The fifth episode of HBO Max’s hit series Heated Rivalry delivered a moment that has captivated audiences and become the most talked-about scene of the season. In the closing moments of Episode 5, titled “I’ll Believe In Anything,” the closeted hockey champion Scott Hunter makes a life-changing public declaration. After winning the Stanley Cup, he brings his former boyfriend, Kip Grady, onto the ice and kisses him in front of the world. Actor Robbie G.K., who plays Kip, has opened up about filming this powerful scene, his unexpected path to the role, and the overwhelming fan response that has followed.
Behind the Scenes of the Game-Changing Kiss
For Robbie G.K., filming the iconic kiss was the culmination of his work on the show’s first season. He revealed that the scene was shot on his last day on set. The moment was filmed in a hockey arena with dozens of background actors, creating the illusion of a packed stadium for Scott’s championship win.
G.K. described the unique challenge of filming such an emotional scene without the final cinematic elements. He noted that watching the completed version was a different experience altogether.
“I knew it was going to be a very moving moment, of course, but it’s very different from when you film something like that and you’re in a hockey rink and there’s no music, and the whole build-up of everything,” G.K. said. “When I first watched it, I was just giddy about it. I think this is the moment where all these storylines intersect.”
The logistics of the kiss involved several moving parts. François Arnaud, who plays Scott, was in full hockey gear, including skates, while G.K. was in flat shoes. Arnaud joked about the height difference, noting that while on skates he was much taller, but they managed the moment without the need for apple boxes to adjust their heights. The scene required about seven takes to perfect.
From Auditioning for Scott to Becoming Kip
In a surprising twist, Robbie G.K. initially auditioned for the role of Scott Hunter, not Kip Grady. To get into character for the hockey star, he adopted a very specific look based on his Canadian upbringing.
“I think living in Canada, I have a stereotypical view of what hockey is and what hockey people are like,” G.K. explained. “I had like a mullet and a mustache going on.”
Although he did not get the part of Scott, series creator Jacob Tierney saw something in him and asked him to read for Kip instead. G.K. was initially unsure how to approach the character of Kip, a openly gay juice bar worker, as it was different from the athletic roles he typically auditions for. He decided to read the lines as naturally as possible, pretending he was chatting with friends. This authenticity resonated with the creators, and he was cast.
The chemistry with his co-star was immediate. G.K. recalled his first chemistry read with François Arnaud, stating it felt like a real conversation rather than a scripted one. He texted the showrunner immediately afterward, convinced Arnaud was his scene partner.
Understanding the “Skip” Dynamic and the Three-Year Gap
The relationship between Scott and Kip, often called “Skip” by fans, is defined by a stark contrast in their lives. Scott is a deeply closeted sports superstar, while Kip lives openly with a strong community of friends. This tension leads to their breakup in Episode 3, when Kip can no longer handle the secrecy Scott requires.
A significant detail for viewers is the three-year time jump between their breakup in Episode 3 and their public kiss in Episode 5. The show does not depict what happened between the characters during those years. When asked, both actors imagined there was likely minimal contact.
Arnaud suggested Scott may have sent a message inviting Kip to the big game. G.K. felt Kip might have “thrown him a bone” by deciding to attend, not necessarily expecting a grand gesture but perhaps just to support someone he still admired. G.K. explained that for Kip, the true heartbreak happened years earlier during their initial breakup conversation, making the kiss a completely unexpected turn.
The Ripple Effect on Ilya and Shane
Scott and Kip’s public moment serves as a crucial catalyst for the show’s main couple, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander. In Episode 5, Ilya and Shane are shown watching the kiss on television. Seeing another player, especially one as respected as Scott Hunter, take such a brave step directly influences Ilya’s next decision.
Immediately after witnessing the kiss, Ilya tells Shane he will take him up on his offer to spend the summer at his family cottage. This sets the stage for the season finale, which is titled “The Cottage” and is highly anticipated by fans of the original book series.
Record-Breaking Audience Response and Fan Reactions
Episode 5 has achieved remarkable recognition. It has earned a 10/10 rating on IMDb, making it the highest-rated TV episode of 2025 on the platform at the time of its release. The show’s stars, including Hudson Williams (Shane) and François Arnaud, expressed shock and gratitude on social media when the news broke.
The popularity of the series has been a whirlwind for G.K., who experienced a sudden surge in his public profile. He noted that his Instagram follower count grew from around 8,000-9,000 to over 125,000 in the week after his episode aired. He shared an amusing anecdote about fans unearthing old clips from his early career.
The actor also addressed some of the attention focused on his physique in press headlines, stating that while he appreciates the sentiment, he tries not to fixate on it and finds some of the descriptions, like “functional compact build,” hilariously confusing.
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Finale and Season 2
The Season 1 finale of Heated Rivalry is scheduled to premiere on December 26, 2025, on HBO Max. While G.K. was careful not to reveal spoilers, François Arnaud has hinted that Scott and Kip’s presence will be felt throughout the rest of the season, suggesting they may appear or be referenced in the final episode.
HBO Max has already renewed Heated Rivalry for a second season. When asked about returning, G.K. expressed immense enthusiasm, citing the incredible working environment and the depth of story left to explore between Scott and Kip.
“There is a whole world to explore after this,” G.K. said. “I would do absolutely anything to be back in that setting.”
He described the project as one of the best he has ever worked on, largely because of the people involved.
Also Read: Heated Rivalry Season 2 Will Not Have More Episodes, Confirms Creator Jacob Tierney
