The new HBO max series, Heated Rivalry, centers on two NHL superstars playing for rival teams whose public animosity hides a private, long-running relationship. What begins as an impulsive encounter develops into a years-long connection shaped by playoff battles, media pressure, and the constraints of being closeted in professional hockey.

One of the show’s strongest elements is the acting, particularly from Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams. The two leads are relatively new actors, and that works in the show’s favor. Their performances feel natural and unforced, which keeps the romance believable. They commit to the relationship without overselling it. They play the awkwardness, competitiveness, and gradual emotional shift with restraint. The chemistry builds in a way that feels consistent rather than exaggerated. It also helps that the actors seem comfortable with each other off-screen; that familiarity translates into small, convincing moments in scenes. The quieter exchanges like pauses in conversation and subtle shifts in expression, are handled with as much care as the more overtly romantic scenes.

Despite operating on a noticeably modest budget, the show makes strategic choices that keep the focus where it belongs: on the characters. The hockey scenes rely on tight camera work and editing rather than sweeping arena spectacle, which prevents the sport from overshadowing the relationship. Many of the most important moments happen in confined spaces (such as locker rooms, hotel rooms and apartments) to emphasize the secrecy and isolation that define their connection. 

What distinguishes the series from many mainstream sports dramas is its focus on a queer relationship between two men who are genuine equals. Both are elite athletes at the top of their careers. They share comparable status, income, skill, and public recognition. Because of that symmetry, their conflicts are not driven by hierarchy but by personality differences and emotional hesitation. The tension comes from pride, rivalry and the difficulty of sustaining intimacy under constant scrutiny, not from one character holding structural power over the other.

The show also presents a version of masculinity that is competitive without being toxic. On the ice, the players are aggressive and focused on their performance, reflecting the intensity of professional hockey. Off the ice, the series allows them to show vulnerability, frustration and care for each other. Their emotional restraint is portrayed as part of navigating the sport’s culture, not as an inherent personality trait.Ultimately, Heated Rivalry stands out because it keeps the story grounded and focused. The relationship develops gradually through rivalry, hesitation, and small moments of trust rather than big dramatic gestures. By showing two equal men navigating intimacy in a competitive, high-pressure environment, the series portrays a believable and relatable romance.

John Oliver began hosting “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” in April 2014 and has joined the small, exclusive group of engaging, educational and satirical newscasters. But after only two seasons, Oliver has proven himself and gone farther than his counterparts.

One of the most enjoyable parts of his episodes is the title sequence. Granted, if you do not have a basic understanding of Latin, his quirks might go over your head a little. But that is all that you will miss because one of the strongest qualities that Oliver has is his accessibility. He takes his time working through a topic, ensuring that his audience stays with him throughout the entire episode. He keeps the camera angle close to him and leans forward, keeping his audience locked in the episode. Before watching the episode “Jun 1, 2014,” I’ll admit to knowing not as much as I should have about net neutrality. But after watching, not only I had learned about this topic, but I was invested as well.

You know that mentally exhausted feeling you have after a particularly hard class? That feeling of despair and confusion that comes like waves and sometimes causes tears? “Last Week Tonight” does not cause that. You learn so much in such a compact amount of time that you would expect to feel a little brain dead. But Oliver’s patience with teasing out a topic and his inclusion of humor keeps you from exhaustion and moves you towards enthusiasm and passion for learning without feeling like you’re in a classroom.

Oliver’s humor is also done with delicacy. The humor doesn’t overpower the content, nor does the content overpower the humor. Just when you think that maybe he has been too serious for too long, he cracks some joke and the tension breaks. But not once has he picked the opportunity to be humourous over the opportunity to be informative.

Even though “The Daily Show” has a new host and “The Colbert Report” has ended, Oliver still differs from them in an important way. Because his show is aired on HBO, Oliver has free reign when it comes to content, something his predecessors will never have as long as they work for a station that is owned by a larger corporation. Is his audience limited by the fact that not everyone has access to HBO? Maybe, but much of his content is on Youtube.

Don’t believe me? Go back through the Monitor’s Clickbait and you’ll see that more often than not, one of us shared a link to a recent clip of his. Not sold yet? Try out Oliver’s bit on Fifa, but fair warning–it may ruin future World Cup for you.

“Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” is an incredibly engaging and important show. It allows for the audience to learn and become educated while making topics like the failing infrastructure of America or voting rights for U.S. territories hilariously serious.

A previous version of this review incorrectly dated Oliver’s time at Jon Stewart’s “The Daily Show.” Thanks to a comment from a reader for correcting this.