The series has resonated with adult audiences for several reasons. It tackles representation in professional sports head-on, exploring what it means to be LGBTQ in a hyper-masculine, internationally scrutinized environment. The chemistry between the leads is electric, and the show doesn't shy away from depicting the full complexity of their relationship—including the sex scenes that have become a talking point.

But here's the thing: this isn't Heartstopper. Heated Rivalry is explicitly made for adults. The TV-MA rating isn't a suggestion—it's a warning label that actually means something.

Let's be direct about what you're dealing with if your teen is asking to watch this:

The show features explicit sex scenes throughout. We're talking full nudity, graphic depictions of sexual activity, and scenes that are integral to the story but absolutely not appropriate for younger viewers. The source novels are equally explicit, and Season 2 is based on book six, so the show isn't toning anything down (source).

Beyond the physical content, the show explores complex emotional territory: secrecy, mental health struggles, the toll of living a double life, and navigating cultural pressures around sexuality. There are scenes depicting both consensual and non-consensual moments that require emotional maturity to process.

Strong language is frequent, and there are references to alcohol and drug use that reflect the reality of professional sports culture.

The show digs into what it means to be a public figure from different countries (Canada and Russia) with very different attitudes toward LGBTQ rights. These conversations are valuable but intense.

16 and under: No. Full stop. The content is too explicit, and the emotional complexity requires more life experience to contextualize properly.

16-17: Maybe, but only if you've already established open communication about relationships, consent, and LGBTQ issues. Even then, consider watching the first episode yourself before making the call. HBO Max has parental control settings that let you block specific shows or require a PIN for TV-MA content—use them.

18+: This is the target audience. The show assumes viewers have the maturity to engage with explicit content and complex themes around identity and relationships.

For context: among Screenwise families, 92% report having some form of TV/streaming access in their homes, with an average of 4.2 hours of screen time daily during weekdays. About 40% of families use Netflix regularly, and 40% have kids' profiles set up. If your household is in that majority, you're likely already navigating conversations about what's appropriate—and Heated Rivalry is a clear case where the rating system is doing its job.

The Game Changers series by Rachel Reid is similarly explicit. These are adult romance novels marketed to mature readers, not YA fiction. If your teen is reading the books, you're dealing with the same content considerations as the show. The novels are well-written and have a devoted fanbase, but they're not middle school material. Think of them as the literary equivalent of the show's TV-MA rating.

If your older teen is interested in Heated Rivalry, here's how to approach the conversation:

1. Ask why they're interested. Are they drawn to the LGBTQ representation? The sports angle? A friend's recommendation? Understanding their interest helps you gauge whether they're ready for the content.

2. Be honest about the explicit nature. Don't sugarcoat it. "This show has graphic sex scenes and mature themes. It's made for adults, not teens. Here's why that matters..."

3. Discuss consent and healthy relationships. If you do decide it's appropriate, use the show as a springboard for conversations about what healthy relationships look like, how consent works, and how media depictions don't always reflect real-life dynamics.

4. Address the LGBTQ themes directly. This is a great opportunity to talk about representation, the challenges LGBTQ athletes face, and why stories like this matter—even if the execution is meant for adult audiences.

5. Offer alternatives. If they're looking for LGBTQ representation in sports media, there are age-appropriate options. Heartstopper is the gold standard for teens, and shows like Young Royals offer romance without the explicit content.

If your teen is interested in sports dramas or LGBTQ stories but Heated Rivalry isn't appropriate yet, try these:

For more options, check out our guide to teen-appropriate sports dramas.

Heated Rivalry Season 2 is appointment television for adult fans of romance and sports drama. It's well-made, emotionally resonant, and tackles important themes around LGBTQ representation in professional sports. But it's emphatically not for kids or younger teens.

The TV-MA rating is there for a reason, and this is one of those cases where the content lives up to the warning. If your 16- or 17-year-old is asking to watch, preview it yourself first, and be prepared for some uncomfortable conversations. For younger teens, the answer is a hard no—but you can offer alternatives that provide representation without the explicit content.

As always, you know your family best. But when it comes to Heated Rivalry, erring on the side of caution is the move. There's a reason this show is marketed to adults, and respecting that boundary is part of helping your teen navigate media literacy and age-appropriate content.

Want to dig deeper into how to navigate mature content with your teen? Start here.