Gay Ice Hockey Drama 'Heated Rivalry' Defies Russian Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws to Become Unexpected Hit
The television drama "Heated Rivalry" has emerged as a global sensation, captivating audiences worldwide with its portrayal of a clandestine gay romance between Canadian and Russian ice hockey players. Despite originating as a word-of-mouth success in the United States and Canada in December 2025, the series has rapidly transformed into a cultural phenomenon, propelling its previously unknown stars, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, to international fame.
From Obscurity to Global Acclaim
Based on Rachel Reid's 2019 novel, the narrative follows the decade-long secret relationship between Canadian player Shane Hollander, portrayed by Williams, and Russian athlete Ilya Rozanov, played by Storrie. The show masterfully blends slow-building romantic tension with explicit scenes, creating a compelling story that has resonated across borders. The actors' meteoric rise has seen them grace stages at the Golden Globes, walk Milan's fashion catwalks, and even participate in torch-bearing ceremonies for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Unexpected Popularity in a Hostile Climate
As the series launches across Europe, its most surprising reception has been in Russia, where homosexuality is illegal and the show will never receive an official release. Western sanctions on streaming platforms make accessing Western television challenging for Russian viewers, yet they are finding ways to watch "Heated Rivalry" on unofficial platforms. Despite anti-gay laws that could lead to punishment for sharing such content, Russian audiences are actively engaging with the show.
On the Russian film database Kinopoisk, similar to IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes, "Heated Rivalry" has achieved an impressive 8.6 rating. This score represents the highest television show ranking of all time according to Russian viewers, surpassing acclaimed series like "Breaking Bad" and "Game of Thrones."
Voices from Within Russia
Journalist and author Mikhail Zygar, who grew up as a closeted gay man in Russia, views the show's popularity as inspiring. He believes it serves as "an attempt to normalize the discourse" not only within the LGBTQ+ community but among all Russians. "It shows that it is OK. That people can fall in love and it's so beautiful. And the popularity of this TV show definitely may change some perception from the broader audience," Zygar remarked.
However, he acknowledges the harsh reality for LGBTQ+ individuals in Russia, where legal and public pressure has intensified, particularly since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. President Vladimir Putin has framed the conflict as a battle against Western values, including LGBTQ+ rights, which he claims threaten Russia's "traditional family values."
Legal Crackdowns and Censorship
Russian law bans any positive or neutral depiction of gay and transgender people, prohibits gender-affirming care, and, since a November 2023 Supreme Court ruling, classifies the "international LGBT movement" as extremist. This classification carries potential prison sentences of up to six years for involvement with LGBTQ+ communities.
Conservative groups have reacted strongly to the show's content. Georgy Soldatov, head of the Sorok Sorokov center in Moscow, expressed shock at the gay sexual scenes, stating he lodged a petition with the Prosecutor General's Office against those posting the content, which he described as "the propaganda of untraditional sexual relationship." This classification often leads to censorship, with instances like Russian streaming services cutting transgender characters from "Twin Peaks" or removing scenes featuring gay characters from "The Sopranos."
Contrasting International Responses
While Russia enforces strict censorship, the United States has seen a surge in LGBTQ+ romance sales. According to Brenna Conner, an analyst at Circana, "In the five weeks ending Jan. 10, 2026, LGBTQ+ romance sales surged more than 100% in unit sales compared to the same period the previous year, with 'Heated Rivalry' leading the growth."
In Russia, authorities have taken aggressive actions, such as launching a criminal probe against a Moscow publishing house for books depicting LGBTQ+ relations, raiding staff homes, and detaining individuals, with three placed under house arrest.
A Symbol of Resistance
Zygar interprets the show's popularity in Russia as a form of resistance and moral support for the LGBTQ+ community. "It shows us that they're trying to remain normal, they're trying to remain resistant to the attempt of Putin's regime to brainwash them. They are not brainwashed; they are not ready to agree with the propaganda and with official anti-LGBT mantras. They live their life, and they watch what they want to watch," he concluded.
Ultimately, "Heated Rivalry" stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to transcend political barriers, offering a glimpse of hope and connection in a climate of repression.
