The upcoming Olympics in Milan-Cortina are all well and good, but the hockey that is currently attracting the world's attention is being played in "Heated Rivalry". The LGBTQ drama is making a triumphant return worldwide. On Friday, the second episode will be broadcast on HBO Max in Sweden.
"It was impossible to believe it would become this big. I'm so grateful and happy that people have really embraced the story in this way," says creator Jacob Tierney.
"Heated Rivalry" has been noted for the many sex scenes between the main characters - Canadian hockey player Shane (Hudson Williams) and Russian Ilya (Connor Storrie), rivals on the ice but a couple off the ice.
About the sex scenes
Tierney says that several television executives at different stages of the process tried to get him to tone down the sex.
But it was never an option to do it without the sex scenes. I knew that the hotter we made it, the more attention it would get, honestly. And that's how a show like this can reach an audience, because we didn't have big stars or a big budget.
The series has not only been a hit in the LGBTQ community, but has also become hugely popular with women. Jacob Tierney believes that this audience group is starved of shows that depict sex they want to see - and that's not just true in Trump-era U.S., where the series has become huge.
"I think there seems to be a fear of queer sexuality and female desire everywhere," Tierney says, adding:
People are afraid of the sexuality of marginalized people. They're not used to it, but for me it was such an important part of the plot.
Season Two
The world of ice hockey is very heteronormative. No male player at the highest level has ever come out as gay - during his career. Jacob Tierney hopes that more people will do so after the impact of "Heated Rivalry," although he doubts it will happen.
If you had asked me a month ago I would have said "absolutely not". But the reception of this series continues to surprise me. It would be amazing and I really hope someone dares, but it takes a very brave person to do it.
The six episodes of “Heated Rivalry” tell a complete story. But now it’s clear that there will be another season.
"We're writing it right now. So it's going to happen. It's a lot of fun," says Jacob Tierney.
He is 46 years old. Tierney is a Canadian actor, director and screenwriter, best known for the comedy series “Letterkenny” and “Shoresy.” “Heated Rivalry” is based on books by author Rachel Reid.
Tierney is a big hockey fan; his team is Montreal. But who is his favorite Swedish player?
"I love Elias Pettersson in Vancouver! Damn, he's so good. And when I was growing up, Detroit had a great team, with a lot of Swedes. Although I also have to mention Mats Sundin, because co-producer Brendan Brady is a big Toronto fan."
