Heated Rivalry shows that consent can be sexy

The Canadian series Heated Rivalry has become an international hit and is widely noted for portraying explicit, verbal and ongoing consent between its two lead characters.

Heated Rivalry is a Canadian television series that became an international hit over the holiday season. Creator Jacob Tierney said he wanted the explicit scenes to feel joyful and equal rather than threatening or imbalanced. The story follows two superstar hockey players who develop a secret romance, and the show foregrounds verbal, ongoing consent in their intimate scenes. The series was adapted from a novel by Rachel Reid and has prompted commentary from critics, therapists and fans. Key facts: - The show features explicit sex scenes that emphasise verbal, ongoing and enthusiastic consent, according to the creators and experts who spoke about it. - Jacob Tierney and the production team drew on Rachel Reid's book for many of the consent-focused moments, and actors and an intimacy coordinator rehearsed those scenes with attention to care. - Scholars and commentators such as Leah Dajches called the show a clear example of specific, compassionate consent, while therapist Esther Perel described it as a "beautiful lullaby" after viewing it. - Chala Hunter, the intimacy coordinator, said consent was a priority on set, and advocates such as Orlando St. Pierre and Stafford Perry noted the show's emphasis on communication and respect. - The series centres on hockey and has sparked discussion about masculinity and representation; it has streamed widely, with reports of popularity in Britain and unauthorised circulation in China. Summary: Heated Rivalry's approach has highlighted how explicit, consensual sexual scenes can be presented as joyful and part of a caring relationship, and it has prompted conversation among experts and viewers about media portrayals of consent. Research cited in discussion points out that clear, verbal consent is relatively uncommon in popular films and shows, so the series stands out in that regard. Whether this will lead to broader changes in media portrayals of consent is undetermined at this time.