Williams, 24, expresses his surprise at the whirlwind of attention surrounding him and his costar from the newly-launched series, Heated Rivalry. “We were just happy to be there,” he noted, reflecting on their experiences during a fan event at a gay bar in West Hollywood, where eager fans requested selfies. Storrie reinforced their appreciation by humorously thanking fans for their social media mentions about their bodies, emphasizing the playful vibe surrounding the show.
Heated Rivalry, adapted from a novel by Rachel Reid, has recently ascended to the New York Times bestseller list, seven years post-publication. Set against the backdrop of a fictional hockey world, the series follows the passionate yet secretive romance between Ilya Rozanov, portrayed by Storrie, a daring Russian player for the Boston Raiders, and Shane Hollander, played by Williams, an Asian Canadian captain of the Montreal Metros. Viewers can expect plenty of intense and racy moments between the two, making it a notable addition for fans of steamy romance.
What’s remarkable is the show’s unexpected trajectory. Initially produced for a modest Canadian streaming platform called Crave, which has around 4 million subscribers, the series was filmed in a remarkably short time span of 36 to 37 days. Upon release of its trailer, it garnered immense attention, propelling fans of the book series—comprising six titles—to share illegal streaming methods for Canadian TV shows. However, just before its November premiere, HBO came to the rescue, significantly expanding its reach to approximately 54 million households.
The swift surge in popularity seemed surreal to Williams, who initially thought he was misinterpreting the show’s success due to algorithmic glitches. The media frenzy ignited discussions about the series, highlighted by amusing articles analyzing its appeal, even capturing attention from brands eager to engage with the conversation. For instance, Sweetgreen’s corporate Twitter humorously suggested that Shane Hollander would enjoy their harvest bowl, showcasing how mainstream culture has embraced the show.
With such enthusiasm and support, Heated Rivalry stands poised to captivate audiences further, transcending its origins as a humble series, now celebrated in the global entertainment landscape. The unique storyline and engaging characters are set to attract a diverse viewership, ensuring its place in the hearts of fans for years to come.