Pornhub has reported a significant increase in searches related to hockey-themed adult content, which coincides with the rise in popularity of the television series Heated Rivalry. Following its premiere on November 28, 2023, searches for “hockey” on the platform surged by as much as 617%, averaging an impressive 309% increase overall. This trend is largely driven by female viewers, with their searches for hockey-related content rising by 273%, compared to a 148% increase among male users.
Impact of ‘Heated Rivalry’ on Viewing Trends
The HBO Max series, based on a novel by Rachel Reid, follows the complex romantic relationship between professional hockey players Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (portrayed by Connor Storrie). The show has gained a viral following due to its emotional depth and explicit sexual content, which has resonated particularly with female audiences.
According to Alex Kekesi, Vice President of Brand & Community at Pornhub, trends on the site often mirror broader cultural phenomena. He stated, “When a major pop culture moment sparks conversation, we often see that interest reflected in the search behaviors of our users across the platform.”
The explicit nature of Heated Rivalry was a deliberate choice by the series creator, Jacob Tierney. In an interview, Reid mentioned that Tierney committed to showcasing the series’ sexual content fully, stating, “It’s not going to fade to black, and it’s not going to be ‘the suggestion of a blowjob.’” This bold decision has clearly paid off, as the series has cultivated a devoted fanbase eager for both its narrative and its provocative elements.
Future Prospects and Audience Engagement
As the first season of Heated Rivalry garnered attention for its explicit scenes, there were initial discussions among network executives about delaying such content until a potential second season. Tierney recalled his response, saying, “These books are porn. You think that the audience is here despite that? They’re here for this. This is what they want.” His instinct to maintain the series’ original vision has contributed to its current success.
While a release date for the second season has not yet been announced, fans appear to be filling the gap with a growing appetite for adult content related to hockey. The surge in searches indicates a crossover between mainstream media and adult entertainment, demonstrating how pop culture can influence viewer preferences and behaviors.
The rise in hockey-related adult content searches reflects evolving interests among audiences and illustrates the powerful connection between television narratives and viewer engagement in both mainstream and adult entertainment sectors.
