Inside a New York Watch Party
Vulture • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The HBO Max Canadian series "Heated Rivalry," about hockey stars evolving from rivals to lovers, has sparked a passionate fan culture, particularly among lesbian and queer audiences in New York City, with multiple watch parties and events around the city.
- At a marathon viewing event in Bushwick's Boyfriend Co-op bar, attendees engaged deeply with the show, especially moved by a poignant monologue delivered in Russian by the character Ilya Rozanov, which became a highlight of the night.
- The show’s appeal lies in its combination of slow-burn romance and explicit sex scenes, with fans appreciating the emotional depth and chemistry between the main characters, Shane and Ilya, as well as side characters Scott and Kip.
- The communal viewing experience
