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Heated Rivalry Is a Breakout on HBO Max, Putting Queer Intimacy Front and Center

Fan-fueled momentum has pushed the hockey romance up HBO Max’s rankings, drawing scrutiny for its explicit approach to sex.

Overview

  • The series, adapted from Rachel Reid’s Game Changers, is releasing weekly on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the US and Australia, with a UK date yet to be announced.
  • After fan edits and social buzz, HBO Max joined the Crave original shortly before launch, and the show now ranks No. 2 on the service, according to Bustle.
  • Showrunner Jacob Tierney describes sex as the story’s driving language, with tightly choreographed intimacy used to track the leads’ evolving communication.
  • The TV version reshapes the books by spotlighting Shane’s background, stretching the relationship timeline, and dedicating an episode to teammate Scott Hunter.
  • The show’s surge is already rippling through development, with Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe backing a Cleat Cute adaptation that remains in development without a network.