The HBO Max series Heated Rivalry, adapted from the bestselling novels by Rachel Reid, is rapidly gaining cultural traction, dominating social media conversations and capturing widespread attention. The show centers on the complex lives of queer, closeted professional ice hockey players as they navigate love, desire, and the challenges of maintaining privacy.
A Cultural Moment of “Yearning”
While often described for its explicit content, the show’s appeal, according to writer, reporter, and editor Emma Glassman-Hughes of Popsugar, lies in its exploration of a universal human experience: yearning. “I think the people are yearning every which way,” Glassman-Hughes told Vox. She points to the success of Heated Rivalry alongside other recent hits like The Summer I Turned Pretty as evidence of a broader cultural trend—an excitement surrounding the intensity of a powerful crush.
This phenomenon isn’t limited to the realm of television and film. Glassman-Hughes also observed a similar energy surrounding the Mamdani campaign in New York, and a recent TikTok trend where users are setting a goal to receive 1,000 rejections as a means of embracing vulnerability and pursuing their goals.
Beyond Romance: Yearning as a Response to Uncertainty
The concept of yearning, Glassman-Hughes argues, extends beyond romantic desire. In a world saturated with distressing news, she suggests that yearning can serve as a “grounding force,” providing a space for experiencing “exquisite pain” and even “masochistic joy.” This emotional intensity, she believes, is particularly valuable in challenging times.
Glassman-Hughes describes yearning as “all-consuming,” evoking a nostalgic feeling reminiscent of the intensity of adolescent crushes. She notes that the show is particularly resonating with queer women, who are drawn to the depictions of vulnerability and masculinity it portrays.
A Shift in Representation
Glassman-Hughes argues that while women are often the *objects* of yearning in storytelling, depictions of women and queer individuals actively *experiencing* yearning are less common. She advocates for more narratives that capture the full spectrum of this emotion—the “tornadoes and the storms and the shattered glass of it all”—rather than simply portraying passive wishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heated Rivalry about?
Heated Rivalry is a series streaming on HBO Max based on novels by Rachel Reid. It follows queer, closeted professional ice hockey players as they fall in love.
What is “yearning” in this context?
According to Emma Glassman-Hughes, “yearning” is a deeply felt desire, a painful but sometimes enjoyable experience of wanting something—or someone—intensely.
Is this trend limited to romantic relationships?
No, Glassman-Hughes suggests that yearning extends beyond romance, encompassing desires for political change, personal growth, and other aspirations.
As audiences continue to engage with stories like Heated Rivalry, it will be interesting to see if this trend toward narratives exploring intense emotional longing continues to shape popular culture and reflect our collective emotional landscape.
