Since it first aired in November, the show Heated Rivalry has quickly become a hit, bringing many new fans to the sport of hockey. Last week, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman shared that he watched the entire series in one night, describing it as “wonderful,” though he noted some parts might be a bit intense for younger viewers.
Jacob Tierney, the director behind popular shows like Letterkenny and Shoresy, has a new hit on his hands with Heated Rivalry. This sports romance is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys either genre. The show was quickly renewed for a second season in December, but while fans wait for its return, there’s another great series worth checking out.
Yuri on Ice Is a Must-Watch for Fans of Heated Rivalry
The 2016 Hit Anime Is One of the Most Popular Sports Romance Series Ever
For fans of intense competition, especially those who enjoy the spirit of Heated Rivalry, the 2016 anime Yuri on Ice is a must-watch. When it first aired, the show was highly praised for its beautiful animation and music, thanks to the talented studio MAPPA, as well as its compelling story and memorable characters.
While Yuri on Ice received a lot of positive attention for many reasons, it was especially praised for featuring a central, romantic relationship between two male characters – something rarely seen in mainstream anime, even today. Considering Japan doesn’t currently recognize same-sex marriage, the show’s portrayal of this type of relationship was particularly significant and progressive when it first aired.
The story centers on Yuri Katsuki, a Japanese figure skater struggling after a disappointing competition. He starts to wonder if he should continue skating, but his life changes when he meets Victor Nikiforov, the skater he’s always admired. Victor offers to coach Yuri, hoping to revitalize his career. As they work together, Yuri finds himself falling in love with his coach.
By the end of the series, viewers are completely invested in Yuri’s success, both as a skater and as a person.
Yuri on Ice Was Groundbreaking, and It Remains One of Anime’s Best Sports Romances
When Yuri on Ice first aired, it became incredibly popular, achieving a level of success never before seen for the Boys’ Love genre in anime. While stories about romantic relationships between men have always been popular with anime fans, Yuri on Ice brought that genre into the mainstream spotlight. The series received numerous awards, including Animation of the Year at the Tokyo Anime Awards.
The Yuri on Ice movie that was originally announced in 2019 has been canceled. This is likely due to MAPPA, the animation studio, being incredibly busy with other projects. However, fans are still hoping the series might come back someday.
Since its debut in November 2025, Heated Rivalry has captivated a huge audience. While we wait for news about the next season, fans can enjoy another beloved sports romance, Yuri on Ice.
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2026-01-20 03:30