The landscape of contemporary streaming has dramatically expanded to embrace narratives that reflect a wider spectrum of human experience, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Shows like HBO Max's Heated Rivalry have captivated audiences not just with their high-stakes athletic drama but, more significantly, with their portrayal of complex, passionate queer relationships. This groundbreaking series, focusing on the clandestine romance between rival hockey stars Shane and Ilya, has set a new benchmark for combining intense competition with deeply personal stories of love and identity (Harvard, 2024). For those who devoured every moment of its sweaty, romantic tension and are now searching for similar experiences, a wealth of compelling options awaits. Whether you're drawn to the competitive spirit, the nuanced queer relationships, or both, there are numerous shows like 'Heated Rivalry' that promise to keep you just as engrossed.
Heated Rivalry itself masterfully combines the cutthroat world of ice hockey with an intense, years-long secret affair between Japanese-Canadian team captain Shane (Hudson Williams) and headstrong Russian player Ilya (Connor Storrie). Beyond their public rivalry, their private encounters escalate from casual to deeply romantic, all against the backdrop of competitive sports. The series also cleverly weaves in other queer narratives, such as the complicated dynamic between an American team captain and a smoothie barista. Its success in securing a renewal underscored the demand for authentic, steamy, and unapologetically queer programming. If you're ready to dive into more narratives that blend passion, competition, and compelling queer representation, here are 15 shows like 'Heated Rivalry' that should be next on your watch list.
The Thrill of Competition: Sports and High-Stakes Environments
Many fans of Heated Rivalry are drawn to its unique blend of intense athletic competition and the personal dramas that unfold within it. These shows offer similar high-stakes settings, whether on the field, the ice, or in fantastical worlds, providing a compelling backdrop for deep character exploration and often, unexpected romance.
Yuri on Ice (2016)
From the ice hockey rinks of Canada to the dazzling world of figure skating in Japan, Yuri on Ice has garnered critical acclaim as one of the best-reviewed anime of the last decade. The series follows 23-year-old skater Yuri Katsuki, who returns to his hometown after a crushing defeat. His impromptu routine going viral catches the eye of former champion Victor Nikiforov, who offers to coach him. Their developing relationship is complex, compellingly twisty, and visually stunning, earning praise for its accuracy from both figure skaters and even pole dancers. It's a must-watch for its elegant portrayal of ambition and affection.
Stream Yuri on Ice on Hulu and Crunchyroll.
A League of Their Own (2022)
Expanding on the beloved 1992 film, this series delves deeper into the real-life story of the Rockford Peaches, a women's professional baseball team in 1943. Starring Abbi Jacobson, Chanté Adams, and D'Arcy Carden as Carson, Max, and Greta, the show explores various queer journeys, from comfortable self-acceptance to hesitant exploration. While fictionalized, it offers a more historically accurate portrayal of the LGBTQ+ makeup within the team than its cinematic predecessor. It's a poignant and powerful narrative about finding identity and community in challenging times.
Stream A League of Their Own on Prime Video.
Olympo (2025)
For a dose of sex, desire, and queer longing in the high-pressure world of competitive sports, look no further than this Spanish-language series. Set at the Pirineos Center of High Performance, young athletes battle for supremacy and lucrative sponsorship deals. The central, steamy, and secretive relationship between Roque Pérez (Agustín Della Corte) and Sebas Senghor (Juan Perale) echoes the dynamic of Heated Rivalry, but with the added intensity of rugby. It's a fresh take on athletic ambition mixed with personal passion.
Stream Olympo on Netflix.
Yellowjackets (2021 - )
Though tonally distinct, Yellowjackets offers a compelling blend of sports and queer characters within a survival drama. The series follows a high school girls' soccer team whose plane crashes in the wilderness in 1996, leading to unimaginable acts of survival. The show expertly weaves between past and present, revealing the lasting impact of their ordeal, particularly on characters like Taissa (Jasmin Savoy Brown) and Van (Liv Hewson). It's a dark, psychological thriller that explores the brutal realities of human nature and the secrets we keep.
Shoresy (2022 - )
If you're primarily drawn to Heated Rivalry for its authentic hockey setting, then this Letterkenny spin-off is an excellent choice. Starring and created by Jared Keeso, who plays the titular character, the show follows veteran player Shoresy as he moves to Sudbury, Ontario, determined to save the struggling Sudbury Bulldogs. The comedy is both raunchy and sweet, reminiscent of Ted Lasso, and features solid queer representation among its secondary characters. Notably, executive producer Jacob Tierney, who also created Heated Rivalry, is involved, ensuring a similar feel for hockey aficionados.
Stream Shoresy on Hulu.
Arcane (2021 - )
While not a traditional sports drama, Arcane delivers the kind of high-stakes, competitive environment and deeply complex relationships that fans of shows like 'Heated Rivalry' will appreciate. Set in the steampunk cities of Piltover and Zaun, this animated series explores the power struggles between two sisters, Vi and Jinx, and their intertwined destinies with other compelling characters like Caitlyn and Mel Medarda. The series is lauded for its stunning animation, intricate world-building, and powerful emotional core (Mayo Clinic, 2023), with significant queer subtext and compelling character dynamics that drive the narrative forward.
Love, Identity, and Coming-of-Age: Queer Narratives Unpacked
Beyond the athletic arena, many compelling series explore the intricacies of queer relationships, self-discovery, and navigating identity in various social landscapes. These shows delve into the emotional depth and personal journeys that resonate with the heart of Heated Rivalry.
Twenties (2020 - 2021)
Created by Lena Waithe, this comedy follows Hattie, an aspiring screenwriter and queer Black woman, as she navigates life and work in Los Angeles with her straight best friends, Marie (Christina Elmore) and Nia (Gabrielle Graham). The tone is loose and funny, capturing the camaraderie and trash-talking among friends, while still conveying the struggles of young people striving to make it in a hyper-competitive industry. It's a refreshing look at friendship, ambition, and identity.
Stream Twenties on Paramount+ and BET+.
Young Royals (2021 - 2024)
This steamy soap opera follows Wilhelm (Edvin Ryding), the fictional prince of Sweden, as he embarks on a clandestine romance with another student, Simon Eriksson (Omar Rudberg), at their elite boarding school. While not focused on sports, the intense social competition among these attractive young queers and their classmates creates a similar high-pressure atmosphere. Young Royals stands out for its commitment to casting age-appropriate actors and its serious, remarkably fresh approach to the teen drama genre, making it incredibly addictive.
Stream Young Royals on Netflix.
GLOW (2017 - 2019)
A fun comedy-drama set in the 1980s, GLOW centers on Alison Brie's Ruth Wilder, a serious but out-of-work actor who joins the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. The show's heightened drama, meticulous period detail, and willingness to be a little silly were key highlights. It also features multiple queer characters, with the growing relationship between Yolanda (Shakira Barrera) and Arthie (Sunita Mani) being a prominent focus, and wrestling producer Bash exploring his own sexuality amidst the Reagan-era AIDS crisis. It's a vibrant portrayal of female empowerment and self-discovery.
Stream GLOW on Netflix.
Overcompensating (2025 - )
Comedian Benito Skinner stars (as himself, kinda) in this buzzy comedy about a former high school jock navigating his freshman year of college while desperately trying to convince everyone he's straight. Much like Heated Rivalry, this streaming show with queer leads has been renewed, highlighting its appeal. It deftly blends the raunchy humor of a college comedy with a sweet coming-of-age story about self-acceptance. The cast, including Adam DiMarco (The White Lotus) and Rish Shah (Ms. Marvel), brings a fresh energy to this relatable narrative.
Stream Overcompensating on Prime Video.
Boots (2025)
Based on a memoir by Greg Cope White, this Netflix series, though unfortunately canceled, offers a poignant look at a closeted gay teen, Cameron Cope (Miles Heizer), who follows his best friend into the Army before the "Don't ask, don't tell" era. It captures the challenges and complexities of navigating identity in an environment where openness was not an option. While lacking the explicit romance of Heated Rivalry, it shares a similar theme of hidden desires and the search for connection under restrictive circumstances.
Stream Boots on Netflix.
Love, Victor (2020 - 2022)
For those who appreciate the journey of self-discovery alongside budding romance, Love, Victor offers a heartfelt and often humorous take on coming out and finding love in high school. A spin-off from the film Love, Simon, the series follows Victor Salazar as he navigates a new city, new friends, and his own sexual orientation. While lacking the intense athletic competition of shows like 'Heated Rivalry', it shares a similar focus on the emotional complexities of a young queer person finding their place and forming meaningful connections.
Heartstopper (2022 - )
An affirming coming-of-age story, Heartstopper is the queer teen love story many viewers need. It focuses more on the tender moments of first love, shared glances, and heartfelt kisses than the illicit sex found in Heated Rivalry. The series, starring Kit Connor and Joe Locke, delivers sensitive and often very funny performances. While it never shies away from the realities of homophobia, it equally refuses to wallow in tragedy, offering a nearly all-smiles narrative that feels genuinely uplifting and sweet without being treacly.
Stream Heartstopper on Netflix.
Global & Animated Perspectives: Diverse Queer Stories
The global entertainment landscape and the world of animation offer an incredible range of queer stories, often bringing unique cultural insights and artistic styles to themes of love, competition, and personal growth. These shows expand the horizons for fans seeking diverse narratives.
Given (2019)
As a notable BL (Boy's Love) anime, Given follows four adults who unite to form a rock band, using music to connect and navigate past trauma. While the original manga features multiple gay storylines, the anime primarily focuses on the evolving relationship between Ritsuka and Mafuyu, whose guitarist boyfriend died by suicide. Much like Heated Rivalry, it explores the complexities of relationships within a high-pressure, passion-driven environment, albeit a musical one. It's a deeply emotional series about healing and finding connection through shared artistic expression.
Stream Given on Crunchyroll or buy it from Prime Video.
Our Flag Means Death (2022 - )
Blending historical comedy with a surprisingly tender queer romance, Our Flag Means Death offers a unique flavor for viewers who enjoyed the unexpected intimacy in shows like 'Heated Rivalry'. The series follows Stede Bonnet, an aristocrat who abandons his life to become a pirate captain, and his growing, undeniable connection with the legendary Blackbeard. Set on the high seas, it's a story of finding oneself, building an unconventional family, and the profound vulnerability of falling in love in a high-stakes, often absurd, environment. It's a beautifully crafted show that has been praised for its authentic and joyful representation of queer love (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
From the intense rivalries of the ice rink to the tender moments of self-discovery, the landscape of streaming offers a rich tapestry of queer stories that resonate with the passion and complexity found in Heated Rivalry. Whether you're seeking more sports-centric dramas, heartfelt coming-of-age tales, or unique global perspectives, these 15 shows provide compelling narratives that celebrate love, identity, and the thrill of competition. Dive in and find your next obsession among these captivating series.
