a story about a player who comes out and ultimately finds happiness and love.

The show has quickly made its two main actors famous, with viewers sharing enthusiastic and sometimes surprisingly candid reactions to their steamy love scenes online. While enjoying their newfound success, the actors are definitely aware of all the passionate comments from fans.

Connor, 25, recently told GQ Hype that he expected some level of objectification when he took the job, but he was surprised by all the attention on his physique. “I really didn’t think my butt would be such a topic of conversation,” he said.

Connor and Hudson, both 24, have intentionally kept their private lives private, especially because people have been speculating about their relationship.

In a recent interview with Deadline, Kate Hudson explained that if she ever imagined herself in the public spotlight, having privacy would always be a top priority for her.

And the same goes for Connor, who has also kept details about his dating preferences vague.

In a recent interview with Vulture, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to portray a character that resonates with so many people, offering them a sense of recognition and understanding. He believes this impact is more important than his personal relationships.

The season finale of Heated Rivalry will be available to stream on December 26th on HBO Max in the U.S. and Crave in Canada. Keep reading for more recommendations on great TV shows.

This season, eight Americans – including the outspoken Elise, who’s looking for a more settled life after her time on 90 Day: Hunt for Love – are moving abroad. They’re heading to places like the Philippines, Belize, Turkey, and Australia, hoping to build lasting relationships with people they’ve met online.

These couples are taking a leap of faith, following their hearts despite the challenges of long distance, uncertainty, and very different backgrounds. They face issues ranging from clashing expectations and family disapproval to secrets and controlling behavior, making their relationships incredibly complex. They’re risking everything, hoping their online connections can blossom into lasting, real-life love stories.

When Studio Bleu unexpectedly shut down, Glo quickly started over with a new venture called Project X, with her daughter Kaeli helping as a coach. Things get complicated when a new mother and dancer join the team, and a personal crisis faced by one of the moms deeply impacts the studio.

Season two provides a detailed look at the Notre Dame football team, showing what life is like for the players both on and off the field.

“Here Come the Irish” is a documentary that tells the story of the iconic Notre Dame football team, highlighting their hard work, dedication, and strong team spirit. It features exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with players and staff. The series shows the intense practices and game planning, as well as the excitement of game day. Beyond the field, it explores the players’ academic lives, personal backgrounds, and drive to succeed as one of the top college football programs.

In Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House, Chip and Joanna Gaines renovate a 1960s home in the Colorado mountains. They face challenges related to building and designing at a high altitude, but successfully combine the home’s original mid-century style with European design elements. The result is a beautiful and enduring family getaway in the Rockies.

When the magical borders protecting Camp Half-Blood are broken, Percy Jackson sets out on a dangerous quest to the Sea of Monsters. He’s searching for his friend Grover and the Golden Fleece, which might be the only thing that can save the camp. Along with Annabeth, Clarisse, and his new half-brother Tyson, a cyclops, Percy must survive and stop Luke, who’s working with the powerful Titan Kronos, from destroying Camp Half-Blood and eventually, Olympus.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve seen a lot of talent shows, but this one is different! We all know Simon Cowell – he’s discovered some of the biggest names in music, and now Netflix is giving us an inside look at his latest project: the search for the next global boyband. The cameras are with him everywhere – from the very first open auditions to the release of their first song. It’s a truly all-access pass, and honestly, it feels unlike anything he’s done before. You’ll get to see every high and low as he tries to strike gold again. It’s a fascinating look at the music industry and the pressure of creating the next big thing.

This suspenseful drama centers on Jess (Diane Kruger), Liz (Jo Joyner), Charlotte (Shelley Conn), and Mel (Emily Taaffe) – four women who became close friends during their pregnancies. Despite having little in common initially, they’ve supported each other through the ups and downs of motherhood. The story begins when Jess brings her daughter to the hospital with a mysterious head injury. Liz, a doctor working in the emergency room and a close friend to Jess, faces a difficult choice: whether to report her concerns to social services. That single decision sparks a series of events that threaten to shatter their families and their long-standing friendship.

This new documentary tells the moving story of a Long Island family as they try to solve the decades-old mystery of their father’s disappearance.

In the early 1960s, George Carroll abandoned his family, including his wife, Dorothy, and their four children. Years later, the pain of his departure still affects his children. In The Secrets We Bury, Mike Carroll searches for answers about what happened to his father, discovering a far more complicated and troubling story than his family ever knew.

The second season begins right after the dramatic events of the first season’s finale. It follows the characters as they travel through the dangerous Mojave Wasteland to reach the ruined city of New Vegas. You can watch the premiere of season two exclusively on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories around the world.

Oh my gosh, Emily is EVERYTHING! Watching her try to navigate life as the boss at Agence Grateau in Rome is just… intense. She’s finally starting to feel like she’s getting it, both at work and with… well, you know. But then, disaster! One little work idea goes wrong, and it totally spirals, leading to some seriously heartbreaking moments and career bumps. She tries to find comfort by really embracing the Parisian life she’s built, but then BAM! A huge secret comes out and threatens everything with one of her besties. It’s so stressful! But honestly, watching her face everything head-on and being truly honest? It’s amazing. She comes out stronger, with real connections, a clear vision of what she wants, and ready for whatever comes next. I’m seriously obsessed with her journey!

After almost ten years, Kumail Nanjiani is back with a new stand-up special called Night Thoughts. This one-hour show marks his return to the stage.

This six-part documentary series, filmed over several years on three continents, tells the story of six endangered young animals as they navigate their early lives. We follow their journey to the wild, witnessing the obstacles they face, their moments of success, and the incredible strength that helps them survive. The series also celebrates the dedicated people who work tirelessly to raise and protect these amazing creatures.

Get ready for more wacky adventures with the Watterson family! Gumball, Darwin, and the town of Elmore are back with even more hilarious chaos and bizarre situations. This season includes everything from a fake death promposal to a wild animal invasion and a spooky séance. The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball is full of funny satire that both kids and adults will enjoy, and it all leads to the return of the show’s biggest villain: Rob and The Void.

This winter, enjoy the warmth and comfort of a crackling fire at The Gaines’ Family Farm and Mountain House. This series brings the beauty of a Magnolia fireplace, decorated for the holidays with lights and greenery, right to you. Combined with the sounds of a cozy fire and gentle holiday music, it’s the perfect setting for a relaxing and festive get-together.

The first season of this 1970s Korean drama centers on Baek Kitae, a driven KCIA agent leading a double life. By day, he’s an agent, and by night, a smuggler – all fueled by a desire for power. Kitae quickly climbs the ranks, using his criminal activities to gain influence, safeguard his brother, and bring in significant funds for the agency. However, his rise is threatened by an unyielding prosecutor who refuses to be intimidated or corrupted. The series follows the intense conflict between these two men as they each try to destroy the other.

The final season continues Christmas Day.

This new show features people with huge, unique collections and helps them figure out how much their items are actually worth. These collections – ranging from thousands of superhero figures to crowded rooms full of vintage puppets and tiny collectibles – have taken over their homes. The owners must decide if they’re willing to sell some of their treasures to afford much-needed renovations. With a mix of heart, humor, and appreciation for collecting, Bobby Berk guides them through the process of sorting, appraising, and letting go of items, uncovering hidden value and ultimately achieving their dream home makeover.

The series is a thrilling spy story about Alexander Hale (Simu Liu), a Chinese-American intelligence analyst who discovers someone has hacked his brain. They can see and hear everything he does. Stuck between his secretive agency and the mysterious hackers, he has to act like everything is normal while trying to figure out who’s behind it and prove his loyalty.

Get ready to go wild with the comedy’s season four premiere.

I’m so excited for this new series! It’s amazing to see some of my favorite celebrities sharing really touching stories about people they’re grateful for. And then, with the help of Drew and Jonathan Scott, they’re actually doing something incredible to show that gratitude – completely transforming the homes of these special people! It’s going to be fun watching the celebrities get their hands dirty alongside the Scott Brothers, and I know the finished homes will be absolutely stunning and truly meaningful for those deserving individuals.

Diana Ross is set to perform on a world-famous stage, ringing in the new year with a dazzling show that’s sure to be a historic moment. Her performance will be a glamorous and unforgettable celebration of her biggest hits.

Read More

2025-12-23 19:48