5 Steamy Series To Check Out While We Wait For "Heated Rivalry" Season 2!

"Heated Rivalry" has been steaming up living rooms all over the country. The show is based on the novel series by Rachel Reid, Game Changers, both of which follow two hockey players, Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), who are league rivals -- but also happen to be in a secret long-term romantic relationship.

The show and novel series have been praised for showing an LGBTQ relationship in a sport that often hides queer romances and identities. While Season 1 concluded its run in December, and Season 2 won’t be released until Spring 2027, there are many other shows that follow a similar vibe to "Heated Rivalry" that you should give a chance! 

1. "Elite" (Netflix)

If you’re craving forbidden queer romances, then you should check out Netflix thriller "Elite". While this show has a darker vibe then "Heated Rivalry", it also features heartfelt gay and lesbian relationships -- and also has a lot of steamy scenes!

The show takes place in Las Encinas, a wealthy and exclusive private school in Spain. Three working class students are enrolled on scholarships at this institution after their school collapses. Their arrivals are met with hostility from their wealthy peers. Throughout the series, you’ll see storylines involving murder, classism, and violent crimes. You’ll also see heartfelt queer relationships play out. These relationships are met with homophobia, but the couples still rise above the hatred. This show has a total of 8 seasons -- it will definitely keep you busy until Season 2 of "Heated Rivalry" is released! 

2. "The Sex Lives of College Girls" (HBO Max)

A comedy-drama series that deals with being in the closet and the pressures of coming out, "The Sex Lives of College Girls" follows 4 college roommates at the fictional Essex College in Vermont. One of the main characters, Leighton, is played by the iconic Lesbian singer, songwriter, and actress Reneé Rapp.

Like "Heated Rivalry", you’ll see themes of personal growth, liberation, and hope. You’ll also see Leighton have a long-term romantic relationship with a woman named Alicia and eventually find the strength and confidence to come out. If you’re looking for romantic yet realistic relationships of all sexualities, then "The Sex Lives of College Girls" is the series for you. 

3. "Young Royals" (Netflix)

You’re in for a royal treat with "Young Royals", a Swedish teen drama series on Netflix that follows Prince Wilhelm of Sweden (Edvin Ryding), who attends the elite boarding school Hillerska. It's here that he develops a secret relationship with fellow student and commoner, Simon (Omar Rudberg). Omar and Wilhelm come from two separate worlds -- Wilhelm is next in line to Sweden’s throne after his oldest brother Erik, while Omar is a scholarship student. Despite their differences, the young men can’t get enough of each other and start dating. 

Throughout the series, the young couple faces numerous issues, including homophobia and the pressure of having their lives under constant surveillance. However, their relationship remains strong. Similar to "Heated Rivalry", you’ll see a lot of intimate scenes involving two lovers who can’t get enough of each other!

4. "Queer As Folk" (Philo, VOD/Digital)

Take a trip back to the early-2000s with "Queer As Folk", this drama series ran from December 2000 to August 2005. Despite having aired over 25 years ago, it's still a relevant take on queer life in the big city. This show is set in working-class Pittsburgh and follows a group of gay friends and their relationships, careers, loves, and ambitions. 

On top of romantic storylines, this show also deals with serious issues, such as drug abuse and violence against the LGBTQ+ community. It’s the perfect show if you’re craving romance mixed with real life problems.

5. "Fellow Travelers" (Hulu, VOD/Digital)

To see a queer romance that stands the test of time, check out "Fellow Travelers". This American historical romance and political thriller series is based on the 2007 novel of the same name by Thomas Mallon. The series follows two men, Hawkins "Hawk" Fuller (Matt Bomer) and Timothy "Tim" Laughlin (Jonathan Bailey), who meet in the 1950s in Washington, D.C. and their subsequent romance that lasts for years. Together, they witness a number of different historical events, including the Vietnam War protests and the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. 

If you loved "Heated Rivalry" for its spicy scenes, then you’ll definitely enjoy "Fellow Travelers". There are numerous explicit scenes throughout the series. You’ll also see harsh but realistic storylines that depict police brutality and threats of prosecution. If you’re looking for a romantic story that will also teach you important historical facts, then "Fellow Travelers" is the show for you.