Heated Rivalry

So unexpected. I guess we never expected to see these themes portrayed so perfectly. The acting is on a masterclass level, accurately portraying what so many of us have felt at some point, in some way, during our journeys coming out, or coming to self-realization. Dealing with society, with sex, with love, with self acceptance, with anger, with fear, with hope and joy. With all of it! It's so perfectly portrayed, seriously... what a gift for anyone learning to live authentically. Just think of the young people today, being able to see this love story, portrayed so honestly on screen.

So perfectly written. It's going to change so many lives. So many hearts. I know it will and it should. That's what the arts can do, and have done throughout time. Love, love, love, this series. These characters. This tale as old as time...

10/10 - no notes. The acting, the story, the yearning, the desire, the guilt, the roller coaster of emotions; it's everything people go through growing up in their 20s and seeing it showcased in such a beautiful way is pure perfection. There aren't many shows out there that can draw such an emotional response out of its viewers so this is special.

For the longest time, never had I seen a show wherein the two leads are oozing with god-tier chemistry. WE NEED 5 MORE SEASONS, 2 MOVIES, AND A HOLIDAY SPECIAL MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!! I'm serious when I said that Ilya and Shane has consumed every thought in my daily life. I AM OBSESSED AND I HOPE THERE'S MORE TO COME!!!

My gosh, where do I begin? Only two episodes have been released so far but this is one of the most faithful adaptions I've ever watched. It gives such a unique feel to the story while always staying true to its source material. Rachel Reid wrote an absolutely brilliant book and everyone apart of this project turned it into something visually stunning. Hudson and Connor are nothing short of incredible. They bring Shane and Ilya to life in a way that's almost indescribable but I would spend hours trying. I'm completely blown away from the first two episodes that I don't even need to watch the rest to know what kind of show is being brought to the table. God knows I will be watching and rewatching but nonetheless it's an incredible piece of media. You can tell everyone who's worked on this on screen and behind the scenes wanted to tell a story about love but also wanted to spread the love that goes beyond what we see on the screen. Perfect adaptions are few and far between these days but this one struck gold and I'm willing to bet on that.

How can I ever thank you Jacob Tierney for creating one of the most wonderful shows I've ever watched. If you're not watching Heated Rivalry, you're missing one of the best shows ever created. Hudson Williams, Conner Storrie, François Arnaud, and Robbie G. K. are an impeccable Quartet, along with the entire cast, are flawless. Thank you, Hbo Max for putting the show in front of audiences. I'm forever grateful.