During a panel discussion in New York, Jacob Tierney, the creator, writer, and director of the acclaimed gay ice-hockey series “Heated Rivalry,” introduced his newly released behind-the-scenes book about the shoot (Amazon Affiliate Link). He spoke openly about filming the intimate scenes between the protagonists Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) — and revealed a spicy detail. Both leads were ready from the start to go completely naked on camera, but Tierney deliberately drew a line: “It was about what I wanted to show. And I said: ‘I’m not going to show your penises!,'” said the openly gay 47-year-old Canadian, as the audience laughed.
With Cock Socks for the Shoot
Instead, the production relied on so-called intimacy garments (special protective and covering pouches) and close collaboration with intimacy coordinator Chala Hunter. Williams had previously described in interviews how he wore so-called “cock socks” on set.
For Tierney, it was crucial that the intimate moments be choreographed like a dance. This approach was meant to help the actors let go and focus on emotional depth: “Before the sex scenes, we don’t mainly discuss the movements; we ask, ‘Where are you emotionally right now? What does this moment reveal about your character? You’re sad, you’re trying to lift him up.’ It’s still storytelling — and that matters to me far more than showing a particular body part.”
Direct link | Tierney discusses the penis-politics starting at minute 15
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On social media, fans reacted with their usual humor but were split in their opinions. While some commenters teased what the series might have missed by not leaning into explicit displays (“The one time two men volunteer, and someone says no”), others praised Tierney’s sense for queer storytelling. Gay love stories don’t have to be reduced to anatomical showpieces when intimacy and acting are at the forefront.
“Heated Rivalry” was last year’s surprise hit. The second season is expected to premiere sometime in 2027. In Germany, the show streams on HBO Max.
