Hudson Williams Hears from Closeted Athletes Following Heated Rivalry’s Viral Success
New York, 7 January 2026 – Hudson Williams, the breakout star of the queer hockey romance series Heated Rivalry, has revealed that he has received messages from closeted professional athletes inspired by his portrayal of Shane Hollander. The Crave and HBO Max series, which premiered in November 2025, has become a cultural phenomenon, leading to its renewal for a second season and Williams’ rising profile in Hollywood.
The Impact of Heated Rivalry
Heated Rivalry, adapted from Rachel Reid’s Game Changers book series, follows two rival hockey players, Shane Hollander (played by Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), who develop a secret romance while keeping their sexualities hidden. Since its debut, the show has resonated deeply with audiences, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community, and has sparked conversations about representation in sports. Williams, who appeared on Andy Cohen Live on 7 January 2026, shared that hockey, basketball, and football players have reached out to him anonymously, mirroring the experiences of the show’s author, who has also received similar messages.
Williams, born in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, on 13 February 2001, to a Korean mother and British-Dutch-Canadian father, has seen his career skyrocket. Before Heated Rivalry, he worked as a waiter and had minor roles in series like Tracker and Allegiance. His chemistry with co-star Storrie was pivotal in landing the role, and the pair have become close off-screen, fueling fan interest. The series’ success has led to Williams signing with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and appearances at major events, including presenting at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards on 11 January 2026.
Key Facts and Upcoming Milestones
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Show Premiere and Renewal | Debuted on Crave and HBO Max in November 2025; renewed for season two. |
| Hudson Williams’ Background | Born 13 February 2001; graduated from Langara College with a film arts degree; played basketball and aspired to UFC fighting. |
| Representation and Impact | Williams focused on authentic queer representation; received messages from closeted athletes in hockey, basketball, and football. |
| Upcoming Appearances | Presenting at Golden Globes on 11 January 2026; late-night debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on 7 January 2026. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hudson Williams?
Hudson Williams is a Canadian actor, writer, and director best known for starring as Shane Hollander in Heated Rivalry. He has a background in film arts and previously appeared in short films and series like Tracker.
What is Heated Rivalry about?
Heated Rivalry is a sports romance series based on Rachel Reid’s books, depicting the secret relationship between two professional hockey rivals, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, as they navigate their careers and sexualities.
Has Heated Rivalry been renewed?
Yes, the series has been renewed for a second season by Crave, with episodes expected to stream on HBO Max.