Luke Thompson, who plays Benedict Bridgerton, has shared his thoughts on why romance series like Bridgerton and the breakout hit Heated Rivalry are connecting so powerfully with global audiences. His comments come as Heated Rivalry, a Canadian series about two closeted gay hockey players, experiences a surprise surge in popularity, and as Thompson prepares to take center stage in the upcoming Bridgerton Season 4.
The Unlikely Breakout Success of Heated Rivalry
Heated Rivalry is a television phenomenon that has stunned industry experts. The show, which streams on HBO Max, premiered in late November 2025 with very little promotion. Despite this, it has seen week-to-week growth rarely seen in the streaming world. In its first week, the show accumulated about 30 million minutes of viewing time in the U.S.. Just weeks later, that number skyrocketed to over 324 million minutes, and recent data indicates it has now surpassed 600 million minutes of viewing in the U.S. alone.
The show’s success is also reflected in extraordinary audience ratings. On IMDB, Heated Rivalry earned the highest average episode score of any series in 2025, with its final two episodes each scoring a 9.9 out of 10. It holds a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. One analyst compared its breakout momentum to that of Baby Reindeer, calling its rapid rise “highly unusual”.
Luke Thompson on the Power of Romance
While promoting Bridgerton, Luke Thompson was asked why he believes people are obsessed with shows like his and Heated Rivalry. He pointed to a long-standing gap in how stories are valued.
โRomance has not been taken seriously for a lot of years,โ Thompson said. โA show like โBridgertonโ and โHeated Rivalryโ really prove that romance sells and there’s a real thirst for it.โ
Thompson’s own series, Bridgerton, returns for Season 4 Part 1 on January 29. This season adapts the third Bridgerton book, An Offer from a Gentleman, and will finally feature his character, Benedict, as the main romantic lead as he searches for his mysterious “Lady in Silver”.
Why These Stories Are Resonating with Viewers
Analysts and the creative teams behind these shows point to several key reasons for their deep connection with audiences, particularly with women who make up a significant portion of the viewership for both series.
A Space Free from Traditional Gender Dynamics
A frequent point of discussion is how stories centered on two men can feel uniquely freeing for a wide range of viewers. Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, the stars of Heated Rivalry, have noted that male-led love stories remove the quiet threat of s*xual violence against women that often lurks in narratives. This allows viewers, especially women, to engage with the romance without that underlying tension.
The Appeal of Emotional Vulnerability
A major draw is the portrayal of male characters who are emotionally open and vulnerable. Franรงois Arnaud, who plays a key role in Heated Rivalry, has said that a significant part of the appeal is that people are “sick of seeing emotionally unavailable men”. In the fantasy world of these romances, viewers can see men express deep feelings, yearn for connection, and communicate through emotional intimacy.
Quality and Respect for the Genre
Both shows have succeeded by fully committing to their genre with high production value and genuine care. Heated Rivalry was created on a modest budget and shot in just 37 days, but its creators used thoughtful cinematography to build intimacy. As Luke Thompson observed about Bridgerton, the show creates a “coherent little universe” that fully immerses its audience. This respect for the romance genre and its audience is a common thread.
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Navigating Fame and Fan Attention
The massive success of Heated Rivalry has launched its cast into a new level of fame, which comes with intense public scrutiny. The actors have found themselves at the center of dating rumors and speculation about their personal lives and sexualities. Franรงois Arnaud has publicly addressed this fan backlash, emphasizing a need for kindness.
โWe made a show about how hard it is to come out and how scary it isโฆ and now thereโs all these outside voices weighing in on our personal lives and trying to force a narrative,โ Arnaud stated. โI would hope fans of the show would be a bit more gentle.โ
This experience mirrors the supportive dynamic among the Bridgerton cast. Thompson revealed that while previous leads like Jonathan Bailey offered to share advice on handling the spotlight, he chose to find his own way, noting that each season presents “a slightly different romantic hero”.
Heated Rivalry is now streaming on HBO Max and has been renewed for a second season. Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1 will debut on Netflix on January 29, 2026.
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