'Intense Competition': How a Hockey Romance Novel Turned into a Racy HBO Success

A hockey puck glides through the arena, skates pause mid-slide, and two lovers exchange secret glances amidst the roaring crowd. This is the essence of Intense Rivalry, a queer hockey romance novel that has transformed from a hidden gem into one of HBO Maxs most talked-about series.

The series, adapted by Canadian streaming platform Crave, stars newcomers Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov. It traces the lives of two professional hockey players navigating a clandestine romance while their teams maintain a fierce public rivalry. The shows signature appeal lies in its explicit, adult-oriented scenes, which have sparked immense online buzz since the series premiered on November 28. Intense Rivalry consistently ranks in HBO Maxs Top 10, generates millions of social media mentions, and has caused physical copies of the original novel to sell out.

Jacob Tierney, known for co-writing and directing the cult-favorite sitcom Letterkenny, stumbled upon the books audiobook during the pandemic. He describes it as his gateway into romance literature. What captivated him wasnt just the sexual content, but the narrative focus: two people learning they can openly love each other, rather than a conventional coming-out story.

The show spans nearly nine years of the characters lives, often skipping months or years between episodes, yet consistently centers on Hollander and Rozanovs evolving relationship. Publicly, they are fierce rivals, but in private, their encountersfrom post-game meetings to award ceremoniesreveal a deep, passionate connection.

Tierney felt a personal connection to the novel, motivating him to adapt it for television. After reading a Washington Post piece on the rise of romance literature, he quickly reached out to author Rachel Reid to secure adaptation rights. Reid recalls the collaboration as immediate and enthusiastic, impressed by Tierneys dedication to preserving the storys integrity.

The adaptation process was swift once approved in 2024, though Tierney refused to compromise on the series sexual content. Using clever cinematography and lighting, the show conveys intimacy without explicit nudity. Tierney emphasizes that for this story, sex is inseparable from emotional honesty; the characters truest moments occur behind closed doors.

Hockey romance has surged in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic, with Reid publishing eight titles in the genre since 2018. She notes the sports blend of intensity and passion provides an unusual but compelling backdrop for romance, especially for international readers unfamiliar with hockey.

The shows appeal spans longtime book fans and new viewers alike. Connor Storrie highlights the importance of chemistry with co-star Williams, given the shows intimate focus and confined filming settings.

Unlike HBOs typical prestige or risqu fare, Intense Rivalry stands out with a relatively unknown cast and modest production, yet its authenticity and unabashed portrayal of intimacy resonate strongly with audiences.

Tierney expresses gratitude for translating a beloved book to screen without compromise. He notes that the series appeal is rooted in the genuine depiction of intimacy, asserting that sexual energy in storytelling can be fun, compelling, and deeply human.

Author: Ava Mitchell