The popular TV show Heated Rivalry is connecting with viewers in a deeply personal way. Hudson Williams, one of the show’s stars, says he has received private messages from real professional athletes who see their own lives reflected on screen. These athletes, who are not publicly out, have reached out to share how much the show means to them.
Athletes Share Private Messages About The Show
In a recent interview on the SiriusXM show Andy Cohen Live, Hudson Williams shared this surprising development. He explained that the messages come from current professional players in sports like hockey, football, and basketball. These athletes contact him and the show’s author, Rachel Reid, to express their feelings while choosing to stay anonymous.
“It’s definitely the people who reach out somewhat anonymously who are like, ‘I’m a professional player still, and I’m still in the closet,’” Williams said. “They’re reaching out to Rachel [Reid], our author, who will then kind of relay these lovely anonymous emails. And sometimes they’re just reaching out privately through Instagram”.
Williams noted that these private notes have a big impact. He described them as messages that “really just kind of hit you”. They show him that while Heated Rivalry is an entertaining series, it also touches on very real and sensitive experiences for some people.
The Story Of Heated Rivalry
For those who haven’t seen it, Heated Rivalry is a series on HBO Max and Crave. It is based on the Game Changers book series by author Rachel Reid. The story follows two professional hockey players, Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (played by Connor Storrie).
The two are fierce rivals during games but start a secret relationship that lasts for years. The show deals with their hidden romance, the pressures of professional sports, and their journey toward accepting their feelings for each other. The show’s honest look at a same-sex relationship in the world of professional sports seems to be what is resonating with the athletes who are reaching out.
A Quick Rise To Popularity
Heated Rivalry has become very popular in a short amount of time. Hudson Williams has called the show’s success “an overnight rapid success” and “a little overwhelming”. The show’s fame has changed his life, making him more recognizable and requiring him to set new boundaries with fans.
Beyond the personal messages, the show is getting wider attention. Williams and his co-star Connor Storrie were scheduled to make their first major award show appearance by presenting at the Golden Globes on January 8, 2026. Williams was also set to appear on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Why The Show’s Message Matters
The response from closeted athletes highlights a ongoing conversation about LGBTQ+ representation in professional sports. While society has made progress, coming out in major professional leagues is still a rare and challenging step for players. Heated Rivalry is creating a space for discussion and, for some, a sense of being seen.
Williams has also talked about the show’s role in challenging stereotypes. He has expressed frustration with taboos around men showing physical affection and love. He believes the show helps break down these outdated ideas.
“I feel like if you’re still biased or jaded or uncomfortable with expressing physical love for people in 2025, you got to… get over yourself,” Williams stated in one interview.
For Williams, who is of half-Korean descent, the show’s impact on representation is also meaningful. He has said he hopes it inspires other Asian children to pursue acting.
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What Happens Next For The Show
The series has already been renewed for a second season. Show creator Jacob Tierney has said that the show’s broad appeal, reaching both LGBTQ+ audiences and their allies, is a key part of its success.
The private messages from professional athletes are not part of a publicity campaign. They are genuine, personal responses from individuals who feel a connection to the story. This kind of quiet, meaningful impact is something the show’s team likely values deeply as they work on the next season.
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