Hmmm, let’s see, what could this obsession be about? The sport of hockey itself? The actors? The plot? Either way, there is an undeniable epidemic of hockey shows taking over the film industry, and the trend shows no signs of stopping.
Heated Rivalry is where we begin to see the beginnings of the hockey theme taking over shows. Premiering on November 28, 2025, and based on the books written by Rachel Reid, the HBO Max television series was even quoted by The New York Times as saying, “Popularity of ‘Heated Rivalry’ Has Surprised Even TV Executives.” Variety Magazine wrote, “‘Heated Rivalry’ Reaches 10.6 Million Viewers in the U.S., With Audience Increasing by Over 100% Since Finale.” It is obvious to most Gen Z and Millennials that Heated Rivalry is one of the biggest shows of our generation. Starring two hockey rivals, played by Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, the ripple effect of this show is incredibly far-reaching. Both actors now have campaigns with brands like Peloton and Tiffany & Co., and their skyrocketing fame does not show signs of slowing down. The show features a dominant enemies-to-lovers theme and isn’t afraid to get into heavy topics. The under representation of queer athletes in sports and the exploration of the characters’ past trauma make this show relatable and a safe space for many young individuals. These themes are one of the many reasons for the show’s explosive popularity.
The most recent hockey show is Off Campus. Debuting on Prime Video on May 13, 2026, the show has become the newest addiction for hockey and non-hockey fans alike. Again, based on a series of novels, these written by Elle Kennedy, Off Campus has even set a record on Rotten Tomatoes, as reported by Forbes Magazine: “‘Off Campus’ Has Set A Rotten Tomatoes Score Record For The Past Year.” With a 96% critic score and a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, Off Campus even tops the scores of Heated Rivalry. Drawing parallels to the known and loved movie To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Off Campus begins with a “fake dating” deal, where the hockey star Garrett will be the pretend boyfriend of Hannah in exchange for her tutoring him for their philosophy class. This show isn’t all fluff, however. Also discussing heavy topics, such as sexual assault, Off Campus opens up these struggles and gives representation to them in the media. It’s no wonder Off Campus has such high ratings when it’s dealing with real-world issues in a way that makes individuals feel seen.
Heated Rivalry this and Off Campus that. Either way, these shows have made massive impacts on the world we live in today, and I’d be willing to bet that hockey viewership has seen benefits as well. As the BBC reports, “Heated Rivalry TV Drama Sparks New Wave of Ice Hockey Fans.”
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