NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman Binge-Watched HBO Max’s Queer Hockey Drama in One Sitting
The intersection of professional sports and prestige television has reached a new peak as NHL commissioner Gary Bettman officially offered his praise for the breakout HBO Max series Heated Rivalry.
During a recent conversation with Hockey News, the 73-year-old executive revealed that he was so captivated by the queer hockey drama that he watched the entire inaugural season in a single sitting. While the league head acknowledged the mature themes of the production, he ultimately characterized the series as a wonderful story that successfully captures the spirit of the sport.
Bettman was particularly impressed by the narrative’s ability to mirror real-world league history, noting that the show frequently referenced recognizable milestones. I thought the storyline was very compelling, the commissioner stated before explaining that it was a lot of fun, because I could see where they were picking at things we [as a league] had done in the past, whether or not it was being in Sochi or the All-Star Game in Tampa.
Despite his enthusiasm for the plot, he did offer a minor caveat regarding the show’s demographic reach, suggesting that the content — particularly for young people — may be a little spicy, so you have to balance that out with how you embrace it.
The series, which is an adaptation of the popular Game Changer books by Rachel Reid, has become a cultural phenomenon since its November 2025 launch. The plot centers on the evolving secret relationship between Shane Hollander, portrayed by Hudson Williams, and Ilya Rozanov, played by Connor Storrie. Their portrayal of rival superstars navigating a clandestine romance has resonated so deeply with audiences that HBO Max has already greenlit a second season to continue the journey of the two athletes.
The explosive success of the show has propelled its lead actors into the international spotlight far faster than typical Hollywood trajectories. This rapid ascent was on full display this past Sunday when Williams and Storrie participated in the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic torch relay in Feltre, Italy.
Their presence at the relay followed a high-profile appearance at the Golden Globes, where they served as presenters and were notably escorted to the stage by two UFC fighters.
Hudson Williams has also become a fixture in the high-fashion circuit, traveling directly from the awards circuit to Milan for Men’s Fashion Week. The actor made his mark on the runway for Dsquared2 and was a featured guest at the Giorgio Armani presentation, further cementing his status as a modern style icon. This whirlwind of public appearances and professional milestones has forced the young stars to adapt to their new reality at an unprecedented pace.
As Heated Rivalry prepares for its second season, the show continues to bridge the gap between sports fans and drama enthusiasts. With the official endorsement of the NHL’s top leadership and a growing list of accolades for its cast, the series has moved beyond its niche origins to become a pillar of the current television landscape. The show’s ability to weave authentic hockey history with a deeply personal romantic narrative has established it as a landmark in sports-centric storytelling.
What do you think about the NHL commissioner giving his stamp of approval to such a bold series in the comments?