This content includes spoilers for the TV series Heated Rivalry.
When snippets of the Canadian drama Heated Rivalry began circulating on TikTok towards the end of the previous year, Dima, a 24-year-old engineer residing in Moscow, found himself drawn to the captivating 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, Dima became engrossed. He was particularly impressed by the portrayal of Ilya Rozanov, a conceited and magnetic Russian center, by U.S. actor Connor Storrie, especially his adeptness at capturing the Russian accent with precision.
Furthermore, he resonated deeply with Rozanov’s internal struggle concerning his sexual orientation.
“When Ilya expresses concerns about not being able to come out and return to his homeland – that’s the stark reality,” shared Dima. For safety reasons related to Russia’s stringent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, CBC News is referring to him using only his first name.
“Previously, it was merely frowned upon. Now, it’s a basis for animosity … they might assault you, detain you, or even apprehend you.”
Calls for the Show’s Ban
Adapted from a book series by Canadian author Rachel Reid, the show depicts the evolving relationship between Rozanov and Asian-Canadian athlete Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams) as they navigate their emotions for each other amidst fierce on-ice competition.
It has garnered widespread attention globally, sparking discussions on sexuality, homophobia in sports, and inclusivity, challenging traditional notions of masculinity in the process.
In Canada, the series was produced for Bell Media’s streaming service Crave, while it airs on HBO Max in the United States. However, in Russia, access is limited to VPNs or unauthorized platforms with subtitles or Russian dubbing.
Despite being inaccessible through legal means in Russia due to licensing constraints, a <a href="https://novayagazeta.eu/articles/2026/01/10/orthodox-christian-group-calls-for-sodomite-heated-rivalry-to-be-banned-in-russia