Gay Hockey Drama ‘Heated Rivalry’ Sparks Fervent Fandom in Russia — But Fans Could Face Jail

Russian fans of the gay hockey drama Heated Rivalry are falling in love with the show, but watching it comes with serious risks. The series, which tells the story of Russian hockey player Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) and Canadian Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) as rivals on the ice and lovers off it, has become a word-of-mouth hit in Russia. But fans must be cautious, as openly supporting LGBTQ content can lead to fines or even prison.

“Like with any queer content, it’s a Russian roulette. It may be OK or you may be fined or go to jail. That’s what’s so scary,” one fan told NBC News. The network agreed not to reveal the identities of several interviewees due to fear of legal consequences.

Despite the danger, some fans are finding subtle ways to show their support. One Moscow woman, 26, keeps a small shrine at home with photos and keychains of the characters. Another fan wears sweaters and posts videos on social media that reference the show without naming it directly. Fans also gather in online spaces like Telegram groups, some with more than 45,000 followers, where episodes with Russian subtitles appear shortly after release.

The show was created by Crave Media Canada and is available on HBO Max in the United States, but neither service is legally accessible in Russia. Fans rely on illegal streaming sites and messaging apps to watch it. The series is based on Canadian author Rachel Reid’s books and has drawn praise for its representation of LGBTQ relationships, a topic tightly restricted in Russia.

The country’s laws have become stricter in recent years. In November 2023, the Russian Supreme Court labeled the LGBTQ “movement” an extremist organization. Participating in or funding an extremist group can result in up to 12 years in prison, while displaying LGBTQ symbols can lead to fines, detention, or prison time.

According to advocacy group Coming Out, there are currently 17 ongoing criminal cases related to LGBTQ “extremism.” Authorities recently targeted streaming services, including Kinopoisk, Wink, Ivi, and Amediateka, for allegedly promoting LGBTQ content, as reported by state-owned RIA Novosti.

Fans describe watching Heated Rivalry as a mix of pride and fear. “You feel like some sort of criminal when watching the series. It feels like a protest, some kind of rebellion,” said a female fan in Moscow. Others emphasize the freedom the show represents, with one 26-year-old adding, “There’s a world out there where you can exist. In Russia, you can’t kiss your boyfriend on the ice.”

Despite these risks, some fans are finding creative ways to celebrate the show. Merchandise like candles featuring jersey numbers and subtle references to the characters have been used to express fandom without drawing attention. Even brands are quietly tapping into the craze, carefully walking the line between promotion and safety.

“The law in Russia is applied very selectively,” a lawyer for Coming Out told NBC News. “Out of those charged with extremism, more than half are not public figures.” For now, fans continue to support Heated Rivalry in secret, showing that Russia’s LGBTQ community remains alive, even if it has moved underground.

The story highlights both the power of media to connect people and the dangers that exist for LGBTQ fans in restrictive environments. Do you think shows like this can make a difference in countries with strict anti-LGBTQ laws? Share your thoughts in the comments.