"Heated Rivalry" May Be Ending, But The Obsession Doesn't Have To — Here Are 12 Shows To Watch Next

If you're anything like me, you've been spending the last few weeks obsessing over Heated Rivalry — the gay hockey romance adapted from Rachel Reid's beloved book series Game Changer. And if we're being honest, that also means that you're extremely sad about Season 1 coming to an end.

What am I supposed to do now that I won't get any new content of Shane and Ilya?!

But lucky for you, I'm a seasoned veteran in queer media. So to keep the good vibes (and emotional investment) going, here are 12 more shows that deserve a spot on your watchlist:

1. Queer as Folk (1999-2000). This British series is the blueprint for modern queer TV. Following the lives of three gay friends in Manchester, it's bold, messy, unapologetic, and absolutely iconic. This is the kind of show that walked so everything else could run.

2. SKAM (2015-2017). This Norwegian show helped define an entire era of teen queer TV. Specifically, Season 3 — the season that permanently altered queer teens' brain chemistry worldwide. A series about high school students dealing with love and life altogether, it's raw, intimate, and realistic in how it portrays self-discovery and first love experiences. Fair warning: you will probably end up thinking about this one after it ends (and probably search for its many remakes).

3. Overcompensating (2025-). Following the story of Benny, a closeted former football player entering college, this show perfectly captures the awkward chaos of figuring yourself out in the mid-2010s. It's funny, uncomfortable, and also painfully relatable. You'll come for the laughs, but stay for the emotional gut punches you didn't expect.

4. Heartstopper (2022-2024). If Heated Rivalry gave you all the butterflies, then this one will comfort your heart. This sweet coming-of-age romance is wholesome and the ultimate feel-good watch.

5. Young Royals (2021-2024). Forbidden love, high stakes, and intense emotions? Check, check, and check. This Swedish drama follows a prince falling for a classmate at boarding school, bringing you longing, heartbreak, and absolutely beautiful performances.

6. I Love LA (2025-). This Crave series dives into friendships, dating, and navigating adulthood in LA. All of the characters are deeply flawed and a little insufferable in the best ways, but the comedy shines through — making it an incredibly fun watch.

7. Love, Victor (2020 -2022). A tender coming-of-age story about exploring love and identity in high school, this series (inspired by Love, Simon) takes a slower, more intimate approach to young queer romance. If you loved the emotional moments from Heated Rivalry, you'll definitely fall for this one too.

8. Elite (2018-2024). Now take what I just said and scrap all of it, because this one is pure chaos. Set around a mysterious murder, this Spanish series is scandalous, dramatic, and just as sexy as Heated Rivalry. While queer storylines aren't always front and centre, the representation is bold and unforgettable.

9. Glee (2009-2015). Is it completely unhinged? Absolutely. But was it also culturally important? Also yes. Glee gave many viewers their first queer characters on TV and showed what it was like to be unapologetically yourself. Watch this one with a grain of salt — but there's no denial in its queer impact.

10. Boots (2025). This series follows the story of a young man who finds connection after joining a Marine Corps. An under-the-radar queer gem that blends humour with heart, this one is an easy binge if you want something shorter but meaningful.

11. Schitt's Creek (2015-2020). Now if you're looking for some more Canadian vibes with a touch of queer joy, this show is the gold standard. Watching the Rose family slowly become better humans is comedy perfection and David's unapologetic queerness is genuinely everything. Oh and how could we forget — a familiar face (aka François Arnaud from Heated Rivalry) also makes an appearance!

12. Letterkenny (2016-2023). Sharp, fast-paced, and progressive, this Canadian comedy offers queer representation in surprisingly subtle ways. A series about living in rural Canada, this one is a great palate cleanser after the emotional highs of Heated Rivalry with inclusive and endlessly quotable fun.

So no, there truly isn't another show quite like Heated Rivalry since she's unique and truly that girl. But that just means it's time to fall in love with something new!

Let us know in the comments what show we should add to the watchlist and how you feel about Heated Rivalry Season 1 coming to an end!

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