Every once in a while, a show comes along that feels like déjà vu. The phenomenon is hard to pin down, but it is hard to miss once the feeling settles in. Shows like The Pitt ring true to ER, but right now, all eyes are on a very different streaming hit. After all, Heated Rivalry’s hot streak is taking over television, and its streaming success might just revive its predecessor from 2016.
Premiering in late 2019, Heated Rivalry is the talk of social media for good reason. The show, which is based on Rachel Reid’s acclaimed Game Changer novels, is the perfect blend of drama and romance. Heated Rivalry has the world hooked on its LGBTQ+ romance as it follows the turbulent romance of pro athletes Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. But in order for this show to take the reins, a certain series called Yuri on Ice made it all possible 10 years ago.
Yuri on Ice Was the Prototype for Heated Rivalry
If you have never heard of Yuri on Ice, it is time you discovered the ancient texts. The original anime debuted to quiet acclaim in October 2016, and by the end of episode one, the MAPPA series began churning out hit episodes one after the next. The sports romance not only broke the mold with its careful animation, but Yuri on Ice was a bold step forward for LGBTQ+ romance. After all, the series tells the story of Yuri Katsuki, a 23-year-old pro figure skater from Japan who is ready to call it quits. Held back by anxiety and self-doubt, Yuri nearly leaves skating entirely until his idol Viktor Nikiforov steps back from pro skating to coach him.
What follows the couple in Yuri on Ice can only be described as magic. The anime follows Yuri and Viktor as they battle their inner demons to find new purpose in life, in sport, and in love. The pair gradually fall for one another before sealing their romance with an explosive on-ice kiss. Back in 2016, sites like Tumblr were obsessed with Yuri and Viktor as the athletes stumbled into a beautiful romance. Yuri on Ice earned rave reviews for its gorgeous story and art, but despite earning a renewal, the show is now shelved for good.
The Quiet Downfall of Yuri on Ice
In April 2017, Yuri on Ice shared plans to release an original film following its first hit season. The movie was expected to drop in 2019, but as time went on, MAPPA had fewer updates to give on the title. This frustrating dance carried on for years until MAPPA officially announced in April 2024 that Yuri on Ice’s movie would not be moving forward. As you can imagine, the fallout with fans was intense, and campaigns are ongoing to this day to revive the joyful LGBTQ+ romance.
The whimpering state of Yuri on Ice is a genuine disgrace to the anime, no doubt. Netizens have pleaded for Yuri and Viktor’s return to television for nearly a decade at this point. Nobody could have expected, however, that the reunion would come by proxy through Heated Rivalry.
Heated Rivalry’s Rise Should Spark the Return of Yuri on Ice
From its focus on sports to its LGBTQ+ romance, there are plenty of surface-level connections between the two hit series. Shane and Yuri are almost bizarro mirrors of one another, while Ilya and Viktor are excellent at pining. Both Yuri on Ice and Heated Rivalry will make your heart flutter, but only one of these shows is dominating Hollywood. And if fans are smart, they can use the rise of Heated Rivalry to petition the return of Yuri on Ice.
With a season renewal on hand, Heated Rivalry is being praised for its transparent storytelling and unabashed exploration of queer romance. Yuri on Ice is not as explicit with its own romance, but it could have done so much more if it was only given time. Viktor and Yuri are the prototype for what Heated Rivalry’s romance is today, and it is a damn shame audiences never got to see it to fruition.