Gay Hockey Series ‘Heated Rivalry’ Becomes Underground Hit in Russia — Fans Risk Prison to Watch

Russian fans are quietly falling in love with the Canadian gay hockey drama Heated Rivalry, but watching it openly comes with serious risks.

The show, which tells the story of Russian hockey player Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) and Canadian Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams), rivals on the ice but lovers off it, has become a word-of-mouth hit in Russia, even though LGBTQ content is heavily restricted.

Heated Rivalry is not available on legal streaming platforms in Russia, so viewers rely on illegal streaming sites and messaging apps like Telegram. Some fan groups have grown to over 45,000 members, sharing episodes with Russian subtitles shortly after they are released in the U.S. One fan explained to NBC News, “Like with any queer content, it’s a Russian roulette. It may be OK or you may be fined or go to jail. That’s what’s so scary.”

The risk comes from strict Russian laws. In 2023, the Russian Supreme Court labeled LGBTQ organizations as extremist, meaning involvement can bring up to 12 years in prison. Displaying LGBTQ symbols, even a rainbow flag, can lead to detention or longer sentences for repeated offenses.

The advocacy group Coming Out reports 17 ongoing criminal cases related to LGBTQ extremism in Russia, and authorities have recently investigated managers at streaming services for allegedly promoting LGBTQ content.

Despite the danger, fans are finding subtle ways to express their love for the show. One 26-year-old female fan told NBC News that she has a small shrine in her Moscow apartment dedicated to the characters. Others wear clothing referencing hockey or characters from Soviet-era cartoons that hint at the show, or post ice-skating videos set to its soundtrack. One male fan explained, “If they’ve seen ‘Heated Rivalry,’ they’ll know right away why I’m wearing this.”

The show has drawn praise for its authentic depiction of LGBTQ relationships, as well as its steamy scenes. Many Russian fans described the experience as both exhilarating and frightening. “You feel like some sort of criminal when watching the series,” one woman said. “It feels like a protest, some kind of rebellion.” Another fan said, “There’s a world out there where you can exist… you can’t kiss your boyfriend on the ice” in Russia.

Even brands are cautiously joining in, selling merchandise that hints at the show while avoiding direct references. For Russia’s LGBTQ community, the series has created a sense of connection, even as it forces fans underground. A 22-year-old fan said, “It’s still alive, but it has gone underground.”

Heated Rivalry shows how art can spark passion and community even under oppressive laws. Fans are taking big risks to celebrate love and identity, proving that stories can resonate across borders and cultures, even in places where they are forbidden.

It’s remarkable that a TV show can inspire such courage and subtle rebellion. It highlights how entertainment can challenge restrictive laws and give hope to marginalized communities. What do you think about fans risking so much to watch this series? Share your thoughts in the comments.