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Heated Rivalry blazed into culture this winter and made history as a smash hit centering a romance—and explicit sexual relationship—between two male pro hockey players. The small Canadian production captivated American audiences with its depictions of consent, positive masculinity, and storybook endings for not one, but two, interrelated queer couples in a sport not normally known for its sensitivity and openness. As a result, Connor Storrie, who plays the gruff Russian Ilya Rozanov, and Hudson Williams, who plays the sensitive Shane Hollander, have become international superstars, showing up everywhere from Saturday Night Live to the Met Gala carpet. For Pride month, here’s a closer look at Heated Rivalry and other Peabody-recognized LGBTQ stories.
A Moment from ‘Heated Rivalry’
‘Heated Rivalry’
Jacob Tierney adapted Rachel Reid‘s bestselling book series into a crowd-pleaser for the ages that has given new meaning to “I’m coming to the cottage.” While a sexy, gay hockey romance starring two unknown actors did not sound like a sure thing for American television, it turned out to be just what we all needed. It’s also quietly subversive, spotlighting not only a queer relationship that doesn’t end in tragedy, but also sex as genuine connection, men working through their feelings together, sports’ inherent homophobia, the pressures of fame, and autism as a fact of Shane’s character. Its impact is likely to reverberate through programming executives’ choices for years to come.
Where to Watch: HBO Max
Explore More Heated Rivalry on Peabody’s Website
‘Mr. Loverman’
This British series, based on a novel by Bernardine Evaristo, stars the suave and dapper Lennie James as Barrington Jedidiah Walker, an Antiguan-British man whose marriage ends with the revelation that he’s been having a decades-long affair with his male best friend. Adapted for television by Nathaniel Price, Mr. Loverman explores the complications of coming out as a septuagenarian and finding true self-acceptance late in life in a story that is at turns both moving and funny.
Where to Watch: Amazon
‘Invisible Boys’
Nicholas Verso‘s adaptation of Holden Sheppard‘s novel follows a group of gay teens in Western Australia as they struggle with their identities against the backdrop of the 2017 national postal survey on same-sex marriage legalization. It begins with the outing of the rebellious Charlie (Joseph Zada) on social media after an encounter with a married man. And as the boys band together to deal with social pressures, we learn about Zeke (Aydan Calafiore), who is from a strict Sicilian Catholic family; Hammer (Zach Blampied), a popular soccer player; and Matt (Joe Klocek), a responsible farm boy. The result is gritty, messy, real, and raw.
Where to Watch: Stan
Further Reading: The Books These Shows Are Based On
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid: Bookshop.org
Mr. Loverman by Bernardine Evaristo: Bookshop.org
Invisible Boys by Holden Sheppard: Bookshop.org
Francois Arnaud’s Peabody Acceptance for ‘Heated Rivalry’
Actor Francois Arnaud, who plays seasoned hockey player Scott Hunter, said, “The heart of the show is built on celebration and happiness and love. And because of that it isn’t surprising to us at all that audiences worldwide have responded passionately to it and have embraced the series. People crave that warmth and they see themselves reflected in it.”
Where to Watch: Peabody Awards on YouTube