Heated Rivalry fans praise ‘perfectly done’ episode three as new hunk introduced

Heated Rivalry fans are applauding the series and its creators for a “perfectly done” third episode of the LGBTQ+ sports drama.

Warning! Spoiler alert for Heated Rivalry, episode three.

Since the show’s first two episodes debuted on 28 November people have gone crazy for the steamy show, which follows the antics of several ice hockey players.

The series is based on the Game Changers novel series by Rachel Reid, with the show taking its name from the second book of the series.

The first two episodes focused on the beginning of Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) and Shane Hollander’s (Hudson Williams) love story as two rival players who enter into a secret but steamy love affair.

The third episode of the series, “Hunter,” which debuted on Thursday (4 December) changed tack and adapted the events of the first book, Game Changer, focusing on Scott Hunter (François Arnaud), a supporting character in the first two episodes.

This saw Hunter meet Kip Grady (Robbie G. K.) with the two sharing some serious flirtatious energy over ordering a smoothie.

The two soon embark on their own romance, complete with more of the steamy sex sessions the show has become famous for.

Though it doesn’t end so happily as Hunter, unable to accept himself, puts ice hockey before his new love and the two part ways.

Regardless, plenty of fans have taken to social media to share their reactions, with one person calling it “beautiful and perfectly done”. They applauded the show’s creators for devoting one episode of the six-part series to Hunter and Grady, believing it strengthens the overall story.

#heatedrivalry Heated Rivalry originally was gonna be a 2 hour movie so we would have only seen Hunter and Kip for 5 mins! Episode 3 was beautiful and perfectly done for a show that only has 6 episodes! Thank you so much Jacob for giving us a 1 hour episode about Hunter and Kip! pic.twitter.com/dCwcQga05S

— John Cookson (@CooksonJoh88941) December 5, 2025

“Episode 3 of heated rivalry made me teary,” wrote one fan on X/Twitter while another person said they “LOVED IT!”

Someone shared their favourite moment – when an emotional Grady goes to his dad after losing Hunter – saying the moment is “something a lot of us queer people haven’t experienced – and so happy for that to be portrayed centrally in this episode”.

Some viewers took issue with Hunter and Grady’s story only getting one episode, with many calling it “rushed”. In response other fans clapped back, with one saying: “If it feels rushed at times just remember it was never supposed to be more than that but now we may get a season 2 and 3!”

#heatedrivalry Heated Rivalry was just a simple 6 episode MINSERIES before it became a huge hit so if it feels rush at times just remember it was never suppose to be more then that but now we may get a season 2 and 3! pic.twitter.com/Bfwl6s7K6V

— John Cookson (@CooksonJoh88941) December 5, 2025

And one fan said “everyone hating on episode 3 can leave and I’m so serious” also sharing a GIF of Modern Family‘s Jay Pritchett (Ed O’Neill) spraying water at Manny (Rico Rodriguez)

Currently, the series is only available in Canada, the US, and Australia, it’s not available in the UK at the moment.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.