Heated Rivalry becomes underground sensation in Russia despite anti‑LGBTQ crackdown

Russia heavily restricts positive depictions of LGBTQ+ under laws that ban LGBTQ 'propaganda'

Heated Rivalry, the internationally popular gay hockey romance series based on Rachel Reid’s novel, has become a surprising underground hit in Russia, a country with some of the strictest anti‑LGBTQ+ laws in the world. drawing both admiration and legal risk from fans who quietly embrace the show amid government censorship.

The series, which follows the secret romance between Canadian hockey star Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams, and Russian phenom Ilya Rozanov, portrayed by Connor Storrie, has captivated global audiences since its release on Crave and HBO Max late last year. While the show has become a mainstream hit in many countries, its reception in Russia highlights the deep tension between cultural barriers and audience demand.

In Russia, positive depictions of LGBTQ+ individuals are heavily restricted under laws that ban LGBTQ “propaganda,” with officials labeling LGBTQ movements as extremist and outlawing their public expression. Penalties for violating these laws can include detention and even years of imprisonment.

Despite the risks, Heated Rivalry has spread widely through unofficial channels, including pirated streaming sites, Telegram groups with tens of thousands of members, and private online communities where fans share episodes, artwork, and commentary. Many Russian viewers use VPNs and other workarounds to access the series, which has earned high ratings on local review sites and become a topic of passionate discussion among young audiences.

For some Russian fans, the show offers rare representation of queer relationships and provides a sense of hope and connection where such visibility is otherwise suppressed. One viewer told reporters that watching the series feels like “a protest” and a quiet act of defiance against restrictive laws. Others have collected memorabilia or set up small, private tributes in their homes, taking care not to draw public attention due to the legal dangers involved.

The contrast between official hostility and fan enthusiasm illustrates how Heated Rivalry has become more than just entertainment; for many in Russia’s LGBTQ+ community, it reflects lived struggles and aspirations that are rarely acknowledged in mainstream media. Despite the risks of censorship, legal action, and social backlash, the series’ ability to reach audiences across borders underscores its cultural impact and the thirst for stories that center queer love and identity.

As the show continues to circulate clandestinely, its popularity highlights the complicated landscape of media, identity, and resistance in contemporary Russia, where even a romance between two hockey stars can become a symbol of visibility and quiet defiance.