This 88% RT Streaming Sensation From 2016 Walked So Heated Rivalry Could Run

Since premiering in November, Heated Rivalry has become an undeniable sensation that has helped introduce countless fans to the game of hockey. Last week, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told the media he binged the series in one night, calling it "wonderful", even if he felt it might be a little on the spicier side for younger audiences.

The latest series by director Jacob Tierney, who previously worked on Letterkenny and its hockey-focused spin-off Shoresy, is a smash-hit can't-miss sports romance, perfect for fans of the two genres. Heated Rivalry was officially renewed for a second season in December, and though it may take some time to return, there's another show fans should check out in the meantime.

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

Though it uses figure skating as its on-ice sport rather than hockey, there's no better show for Heated Rivalry fans than the hit 2016 anime Yuri on Ice. On airing, the series received praise for a number of qualities, from its impressive score and visuals courtesy of the famed studio MAPPA, to its gripping competitive storyline and well-written characters.

However, Yuri on Ice garnered most of its praise for including and making central a same-sex relationship between two of its main characters, a rarity in mainstream anime even now. Japan is the only remaining G7 nation to not recognize same-sex marriage, making Yuri on Ice's depiction of a relationship its country of origin deemed illegal all the more groundbreaking at the time.

The series follows Japanese figure skater Yuri Katsuki who, following a loss at a recent major event, begins to question his future in the sport. He then comes in contact with his figure skating idol, Victor Nikiforov, who offers to coach Yuri and help to get his career back on track. However, as they spend time together, Yuri develops increasingly strong feelings for his new coach.

By the time the series' final credits roll, fans can't help but root for Yuri both on and off the ice.

Yuri on Ice Was Groundbreaking, and It Remains One of Anime's Best Sports Romances

The success of Yuri on Ice during its initial airing was unprecedented. While Yaoi, or Boys' Love, has always been a popular genre in the anime sphere, never had the genre reached such mainstream heights. The series won a number of awards both in Japan and internationally, including Animation of the Year at the 16th Tokyo Anime Awards.

Unfortunately, the Yuri on Ice companion film announced in 2019 has since been canceled, as MAPPA remains one of the industry's busiest studios. Though fans have yet to give up hope that the series will return.

Heated Rivalry has become the obsession of countless viewers since its November 2025 premiere, and though there's been no official confirmation of when the series will return, fans can fill the void with another legendary sports romance classic, Yuri on Ice.