“Joyfully Smutty Gay Hockey Romance Explores Depths of Love”
Canadian director Jacob Tierney has found an unexpected direction in his storytelling journey. After creating successful TV shows like Letterkenny and Shoresy, he was ready to move on from hockey narratives. However, his discovery of Rachel Reid’s romance novel, Heated Rivalry, changed his perspective. This book revolves around the passionate relationship between two hockey players, intertwining love and intimacy.
Exploring the Joyfully Smutty Gay Hockey Romance
Tierney was initially unfamiliar with the world of gay romance novels, particularly male/male (M/M) works. The genre, primarily written by women for a female audience, is experiencing rapid growth. Heated Rivalry fascinated him, becoming one of his first encounters with this ‘smutty’ subgenre.
Adapting a Steamy Love Story for Television
Despite his doubts, Tierney realized that he could adapt the steamy narrative from Reid’s novel for the screen. The series, dubbed Heated Rivalry, premieres on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the U.S. and Australia. The storyline features two men who engage in intimate encounters multiple times a year, showcasing their evolving relationship through these moments.
- Title: Heated Rivalry
- Genre: Joyfully smutty gay romance
- Premiere: Crave in Canada, HBO Max in the U.S. and Australia
- Focus: Evolving relationship between two hockey players
The Heart of the Story: Love and Joy
While the numerous sexual encounters draw viewers’ attention, Tierney emphasizes that the core of the narrative is love and joy. He reflects on his experiences growing up in a time when queer narratives often ended in tragedy. Past stories frequently highlighted suffering, leaving little room for joyful or positive representations of gay relationships.
In contrast, Heated Rivalry aims to present a positive love story. Tierney celebrates the happy ending and the acknowledgment of love between the characters. “It’s about two people figuring out they’re allowed to be in love,” he states, surrounding the narrative with optimism and hope.
With his adaptation, Tierney hopes to contribute a refreshing take on queer romance, focusing on happiness rather than pain. This unique approach offers a new perspective within the genre and celebrates the joy of love in a hockey setting.
