“Heated Rivalry” Popularity Heads to Italy After US Buzz

“Heated Rivalry” will debut in Italy in February after becoming a pop phenomenon in the United States, with Angelo Carotenuto arguing its secret hockey romance gains force in a sports culture that prizes masculinity.The HBO Max and Crave series, adapted from Rachel Reid’s books, follows rivals Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov as hidden lovers whose on-screen kiss sparked fan-made music videos, merchandise, and tattoos.Therapists and academics tie the appeal to consent-forward intimacy, balanced power dynamics and escalating sexual tension, while Jen Winston says its bisexuality themes and attractive male queerness can prompt viewers and bi men to explore desire more openly.