“Russian Fans Embrace Controversial Show Heated Rivalry”

This article contains spoilers for the show Heated Rivalry.

When glimpses of the Canadian drama Heated Rivalry began circulating on TikTok towards the conclusion of the previous year, Dima, a 24-year-old engineer from Moscow, found himself captivated by the passionate storyline revolving around the romantic bond between two professional ice hockey players – one hailing from Canada and the other from Russia.

Upon delving into the series, he was immediately drawn in. Impressed by the skill of U.S. actor Connor Storrie in authentically portraying the character Ilya Rozanov, a conceited and charming Russian center, Dima connected deeply with Rozanov’s internal conflict regarding his sexual identity.

“When Ilya expresses his dilemma about the repercussions of coming out and not being able to return to his homeland – that’s undeniably true,” shared Dima, who CBC News has identified only by his first name due to the stringent anti-LGBTQ+ regulations in Russia.

“Previously, it was merely frowned upon. Now, it has escalated to a basis for animosity… they have the authority to assault you, detain you, or apprehend you.”

Demands to Prohibit the Show

Adapted from a series of novels by Canadian writer Rachel Reid, the show chronicles the evolving relationship between Rozanov and Asian-Canadian athlete Shane Hollander (portrayed by Canadian actor Hudson Williams) as they navigate their emotions for each other amidst a fierce on-ice rivalry.

The series has gained worldwide attention, initiating dialogues on sexuality, homophobia in sports, and acceptance, all while challenging conventional notions of masculinity.

In Canada, the production was developed for Bell Media’s streaming service, Crave, and is broadcasted on HBO Max in the United States, while in Russia, access is limited to VPNs or unauthorized websites, often accompanied by subtitles or a Russian dub.

Despite being unavailable for legal viewing in Russia due to licensing constraints, a national Orthodox group is advocating for its outright prohibition citing instances of “unnatural debauchery.”

Although the Kremlin has enforced progressively restrictive anti-LGBTQ+ statutes, numerous Russian admirers are expressing their affection and support for the series online.