Among sporting rivalry, erotic tension, and secret romance, Heated Rivalry has emerged as THE series of the moment. This love story between two professional hockey players is attracting an unexpected audience: heterosexual women. So why this excitement and what does it reveal about the evolution of representations on screen? We delve into these questions with Marie-Lou Dulac, author and specialist in media and pop culture representation issues.
Heated Rivalry (Rivalité passionnée in French), released in France on February 6th, has seen phenomenal success. Even before its official airing on HBO Max, this Canadian series had already found its audience in France. From piracy to the use of VPNs, this gay romance featuring two professional hockey players from rival teams has stirred quite a buzz. Notably, the series particularly appeals to a female heterosexual audience. What explains such enthusiasm? What role do these stories play? And how do they contribute to new representations? We find out from Marie-Lou Dulac, an expert in media and pop culture representation issues as well as the founder of the consulting agency DIRE & dire, specializing in diversity and inclusion.
Do you think it is important to have more stories centered around male queer romances? Why?
It’s true that there aren’t many gay romances in pop culture. And often, when they do exist, they are relegated to the background of the storyline. Here, it’s the heart of the story, which is intriguing. It’s a completely unabashed romance. There isn’t the restraint that we sometimes see when dealing with male homosexual romances, especially. Because female homosexual romances are slightly more present and accepted. And, in the past, we’ve seen some gay novels in pop culture, but these relationships were often very stereotypical and caricatured. Here, we have something much more authentic.
The series also showcases the diversity of orientations and relationships that exist. Its purpose is truly to make these different relationships more accepted in society. They aren’t seen as monstrous or strange. No, here, it’s just another romance and that’s normal.
What role can these stories play in Western societies?
In a context of regressing LGBTQ+ rights, I find it even more important to have these kinds of stories. On the one hand, it allows those involved to have role models to identify with, to show that they are not abnormal. It really legitimizes things for both the people directly involved and those who are not. On the other hand, it also provides a glimpse into the diversity of orientations and relationships that exist. This series aims to make these different relationships much more accepted in society. They are not considered monstrous or strange. No, here, it’s just another romance and that’s normal.
How do you explain the impact of the series and its rapid success among the French audience?
The characters somewhat fit into classic beauty standards. We have two muscular, athletic men who are very handsome and engaged in a rather steamy romance. Also, we’ve seen a surge in romance’s popularity in recent years, both in books and series. Another series that is currently performing very well, although in a softer tone, is Bridgerton. There’s definitely a revival in the romance genre, even if this case is different.
I also believe that the fact that it’s set in a very masculine, even virile, sports environment, with codes that are not exactly queer-friendly, plays a role. Additionally, we have a romance that follows the Enemies to Lovers trope. That’s a trope that’s very much appreciated. People really like that.
We can project ourselves as women without being the object of a man’s desire. Because here, we have two men, so we’re a bit removed from the relationship. There’s no comparison between the audience and female characters who might be desired.
How do you explain the particular appeal of women, especially heterosexual women, to queer romances between men?
There are several answers. Firstly, the absence of women. It means we can project ourselves as women without being the object of a man’s desire. Since here, we have two men, we are removed from the relationship. There’s no comparison between the audience and female characters who might be desired. It’s a kind of fantasy that is more secure in a way, because we are excluded from it. It’s a bit paradoxical, but it allows for a greater sense of freedom in fantasizing. And not all gender dynamics that apply to some heterosexual romances come into play. It’s very liberating. Initially, the two men in the relationship are equal, at least on the surface.
Additionally, the series often presents emotional intimacy, moments of vulnerability where characters express their feelings. It’s less about traditional macho scripts. So, it’s also a way to access an alternative masculinity. Even though one character has more masculine characteristics and another is more timid and withdrawn. One has a bit more influence over the other.
Lastly, it’s the story of the series that draws people in: the Enemies to Lovers and the sports setting create a lot of erotic tension, and the taboo or secrecy of their relationship adds more spice. Finally, we have a female gaze on male bodies since the novel on which the series is based [Game Changer] was written by a woman. The male body is eroticized, which appeals greatly to heterosexual women who often feel objectified in series. In short, what appeals is having close-ups on muscles.
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