'Heated Rivalry' Reintroduces 'Frottage' to Wider Audience

HBO's "Heated Rivalry", an LGBTQ+ sports drama adapted from Rachel Reid’s "Gamechangers" series of novels, has captivated audiences since its debut at the end of November 2025. The series centers on the secret passionate affair between rival hockey players Ilya Rozanov, played by Connor Storrie, and Shane Hollander, portrayed by Hudson Williams. Known for its explicit gay sex scenes and the leads' natural chemistry, the show has quickly become a cultural phenomenon.

Episode four, which aired last week, introduced many viewers to frottage—a form of non-penetrative sex involving genital-to-genital contact between partners. The couch scene featuring this act has elicited strong reactions online, particularly from straight viewers encountering the practice for the first time. One X/Twitter user expressed astonishment, writing: “it genuinely never occurred to me that some people who watched the couch scene in episode 4 wouldn’t know what frottage is. that thought never once crossed my mind.” This post by user @kurtstieI went viral on December 15, 2025, amplifying the conversation.

The episode's portrayal of frottage has prompted a mix of discovery, humor, and affirmation within LGBTQ+ communities and beyond. Another X/Twitter user shared a GIF of Cynthia Erivo in thought, captioning it: “the concept of learning what frotting is from heated rivalry.” A third commenter celebrated the representation, stating: “Frotting representation in tonight’s Heated Rivalry… sides everywhere are feeling seen tonight.” They added a humorous note: “Don’t ever tell me Heated Rivalry isn’t realistic when they instinctively knew no one was getting penetrated right after eating those tuna melts.” These responses underscore how the series is broadening awareness of diverse sexual practices common in gay relationships.

Director Jacob Tierney has addressed the show's explicit nature, emphasizing authentic casting. In discussing the leads' chemistry, Tierney recounted Hudson Williams' reaction after rehearsing lines with Connor Storrie: “Hudson told me, ‘The other guy was good, but Connor felt like he was going to pin me down and fuck me.’” Tierney noted this confirmed his casting choice. Neither actor has publicly disclosed their sexualities, though their on-screen rapport has fueled speculation.

The series has not been without controversy. Actor Jordan Firstman, promoting his show "I Love LA", criticized "Heated Rivalry" in a Vulture interview for inaccuracies in portraying gay couple intimacy, comparing it unfavorably to real-life experiences. The cast responded, prompting Firstman to backtrack on his comments. Tierney has defended the show's approach amid backlash over the stars' sexualities.

From an LGBTQ+ perspective, "Heated Rivalry" stands out for normalizing varied expressions of queer sexuality, including frottage, which is often overlooked in mainstream media. Advocates note that such representations foster education and reduce stigma around non-penetrative acts preferred by many gay and bisexual men. The show's viral sex scenes, as discussed by Tierney in interviews, prioritize realism over sensationalism.

As "Heated Rivalry" continues to trend, it highlights the growing demand for authentic queer stories in sports dramas. By featuring frottage explicitly, episode four not only entertains but educates, bridging gaps in sexual literacy for diverse audiences. The series' success underscores the importance of inclusive media that reflects the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ experiences, from rivalries on the ice to intimacies off it. With upcoming episodes anticipated, the show promises more boundary-pushing content.