"While many seem surprised by the show's popularity, perhaps they shouldn't be-romance is the second most popular genre of fiction according to the nonprofit Romance Writers of America, and while the stereotype is that only women are interested in reading romance novels or their television adaptations, the organization estimates that about 18 percent of romance novel readers are men. What has been refreshing about the response to "Heated Rivalry" is that all kinds of people are loving it, women and men, queer and straight-unapologetically."
"Consuming media that centers romance, whether novels or television series, is a way to explore relationships and our own emotions, without any risk of disappointment or rejection. Just as our brains release oxytocin when we are emotionally close to someone else, the same chemical response happens when we read about or watch fictional characters bonding. In fact, engagement in fiction fosters empathy and helps us understand other people's emotions better (Oatley, 2016)."
Heated Rivalry is an HBO Max television adaptation of Rachel Reid's bestselling hockey romance novel, telling a slow-burn queer love story between Canadian player Shane Hollander and Russian rival Ilya Rozanov. Romance ranks as the second most popular fiction genre, with about 18 percent of romance readers being men. The show has attracted diverse viewers, including women, men, queer, and straight audiences. Consuming romance media allows people to explore relationships and emotions without risk of rejection. Emotional bonding with fictional characters triggers oxytocin and boosts empathy, improving understanding of others' emotions. Immersive fictional engagement offers a healthy escape that can increase resilience and well-being.
Read at Psychology Today
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