Stars of HBO Max’s ‘Heated Rivalry’ Respond to Jordan Firstman’s Critique of Show’s Sex Scenes
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The HBO Max series Heated Rivalry, adapted from Rachel Reid’s popular Game Changers novels, has become a lightning rod for discussions about queer representation on screen after actor and writer Jordan Firstman publicly criticized the show’s portrayal of gay sex scenes. The series, which follows the intense relationship between two professional hockey players—Canadian Shane Hollander, portrayed by Hudson Williams, and Russian-born Illya Rozanov, played by Connor Storrie—has garnered critical acclaim with a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 90% audience score. Yet, it has not escaped scrutiny from peers within the LGBTQ+ entertainment community.
In a recent interview with Vulture, Firstman, known for his work on the HBO Max show I Love LA, contrasted his show’s depiction of gay intimacy with that of Heated Rivalry. He asserted, “It’s gay. I’m sorry, I watched those first two episodes of Heated Rivalry, and it’s just not gay. It’s not how gay people fuck. There’s so few things that actually show gay sex.” Firstman emphasized that the sex scenes in I Love LA were crafted from an authentic perspective, stating, “A straight guy could not write that. They don’t know what the camaraderie of gay sex is. So, yeah, I think I definitely led the charge with that.”
Firstman’s remarks ignited a response from the cast of Heated Rivalry. François Arnaud, who plays Scott Hunter, a fellow hockey player on the show, challenged the notion of a singular authentic portrayal of gay sex on television. On Instagram, Arnaud questioned, “Is there only one way to have ‘authentic’ gay sex on TV? Should the sex that closeted hockey players have look like the sex that sceney LA gay guys have?” Hudson Williams echoed this sentiment, encouraging fans to watch I Love LA while also supporting his fellow actors.
It is notable that Heated Rivalry was created by Jacob Tierney, an openly gay filmmaker who serves as the show’s writer, director, and executive producer. The series’ portrayal of intimacy between two rival athletes has been praised by many viewers for its nuanced storytelling and emotional depth.
Firstman also addressed the broader appeal of shows like Heated Rivalry compared to his own work. He remarked, “They want to see Heated Rivalry. I go to art to be confronted and to think, but a lot of people just want entertainment or to see two straight hockey players pretending to be gay and fucking.” When pressed about the sexual orientation of some actors on Heated Rivalry, Firstman stated, “Then you know what? I am one of those bitches who says, ‘Then say it.’ A gay guy would say it. I don’t respect you because you care too much about your career and what’s going to happen if people think you’re gay.”
The discussion highlights ongoing challenges in representing LGBTQ+ intimacy on television authentically and inclusively. While shows like Heated Rivalry and I Love LA push boundaries in their own ways, critics and fans alike continue to debate what constitutes genuine representation.
On December 13, 2025, Firstman responded to the backlash on his Instagram, writing, “I love Heated Rivalry and ultimately I’m a f**** who can’t shut the fuck up but I’m fgunna get better at that.”
This exchange underscores the evolving conversation around queer storytelling in mainstream media. As the entertainment industry continues to diversify, the spectrum of experiences and portrayals grows wider, inviting audiences to appreciate multiple perspectives.
For more on LGBTQ+ representation in media, visit the GLAAD website. The Library of Congress LGBTQ+ Collections offers extensive resources on queer cultural history. Additionally, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provides information on LGBTQ+ human rights, reflecting broader societal progress. For insights into media diversity initiatives, the National Endowment for the Arts offers valuable data and programs supporting inclusive storytelling.
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