Sexy TV is back - Today, Explained Recap

Podcast: Today, Explained

Published: 2026-01-18

Duration: 31 minutes

Guests: Michelle Ganem, Chayla Hunter

Summary

This episode explores the resurgence of explicit content on TV and how it taps into themes of yearning and intimacy. 'Heated Rivalry,' a Canadian series on HBO Max, exemplifies this trend, capturing audiences with its mix of vulnerability and explicitness.

What Happened

The podcast delves into the cultural phenomena surrounding 'Heated Rivalry,' a series about queer, closeted professional ice hockey players. The show, based on Rachel Reed's best-selling books and created by Jacob Tierney, has sparked discussions about yearning and intimacy on TV. The explicit nature of the show, while titillating, is also seen as sweet, sad, and a celebration of queer love, offering a break from traditional tragic narratives.

Emma, a writer and editor at Pop Sugar, argues that the show's success lies in its universality of yearning, a feeling that resonates with audiences across various media. She notes that yearning is often depicted as a feminine trait, yet 'Heated Rivalry' challenges this by focusing on queer men's experiences. This shift in representation is refreshing for audiences tired of the typical passive depictions of women.

Michelle Ganem, from The Cut, discusses the evolution of intimacy and sex on TV. She highlights the transition from the censored days of broadcast television to the freedom of streaming platforms, where shows like 'Heated Rivalry' and 'Bridgerton' can explore sexuality more explicitly. This freedom allows for more nuanced portrayals of intimacy, which are not just about the physical act but also about character development.

An intimacy coordinator for 'Heated Rivalry,' Chayla Hunter, discusses her role in ensuring that intimate scenes are consensual and contribute meaningfully to the narrative. She emphasizes that sex is a part of the human experience and, when portrayed thoughtfully, enhances storytelling.

The episode touches on the broader impact of explicit content on TV, noting that while some audiences may shy away from it, others appreciate the honest depiction of relationships. This reflects a cultural shift towards more open discussions about sexuality and intimacy.

The podcast also explores the audience's response to 'Heated Rivalry,' noting its appeal to both queer viewers and straight women. The show's balance of romance and explicit content offers a reprieve from typical tragic queer narratives, highlighting the desire for stories that celebrate love in all its forms.

Key Insights

• 'Heated Rivalry' is a TV series based on Rachel Reed's best-selling books, focusing on queer, closeted professional ice hockey players. It challenges traditional narratives by celebrating queer love and intimacy, rather than depicting tragic stories.
• The success of 'Heated Rivalry' is partly due to its portrayal of yearning as a universal emotion, which resonates across different audiences. This challenges the stereotype of yearning as a predominantly feminine trait by focusing on queer men's experiences.
• Streaming platforms have allowed for more explicit portrayals of sexuality and intimacy in shows like 'Heated Rivalry' and 'Bridgerton', moving away from the censorship of broadcast television. This shift enables more nuanced character development through intimate scenes.
• Intimacy coordinators, like Chayla Hunter on 'Heated Rivalry', ensure that sex scenes are consensual and meaningful to the narrative. Their role highlights the importance of portraying sex as a natural part of the human experience that enhances storytelling.