Heated Rivalry: The HBO Max Series Turning Tension into Foreplay

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You know a show is about to explode when the actors can’t even talk about it without the room going feral. That’s what happened when Heated Rivalry stars Connor Story and Hudson Williams hit the studio this week — laughter, blushing, and zero denial that the series is, in their words, “three sex scenes per episode and all emotion in between.”

The series hasn’t even officially premiered, and it’s already gone viral — trending across queer Twitter, blowing up BookTok, and snagging HBO Max distribution in the US and Australia.

So what’s the hype really about?

From BookTok to HBO Max

Connor confirmed what fans suspected: Heated Rivalry started as a book by Canadian author Rachel Reid, part of a wildly popular “hockey romance” genre that’s dominated BookTok.

“People already love these characters,” Connor said. “And the ones who haven’t read the book are just like, ‘Wait—what is this? I haven’t seen something like this before.’”

Hudson jumped in: “It’s the combo. You’ve got sports, queer storylines, and real emotional depth. That’s not something TV has done together like this before.”

Basically? Blades, bruises, and bisexual panic.

Enemies, Lovers, Eight Years of Tension

Hudson described the core of the story as “a relationship that spans eight years, full of tension — both public and private.” His character, Ilya, deals with family pressure, identity, and race, while Connor’s plays the golden-boy rival whose life isn’t nearly as put-together as it looks.

“It’s not easy,” Hudson said. “It goes places. A lot of places.”

How Real Did It Get?

Apparently, very. Connor revealed he learned Russian for the role — accent and all — while both actors trained to skate “every day for weeks” before filming.

“We joked that we look like NHL players from the waist up,” he laughed. “From the knees down, maybe not.”

Still, the commitment shows on screen. The skating scenes look legit — and the chemistry looks even more so.

“Three Sex Scenes per Episode”

Let’s not pretend this show’s PG-13. The interviewer said it best: “There are three sex scenes per episode that redefine the word steamy.”

Connor didn’t flinch. “Me and Hudson are best friends,” he said. “Honestly, that made it easier. When you trust the person, it’s not awkward — it’s teamwork.”

Hudson added that their director and intimacy coordinator made the process feel “open, honest, and playful.”

In other words: mutual respect and professional chaos — the best recipe for on-screen chemistry.

The Chemistry Everyone’s Talking About

Even the host couldn’t hide it: “The chemistry just jumps off the screen and hits you in the face.”

And honestly, she’s right. Whether it’s rivalry banter, locker-room tension, or that near-kiss in the trailer, the connection between Connor and Hudson feels lived-in — like two people who know each other’s weaknesses and enjoy pressing on them.

Hudson said it comes down to their shared approach to acting: “We both like to keep it fun. We don’t over-intellectualize it. That sense of play keeps the energy alive.”

Connor laughed, adding, “You need that. Otherwise it turns into an actual rivalry.”

The Interview Game: Drake vs. Kendrick, Gaga vs. Madonna

Things got chaotic when the host threw them into a lightning round of famous rivalries:

• Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake?
  Connor: “Kendrick.”
  Hudson: “Drake — I’m Canadian, I have to.”

• DMs vs. Dating Apps?
  Both: “DMs! You get the vibe first.”

• Lady Gaga vs. Madonna?
  Hudson: “Gaga. The acting.”
  Connor: “Gaga because of the meat dress.”

And the final one? “Thirst traps or crying selfies?”
Connor didn’t hesitate: “Thirst, baby.”

Mood.

The Premiere

The first two episodes drop Friday on Crave (and HBO Max internationally) — and according to the hosts, it’s “the kind of show you watch with your fan, your drink, and your group chat open.”

Between the book fandom, queer sports angle, and off-the-charts chemistry, Heated Rivalry is shaping up to be the queer TV event of the year.

So yeah — grab your snacks, text your ex, and get ready to pick a side.

Team Ilya or Team Shane — there’s no neutral zone.