Heated Rivalry, based on Rachel Reid’s novel, follows Shane and Ilya’s hockey rivalry and romance. Read on about how the director ensured to portray intimacy with authenticity.
In a landscape where on-screen intimacy often slips into stylisation or abstraction, Heated Rivalry stands out for its commitment to realism, emotional honesty, and physical authenticity. Based on the bestselling novel by Rachel Reid, the series traces the decade-long, emotionally charged relationship between hockey rivals Shane and Ilya, blending elite sport with deeply personal storytelling.
For director Jacob Tierney, capturing that balance between physicality and vulnerability was central to the show’s vision. And that meant treating intimacy scenes with the same seriousness, preparation, and respect as the hockey sequences.
“They were both in pretty good shape when we cast them. He was a sumo wrestler. (laughs) I mean, obviously, it’s because it’s actually not dissimilar from the hockey training to the intimacy training. These are both physically demanding things. It’s using your body in two different ways, but definitely using your body as part of the work. And I think it’s fair to say that there was as much time devoted to intimacy as to hockey. And it was like two things that we took very seriously because if you don’t get those two parts right, there’s not a lot to hang your hat on,” Tierney said.
Why intimacy mattered as much as hockey
In Heated Rivalry, physical connection is never treated as filler or spectacle. Instead, it becomes a core narrative device, shaping character arcs and emotional progression. Tierney explains that this approach was rooted in the source material itself.
“That’s in the book. I mean, that’s, you know, and it’s also used again in, in the smartest way by Rachel Reid as character development is that Ilya seems like a very confident, very controlling, but then he’s actually a deeply empathetic and kind lover, and uh, that’s part of his character. That’s a reveal about Ilia that is like, he might not want you to think that, but actually, he’s a really good guy,” he said.
The director adds that the intimacy between Shane and Ilya is designed to reflect emotional connection rather than physical conquest.
“And part of that reflects in that he wants Shane to enjoy this, too. He’s not looking for selfish sex. He’s looking for a connection. They’re both looking for a connection. And so, with that intimacy comes a lot of checking in, a lot of consent, and like, if you’re going to do that with your partner, there’s a lot that can be uncomfortable and a lot that you want to talk through and that you want to make sure is okay.”
Making intimacy feel real, not cinematic
Tierney also highlighted how everyday realism guided the portrayal of intimate moments, resisting the temptation to turn them into glossy montages.
“And also, I think that any form of part of what we wanted to do with intimacy in this show is to make it feel real. You don’t stop talking and stop existing and go into a montage with music playing. You communicate. You make eye contact. You discuss if something isn’t feeling good or something is feeling odd or if you’re just like, ‘This pillow’s doing a weird thing right now. I’m just going to move that.’ You know, that’s a normal thing and I think it’s hot too.”
This grounded approach allows the show to depict vulnerability, tenderness, and uncertainty in ways that feel lived-in rather than staged, making the emotional stakes resonate more deeply.
Why Heated Rivalry connects so strongly
Beyond its central romance, Heated Rivalry has found resonance for how it explores identity, rivalry, longing, and self-acceptance, all set against the high-pressure world of professional hockey. The series does not rush its emotional beats, allowing space for hesitation, miscommunication, growth, and reconciliation.
By treating intimacy as an extension of character and story rather than spectacle, Tierney and his team have crafted a series that feels both bold and deeply human, helping Heated Rivalry emerge as one of the most talked-about romantic dramas of the year.
When and where to watch Heated Rivalry in India
Heated Rivalry is set to premiere in India on February 20, 2026. The series will be available exclusively on Lionsgate Play.
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