Why Pittsburghers Should Watch 'Heated Rivalry'
Hockey is having a big TV moment across the country — not for the sports, but for the gay sex and queer representation on HBO Max’s new breakout series “Heated Rivalry.” The show, which has already been renewed for a second season, is based on a book series by author Rachel Reid, who says portions of its focus were inspired by an imagined rivals-to-lovers relationship between Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby and Washington Capitals winger Alexander Ovechkin. Host Megan Harris is tapping in fans across the City Cast network to talk about why this show has become such a hit and whether Pittsburghers should claim the connection.
Show some love to today's guests, City Cast Seattle creative producer Sam J. Leeds and City Cast DC senior producer Julia Karron.
Notes and references from today’s show:
- GAY HOCKEY IS HAVING A MOMENT [City Cast Seattle]
- 'Heated Rivalry,' the gay hockey romance taking over the internet, finds love in Pittsburgh [Post-Gazette]
- ‘Heated Rivalry’ Star Hudson Williams Says Closeted Pro Athletes Have DMed Him [Them]
Learn more about the sponsors of this January 14th episode:
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news?
- Sign up for our daily morning newsletter.
- We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
- Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Did Disney Do Us Dirty? Plus, Guerilla Crosswalks & Capo's Investigation
A new collaboration pairs Disney characters with every NFL team, and the choice to represent the Steelers has been… controversial. Did Di...

Your Guide to Making Friends in Pittsburgh
It can be daunting to make new friends in Pittsburgh. Lots of people are still tight with their buddies from kindergarten, and it's not a...

Is Flooding Getting Worse in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is on track to have its wettest August on record, which is especially concerning since flooding is our most frequent natural d...

Taco Bell Lawsuit, Unsafe Sidewalks & Cryptid Dance Party
Is a local woman suing Taco Bell and Taylor Farms over cyclosporiasis? Is Downtown finally getting a grocery store in the form of Trader...

Where To Eat Late in Pittsburgh
Back-to-school season means late nights are back — and sooner or later, you’re going to get hungry. We’re revisiting our 1,000th episode,...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Portland Made Its River Cool — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
How often are you out in nature in Pittsburgh? It’s not always easy to know which natural resources are clean and safe to use in an urban...

Pablo Pledgescobar, Impounded E-Scooters & Shapiro’s Data Center Play
Penn State frats are facing yet another scandal –– this time a cocaine trafficking ring that investigators say involved students, alumni,...

Allegheny County’s Giant Tax Reset, Explained
Allegheny County has been ordered to reassess every residential and commercial property in the county — about 550,000 — for the first tim...

The Bartenders' Guide to Pittsburgh Dive Bars
Who knows a great bar better than the people who’ve worked behind one? Pittsburgh bartenders Aubrey Halliburton and Lisa Considine, co-ow...

Can Butler County Flip? Plus TikTok Trouble & North Side Cats
A special election in Butler County could be a bellwether for Pennsylvania Democrats ahead of the midterms in November. Host Megan Harris...

