Heated Rivalry 1x1 (Early Access)
Added 2026-02-15 23:00:14 +0000 UTC
Comments
It's also the way they keep distance between themselves. It's their way of keeping it 'casual'. First names feel too intimate for them.
Kris
2026-02-24 17:14:36 +0000 UTCJust know it is a love story. They have to work for the love but there’s a pay off. This show does an amazing job of not being too on the nose. Like you have to actually pay attention to the characters and the acting and the subtlety to get information which I love. The show is explicit but the sex scenes do provide insight into where they are at in the relationship
Quin Wolter
2026-02-17 17:54:27 +0000 UTCIt is perfectly acceptable to uncomfortably giggle and make awkward jokes when watching any sex scene with the boys lol.
ShittyShittyGameGang
2026-02-16 15:33:20 +0000 UTCYall asked why they're using their last names (I know it bugged me too, they're so long compared to firsts) but that's just hockey culture. I learned this from the shows Letterkenny & Shoresy (both Canadian as well). Hockey players always call eachother by the last name. And they sometimes will add an -ey or y at the end of the name like Jonesy in Letterkenny (I'm pretty sure his last name is actually just Jones).
ShittyShittyGameGang
2026-02-16 15:03:14 +0000 UTCI JUST finished this show last night. I'm so excited.
ShittyShittyGameGang
2026-02-16 14:09:49 +0000 UTCGreat reaction guys, glad you enjoyed the first episode. Apparently a US network wanted the show, but had so many stipulations (i.e. no kissing until ep. 5) that they took it to Crave in Canada instead - what a different show that would've been! The calling each other by their last names thing is a way to keep it impersonal - something to keep an eye (ear?) on maybe. On a side note, has Blake not seen Shoresy? It is a spin-off of Letterkenny (both of which Jacob Tierney was involved in). About a Canadian senior AAA hockey team. No intimate scenes that I recall, but a lot of ... creative chirps.
Yoiboi
2026-02-16 06:51:42 +0000 UTCSome things to know: - Shane is autistic which affects the way he processes his emotions and interacts with other characters so just keep that in mind. It's not explicitly stated in the show, but it was confirmed by the author of the books, the director of the show and Shane's actor Hudson, who was inspired by his own autistic father's mannerisms as well. - Ilya's actor Connor, is NOT Russian or even Eastern European at all. He's from Texas and is just insanely good at languages and accents. He had about 2 weeks to start learning Russian and developing the accent before they started filming. - Russia is not LGBT friendly, it's not illegal to be gay, but they do have anti-gay propaganda laws which allow the government to fine and imprison you for supporting or talking about it. So very much not safe for Ilya. - The NHL (MLH in this universe) has NEVER had a openly gay player. Hockey culture having a tendency to be very conservative (which adds to the layers of Shane being an Asian man in a very white dominated sport as well), hostile and full of toxic masculinity. Part of the hope is for this show to be able to change some things for the hockey league and for closeted players to feel safe. - This is based off a book series called Game Changers. Each book is set in the same universe, but focused on a different couple's story. Shane and Ilya's romance is covered in books 2 (Heated Rivalry), 6 (The Long Game) and upcoming 7th book (Unrivaled - coming in September). It's pretty damn accurate to the books so I recommend giving the books a try after you watch this first season.
sierra's reaction corner
2026-02-16 04:58:25 +0000 UTC♥️♥️♥️
Sissy Six
2026-02-16 04:32:07 +0000 UTCThe reaction was great I am happy you're enjoying it so far. It's such a well-made show with a lot of emotions so enjoy the ride! There are a lot of nuances to catch. I can't wait for the next one 💜🥹
Slaaverin
2026-02-16 03:49:55 +0000 UTCI can see the guys ending up really loving this show. Especially when they are this positive early on.
Ian Mossner
2026-02-16 03:17:01 +0000 UTCThe integrity would be a big thing. It’s one thing for a player to come out as gay, or bisexual, it’s another thing to be dating a rival from another team. Their loyalty to their teams and their past/future losses would be heavily scrutinized.
Crystal Pritchard
2026-02-16 02:31:03 +0000 UTClowkey nervous to watch this reaction😭 whilst this show is super focused on the physical aspect of their relationship there is a lot of emotional turmoil bubbling beneath the surface and this show is such a beautiful love story so i hope you guys enjoy
Princess Mia
2026-02-16 02:25:27 +0000 UTCI remember I clicked on this show as it was trending not one I would of normally watched but i ended up really liking a lot , after the fact I spoke with some coworkers and there’s a lot of things that went over my head however yall are catching a lot positive of watching it with others . There’s a lot that is filmed in a certain way for a reason so framework , lighting. Etc all play into it . And yes igli statistically Ilya would be intact but I’m sure he was doing more than just washing it in that scene haha I also like post discussion how Corey’s first feedback was about the scenes haha great job you guys ! It’s hard to find people who are willing to explores new themes and genres, I have my own raggedy pack I made along the years and we love recommending movies to eachother from black and white to musicals to horror . It’s amazing 🤩
Juan Trujillo
2026-02-16 02:15:40 +0000 UTCI have no self restraint, couldn’t wait until these were on YouTube, has to subscribe to the patreon again
Crystal Pritchard
2026-02-16 01:04:47 +0000 UTCAwesome reaction boys! Strap in, you're in for a ride. Yes, Blake we defended you in the comments. You all killed it. Can't wait for the next reaction ❤️
Clayton Bockman
2026-02-16 00:55:33 +0000 UTCI love this show! After watching it, and from some of my understanding, these are just some of my observations (and I haven’t read the books these were based off, yet)... If Shane and Ilya had come out at that point in their careers, the fallout could’ve been huge. They’re both young and still building their reputations. In a league where no active NHL player has ever come out while playing, that alone shows how much risk there still is — especially in a sport with a traditionally conservative, hyper-masculine culture. For Shane, being a young Asian Canadian star already puts him under a microscope. Coming out back then could’ve meant lost endorsements, awkward locker room dynamics, intense media pressure, and a real identity crisis — especially since he hasn’t fully accepted himself yet. Hockey is his whole world. If that foundation feels threatened, it could completely shake him. For Ilya, it’s even heavier. With Russia’s anti-LGBT laws and overall climate, going home wouldn’t really be an option. On top of that, if he’s financially supporting his family back home, that’s even more pressure — losing sponsorships or damaging his career wouldn’t just affect him, it could impact them too. And family rejection would be a real possibility. And if people found out they were together while playing on rival teams? Even if nothing improper happened, fans and media would question integrity — throwing games, sharing strategies, conflicts of interest. Perception alone could damage their careers. They’re not retiring vets with nothing to lose — they’re just starting out. That’s what makes it so intense. It’s not just romance, it’s the very real risk of losing everything they’ve worked for.
Jaydelle
2026-02-16 00:03:37 +0000 UTCahhh we cheered !!! between this show and euphoria, i'm a happy camper haha
ely
2026-02-15 23:57:20 +0000 UTCListening to your opening,….saying you don’t know what it’s about, just that it’s about hockey… WELP, you’re in for a ride. Haha
Mallary Hampton
2026-02-15 23:23:56 +0000 UTCOmg
Nasia
2026-02-15 23:01:30 +0000 UTC
