The creator of the critically acclaimed drama Heated Rivalry has opened up about the show's boundary-pushing intimacy, while revealing the specific lines he will not cross. Jacob Tierney, the mind behind the Crave and HBO Max series, confirmed there are two explicit elements audiences will never witness, despite the programme's reputation for visceral and authentic gay sex scenes.
The Explicit Boundaries of Heated Rivalry
Since its debut in November, Heated Rivalry has captivated global audiences with its raw portrayal of relationships, notably the passionate dynamic between hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. The show's unflinching sex scenes have been a major talking point, praised for their narrative purpose and physical authenticity.
However, in a recent interview with Vulture, Tierney outlined his firm limits. Firstly, he confirmed that full-frontal nude scenes will never feature in the series. He distinguished between nudity and sexuality, stating, "These are sex scenes, not nudity scenes." Tierney elaborated that he believes prosthetics would not enhance the storytelling, emphasising that "the sex helps tell the story of the characters."
Sex as Communication, Not Spectacle
For Tierney, the intimate moments are fundamental to character development. Discussing protagonists Shane and Ilya, he explained, "Sex is their language, their way of communicating. Random sex scenes are easy to film." The challenge, and the show's success, lies in filming sex that is integral to the plot.
He compared the process to choreography, noting, "It’s akin to dancing. Both are deeply physical. Both demand practice and exact camera placement." This meticulous approach is supported by an intimacy coordinator, Chala Hunter, who ensures a safe and consensual environment for the actors.
Where the Camera Will Never Go
The second, more surprising, limit Tierney set involves the practical realities of gay sex. He has no intention of showing douching on screen. Addressing fan curiosity about a character's preparedness for anal sex, Tierney was blunt: "This is not a documentary. You wanna watch them douche? You want me to include Shane in the bathroom for half an hour with the f---ing enema." He concluded firmly, "That’s not what we’re doing here. We’re skipping that part."
The production's duty of care is paramount. Before filming any intimate scene, intimacy coordinator Chala Hunter consults with the cast, asking questions like, "What levels of nudity are you comfortable with? Is there anything you don’t want the camera to see?" Actors wear modesty pouches, and Hunter is available for support throughout the entire process.
By setting these clear boundaries, Jacob Tierney ensures that Heated Rivalry remains a character-driven drama where sexuality serves the story, rather than becoming gratuitous spectacle. The show continues to spark conversation for its honest portrayal of modern gay relationships, precisely because it knows what not to show.
