If you’ve been on your phone at all in the past two months, you’ve most likely seen everyone talking about a new show called Heated Rivalry. The Crave original series dropped on HBO in November and quickly caught the attention of audiences across the country for its undeniable chemistry and steamy scenes. But what truly sets it apart from other romantic dramas is how thoughtfully it portrays consent.
Consent is the Foundation
Knowing what consent looks like is essential to creating safer, more respectful intimate interactions. Too often, movies and television skip over the moments when communication and mutual understanding actually happen. Romances rely on the fast-paced, spontaneous nature of intimacy and lose the grounded moments before and during sex between partners. While many shows focus on heat and tension, and skip the moments when communication is key. Heated Rivalry does both.
Consent in Heated Rivalry is not just a box to be checked once and never mentioned again. During the second episode when Shane and Ilya are together for the first time, permission is explicitly asked for at almost every turn. Consent in the show isn’t rushed or implied. It’s present, ongoing, and enthusiastic. Characters check in with each other. They ask questions. They pay attention to body language and comfort. They show a realistic and healthy version of intimacy, one that acknowledges that desire and communication can (and should) go together.
What is Enthusiastic Consent?
The intimacy between Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander is a clear example of Enthusiastic Consent in action. But to understand Enthusiastic Consent, let’s first go over the definition of Consent.
Consent is a mutual agreement to engage in sexual activity. It should always be clear and communicated without pressure, manipulation, or fear. Enthusiastic consent goes a step further.
Enthusiastic consent means seeking out a clear, positive “yes”—not just the absence of “no.” This model encourages partners to look for active participation, mutual excitement, and ongoing check-ins throughout an intimate experience.
Enthusiastic Consent looks like:
- Saying “Yes, I want to” or “I’m into this”
- Smiling, nodding, or engaging in a relaxed and comfortable way
- Checking in with your partner throughout
- Offering reassurance
Enthusiastic Consent does not look like:
- A partner who says “maybe”
- A partner who says “I guess so”
- A partner who says “fine”
- A partner who says “If you’d like”
Heated Rivalry makes it clear that consent isn’t just about the absence of a “no.” It’s about mutual interest and care. Consent can be sexy. But more importantly, it’s required.
The creators of Heated Rivalry were intentional about how they portrayed intimacy, especially given that Shane had never had a sexual experience with a man before his relationship with Ilya. That context matters. Early encounters between the characters emphasize consent and safe sex. In a recent interview with Teen Vouge the show’s creator, Jacob Tierney, was adamant about including depictions of consent and safe sex in the characters’ early encounters.
“Consent was huge for me, and more so, just concern. It’s a huge part of Ilya’s character,” Tierney says. “He may seem like a carefree playboy, but really, he’s a very sensitive and empathetic lover. It just adds to how much we learn about these guys from the sex they have.”
Why This Matters
Media plays a powerful role in shaping how we understand the world around us. Representations of relationships, sex, and consent can be incredibly impactful. Seeing intimacy portrayed with care, communication, and respect can be affirming and educational. Heated Rivalry shows that consent isn’t just a checkbox. It’s an ongoing process that deepens the connection.
By normalizing conversations about consent and desire, Heated Rivalry offers more than just a new fan favorite television show. It provides a model for what healthy intimacy can look like on screen.
