The Best Books, Movies, Video Games, and Podcasts to Listen to After Watching “Heavy Rivalry.”
It was the water bottle scene, wasn’t it? The moment you realized “Heat Rivalry” was something special. Whether or not you were familiar with Rachel Reed’s romances before the Canadian adaptation landed on HBO last year, it was that thrilling moment, a blend of recognition, longing, and passion, that made many viewers realize the relationship between Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storry) would leave its mark.
If you’ve already watched six episodes of the first season (and all the similar series we’ve recommended) and feel like you’re still missing some sports romance, it’s time to expand your horizons and explore other forms of media. There are plenty of books, movies, games, and podcasts to help you catch up until Shane and Ilya’s story continues in season two.
The Best Books to Read After Watching “Heavy Rivalry”
One of the things that makes “Heaty Rivalry” stand out is how effectively it conveys intimacy: the development of the bond between Ilya and Shane, from a fleeting fling to a life-changing event, is simply delightful to watch. Nothing beats a good book for creating intimacy, so here are a few books that fans of “Heaty Rivalry” will love.
“The Tipping Point” by Rachel Reed
It’s an obvious, but necessary choice. Rachel Reed’s Game Changers series has seven books, with another coming next year. If you want to relive the show’s rivalries, romance, and captivating characters, start with Game Changer ; the first book in the series explores Scott and Kip’s relationship, from their first smoothie to that surprising moment on the ice when Scott comes out in the most dramatic and beautiful way. Then, relive Shane and Ilya’s story in Heated Rivalry and get a glimpse of the show’s second season in the direct sequel , The Long Game .
“Him ” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
If your favorite part of “Heated Rivalry” is the slow-burn relationship between Ilya and Shane, where they first deny their feelings and then fall hopelessly for each other, then “Him” is just what you need. It’s the story of Jamie and Ryan, best friends who, as teenagers, had a drunken sexual encounter at hockey camp that seemingly ended their friendship. When they meet face-to-face during a college game, they have a chance to set the record straight and perhaps embrace what they truly mean to each other.
Two Left Feet by Callie Emblidge
If you’re looking for more “Heaty Rivalries” with a dash of “Ted Lasso,” watch “Two Left Feet.” Oliver is a star player in the Premier League until an injury cuts his season short. Leo is called up to replace him, and Oliver is tasked with ensuring Leo fits in, but he worries that Leo is trying to take his place permanently. But as they work together, something more complex than just a professional rivalry begins to emerge.
Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
This book is perhaps closest in tone to “Bitter Rivalry,” as it explores the relationship between Alex Claremont-Diaz, the son of the US president, and England’s Prince Henry. The young people initially hate each other, but when this tension escalates into an awkward PR disaster, they are forced to pretend to reconcile and smile for the cameras. However, the deception begins to escalate into something real when they are forced to spend time together, but their public roles require them to keep everything secret.
Gravity , Tal Bauer
If you’re looking to re-immerse yourself in the politics and perils of life in the brutal world of professional hockey, Gravity is a great choice. Bryce lives and breathes hockey, and through hard work, he’s become captain of the Montreal Etoiles, a team on a Stanley Cup run. But when he meets mediocre player Hunter Lacy, he begins to lose the focus that made him a superstar. And then he begins making decisions that threaten his image and his entire career. But maybe it’s worth it.
Best movies like “Heat of Rivalry”
“Tense Rivalry” isn’t just a thoughtful romantic story; it’s a visual delight. From the rippling abs to the action-packed hockey scenes, it’s a joy to watch. If you’re looking for a longer visual experience, here are a few feature-length films that offer a similar experience.
We Are All Strangers (2023)
Part ghost story, part romance, this story is a poignant exploration of missed opportunities and grief. When withdrawn, depressed writer Adam (Andrew Scott) meets Harry (Paul Mescal) in his apartment building, he flees his advances. But when he begins having visions of his deceased parents, whom he lost as a child, he begins to see Harry and gradually learns to let go of his grief—until a final, heartbreaking plot twist you won’t soon forget. Watch We Are All Strangers on Prime Video .
Portrait of a Woman on Fire (2019)
If you were moved by the emotional rollercoaster that so captivated you in “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” you’re definitely worth watching. In the 18th century, Marianne is hired to act as companion to a young noblewoman named Héloïse on a secluded island. Marianne’s real mission is to secretly paint Héloïse’s portrait in honor of her engagement; Héloïse is unhappy with the wedding and refuses to pose. As the women grow closer, they enjoy several days of turbulent passion that rapidly approaches a lyrical, doomed conclusion. Watch “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” on Hulu or HBO Max , or rent it on Prime Video .
Contenders (2024)
With sports, passionate bisexual energy, and genuinely attractive people, Challengers is the perfect replacement for Heated Rivalry. Swapping hockey for tennis, the film follows the careers and intensely passionate threesome of professional tennis players Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor), Art Donaldson (Mike Feist), and Tasha Duncan (Zendaya) as they navigate varying levels of professional success, injuries, and personal drama. While the film isn’t explicitly queer (Patrick and Art vie for Zendaya’s attention), the subtext is so close to the surface that fans of Heated Rivalry will love it. Challengers is available to stream on Hulu or rent on Prime Video .
National Anthem (2023)
Despite the progress made, there are still many places and subcultures in our country where being openly gay isn’t always safe or easy. “The National Anthem” tells the story of Dylan (Charlie Plumber), a young man who takes a job on a ranch in New Mexico and encounters a happy, vibrant queer community. Fascinated by Skye (Eva Lindley), a transgender woman, he gradually learns to accept himself for who he is and how he wants to live. “The National Anthem” is available to watch on Hulu or rent on Prime Video .
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Ennis and Jack had to crawl so Shane and Ilya could skate. This classic “queer cowboy” film, starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, isn’t just an iconic moment in queer cinema; it’s a truly remarkable work of art, bolstered by two incredible performances. The story of two men who meet while working seasonally on a Wyoming ranch in the 1960s and begin an on-again, off-again romance they must keep secret is still as emotionally powerful today as it was twenty years ago. Watch Brokeback Mountain on Prime Video .
The best video games like Heated Rivalry
If you prefer to be a part of your stories, don’t worry: there are options for gamers who enjoy Heated Rivalry , too.
Shorsi: Legends of the North
Heated Rivalry was created for Canadian television by Jacob Tierney, who you may know from his other series, Letterkenny and Shoresy . The latter tells the story of a hockey player who joins a team in last place in the league standings and was adapted into the surprisingly engaging game Shoresy: Legends of the North . It’s a hockey game designed for those who don’t spend their entire lives thinking about hockey, and it includes both a gameplay-focused multiplayer mode and a more story-driven mode, with RPG elements, where the tonal similarities to Heated Rivalry really shine.
Platforms: Steam
Thirsty suitors
This game is all about atmosphere , and that atmosphere (a queer, South Asian version of Scott Pilgrim ) meshes perfectly with Heated Rivalry , despite the lack of hockey. You play as Jala, who returns home after a terrible breakup and finds herself embroiled in a series of brutal fights with her exes. Depending on your decisions during these battles, you can have several different outcomes for Jala and her exes, and this is where Rivalry’s inherent heart shines.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam
NHL 26
If one of the reasons you enjoy Heated Rivalry is because you love hockey, why not play the latest version of the game, which features Ilya and Shane competing against each other ? NHL 26 is a classic professional hockey video game that’s been around for over 25 years, so if you’re looking for more hockey action to keep you occupied until the next season, this is your chance.
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Steam
Best podcasts like Heated Rivalry
There’s nothing better than finding people who are just as passionate about a show as you are, or finding a story that evokes the same feelings. Here are some great podcasts for fans of “Heated Rivalry.”
Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Poscast
If you want to re-watch every episode, as well as listen to Long Game: a Heated Rivalry Podcast, which is full of analysis and lively discussions about the show’s themes, character development, and everything that makes it special, then you’ll want to check it out.
Forget it! A deep dive into the heated competition
“Puck It! A Penetrating Analysis of Heated Rivalry” is another podcast dedicated to this show if you don’t have enough people willing to have endless late-night discussions about it.
Big Gay Fiction Podcast
If “Heated Rivalry” introduced you to the world of queer romance and you’re actively searching for something new, then the Big Gay Fiction Podcast will be your guide to a world of books, films, and other media that celebrate queer love and the complexity of modern relationships.
Gay Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen might not immediately spring to mind in the context of ” Heat Rivalry,” but romance is romance, and no one captured the “from enemies to lovers” theme better than Austen in “Pride and Prejudice . ” “Pride and Prejudice for Gays” is a first-rate production that retells the story through a modern, queer perspective that taps into the same pleasure centers in your brain.
Roommates
If you’re looking for a more tender story of queer romance featuring guys who gradually learn to love each other, Roommates is a great choice. During the pandemic and lockdown, two second-year students are placed together in the same dorm, leading to a relationship that initially seems extremely awkward but eventually becomes truly passionate .