You’d have to be living under a gay rock if you’ve somehow missed the fervor over Heated Rivalry, the gay hockey romance that basically owned the last quarter of 2025.
The reason the show resonated so deeply with audiences, both gay and straight, was its perfect balance of yearning, romance, and unbelievably sexy scenes (let’s be honest, that last one is probably doing a lot of the initial heavy lifting). It was groundbreaking not just because it was a gay love story, but because it struck a chord with audiences—and rather than fading quickly into obscurity in this era of constant content, it’s only grown more popular by the day, turning its stars, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, into A-listers seemingly overnight.
While we love that with all our hearts, we can’t help but feel a pang for the gay shows that came before it and flew under the radar, often getting cancelled after just one season (truly, it’s an epidemic of cancellations). And let’s not even start on how long and brutal the wait for season two of Heated Rivalry will be. So really, there’s no time like the present to go back and revisit the shows that could—and maybe should—have been the original Heated Rivalry-level breakout.
Some of these lean into the more romantic side of what made that show so beloved, others into yearning and self-discovery, and some just bring the heat. So with that in mind, here are six shows you may have missed—and how you can fix that today.Smiley
Smiley
Netflix
This Spanish series gets gay romance right! In it, Álex is nursing a broken heart after being ghosted by his latest love connection. Confused and frustrated, he reaches out to the man who ghosted him for an explanation but instead accidentally contacts Bruno, and the two strike up a surprising and passionate connection. This show was sadly axed after only one season, despite being very, very good.
Where to watch: Netflix
Invisible Boys
Invisible Boys
Stan
This Australian show understands the struggle of being closeted when all you want to do is be yourself and stand in your truth, and it has a ton of heart. The series follows a group of gay teens after one of them is outed on social media following his affair with a married man.
Where to watch: Stan
Gameboys
Gameboys
dekkoo
Incredibly sweet and romantic, this Filipino web series follows the friendship-turned–long-distance romance between two gamers, Cairo and Gavreel, who meet during lockdown. Anyone who has had a digital romance can relate to the longing and intense connection that can form even from miles away.
Where to watch: dekkooBig Boys
Big Boys
Hulu
This coming-of-age dramedy sees two very different young men coming together as roommates in their first year of university. One of them, Jack, is closeted and begins exploring his identity and sexuality. While this relationship is platonic, there is a moving intimacy between them.
Where to watch: Hulu
One of the Boys
One of the Boys
Viaplay
This Danish coming-of-age drama sees Lau, a young closeted boy, falling for another camper, Aksel, while the two attend a hyper-masculine summer camp where he is meant to prove his manhood. Instead, the two begin a sweet romance amidst the toxic culture surrounding them.
Where to watch: viaplay
Olympo
Olympo
Netflix
If your favorite element of Heated Rivalry was hot athletes getting it on in secret, well, good news, because we’ve got the series for you. This steamy Spanish drama is set at Spain’s elite Pirineos High Performance Center and follows a group of athletes ruthlessly pursuing their dreams—and gay rugby players Roque and Seba relentlessly and secretly pursuing hot hookups. Sound familiar? You’re welcome
Where to watch: Netflix
