Heated Rivalry: parents' guide
Best for ages 17 and up. Rated TV-MA.
A steamy romantic drama about two rival hockey stars in a secret relationship, made for adults rather than teens. Explicit sex scenes appear in most of its six episodes, with nudity from behind and the side, alongside frequent sexual talk and strong language. Players drink to excess, one lead smokes constantly, and cocaine is shown. The emotional story deals with homophobia, hiding who you are, a father's death and a mother's suicide revealed from the past. Because the sex is so explicit and frequent, about 17 and up is the right starting point.
What's in it
Violence
MildVery little: rough clashes on the ice, a brief hockey brawl and an on-ice injury. No serious violence or gore.
Language
StrongFrequent f-words, often in sexual contexts, plus s-words, 'cock,' 'asshole,' 'bitch,' 'dick' and graphic sexual slang throughout.
Sex and nudity
StrongLengthy, explicit sex scenes between the two leads, including oral and anal sex, with rear and side nudity but no full-frontal; a second couple also has sex. Implied masturbation, a graphic photo, and frank talk about sex and condoms.
Drinking, drugs and smoking
StrongOne lead smokes cigarettes constantly, hockey players drink until drunk, and cocaine is used in several scenes; a brother who spends his money on cocaine is a sore point.
Scary or intense scenes
ModerateNothing scary, but heavy emotional moments: a father's decline, death and funeral, a man breaking down under pressure to stay closeted, and the revelation that a mother died by suicide.
Sensitive topics
- Suicide
- Death of a parent
Worth talking about
Both men hide who they are to protect their careers and families. Ask what it costs people to keep a core part of themselves secret, and how friends and teammates can make it safer to be open.
On our lists
Similar picks around 17+
Checked October 13th, 2026 against Common Sense Media, Wikipedia, gaytimes.com. The age is our judgment, not an official rating, and every family draws its lines differently: read the notes, not just the number. Spotted something we missed? Tell us. How we rate.