'Heated Rivalry' Star Reveals U.S. Streamers Demanded No Kissing Until Episode 5

François Arnaud, who portrays Scott Hunter in the Crave series 'Heated Rivalry, 'shared on January 13, 2026, during an appearance on CBS Mornings that U. S. streamers had proposed significant restrictions on the show's intimacy. Arnaud explained that one streamer, which he did not name, demanded "no kissing until episode five"in the six-episode first season.

The series, which premiered on Crave in late November 2025, centers on the romantic tension between rival hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov , both gay men navigating their relationship amid professional competition. Arnaud's character, Scott Hunter, is an initially closeted ice hockey player for the New York Admirals who develops a relationship with Kip Grady , culminating in a public coming out in episode five. The show has since expanded internationally, with HBO Max acquiring rights for the U. S. and Australia, and Sky/NOW TV for the UK.

Arnaud credited show creator Jacob Tierney with prioritizing the vision from Rachel Reid's 2019 novel over a larger budget. "It was set up at a big streamer before, and they had so many notes and so many thoughts on what that show could be that Jacob decided to leave them and get it made in Canada, "Arnaud said. He added, "I don't think this show could have been made in the U. S. "

Tierney's decision led to a reduced budget but greater creative freedom, which Arnaud described as a "huge lesson for Hollywood people. " "This is, like, a niche show, no movie stars and it's a sensation, "he noted, highlighting its rapid renewal for season two.

The adaptation stays true to the novel's high-heat romance, featuring frequent intimacy between the male leads, which has been a key factor in its success. Reid praised Tierney in a December 2025 Today. com interview for taking romance seriously: "Jacob took it very seriously. Like, more seriously than romance ever gets taken. .. I hope it's going to change the way romance gets filmed. " She noted one change: the characters'first intercourse was moved to episode two, adding a snowstorm and Vegas rooftop scene to build tension, unlike the book.

For LGBTQ+ audiences, the series represents a bold portrayal of queer relationships in sports, with authentic depictions of closeted athletes and public coming outs. Arnaud expressed interest in exploring season two's challenges for his character, now publicly out and in a relationship: "A relationship between someone who’s uber famous has a giant platform and someone who didn’t choose that for themselves, there are still challenges that come with that. " Supporting cast member Hudson Williams recently discussed a pivotal kissing scene between Scott and Kip on SiriusXM on January 10, 2026, recalling the on-set tension simulating team silence, which evoked a "nightmare"realism for queer athletes facing potential rejection.

The show's success underscores growing demand for uncompromised queer stories, potentially influencing how streaming platforms handle LGBTQ+ content amid debates over intimacy in media. PinkNews highlighted how the intimate scenes drive the narrative and fan engagement, aligning with community appreciation for representations that avoid dilution. Tierney's stance preserved the source material's essence, fostering a sensation that resonates globally with transgender people, gay men, and others seeking affirming portrayals in mainstream entertainment.