Joel Kim Booster says Hollywood learned the ‘wrong lesson’ from ‘Heated Rivalry’ success

Joel Kim Booster believes Hollywood has completely misunderstood why Heated Rivalry became a breakout hit, arguing that the industry has focused on the show's hockey setting instead of its authentic LGBTQ+ love story.

Speaking to the Provincetown Independent, the comedian and actor said studios have rushed to develop a string of hockey-themed projects while overlooking the queer representation that made Heated Rivalry resonate with audiences.

"There are now six hockey shows in development, none of them gay," Booster said. "Guys, I think it wasn't the hockey that was the big issue."

His comments come as several new hockey dramas and romances are in development, including Prime Video's Off Campus and Netflix's adaptation of Icebreaker. Booster argued that the industry's response demonstrates a reluctance to invest in LGBTQ+ stories despite the success of Heated Rivalry.

Booster suggested the current political climate has made studios increasingly cautious about greenlighting queer-led projects. He said executives have become more risk-averse amid growing concerns over censorship and backlash surrounding diversity and LGBTQ+ representation.

"The most dangerous thing in Hollywood right now is that one miss can end a career. That is not how art works. That is not how innovation works," he said.

The actor's concerns echo broader industry trends. According to GLAAD's latest Where We Are on TV report, 41% of LGBTQ+ characters on television will not return because of series cancellations, endings or limited-run formats.

Despite those concerns, Heated Rivalry has continued to enjoy critical and commercial success, becoming one of the year's most talked-about dramas and earning praise for its emotional portrayal of a same-sex romance set in the world of professional ice hockey.

Booster said the show's popularity proves there is a strong audience for queer storytelling, urging Hollywood not to mistake its sporting backdrop for the reason viewers connected with it.

His remarks come as work continues on a second season of Heated Rivalry, with creator Jacob Tierney previously confirming that scripts are being completed ahead of production later this year.