5 Steamy Sports Romances Like ‘Heated Rivalry’ to Stream Now

✦ Edited and fact-checked by Senior Staff Writer Randy Harward, our editorial lead with over 25 years of experience covering TV and entertainment.

Whether you’re obsessed with the “enemies-to-lovers” trope or you just can’t get enough of that high-stakes locker room tension, finding a show that captures the specific magic of Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” novels, “Heated Rivalry” (HBO Max) is the ultimate goal. We’ve spent way too much time diving into the deep ends of streaming libraries to find that perfect mix of hyper-competitiveness and forbidden attraction.
According to our research, fans are tired of “sports lite”—they want the grit, the secret glances, and the technical accuracy that makes the romance feel earned. From international gems to big-budget dramas, here are the shows that bring the heat.

1. “Spinning Out” (2020) | Netflix

We love how “Spinning Out” captures the absolute “hate-to-love” chemistry between pro-level skating rivals. It’s got that sharp, competitive edge where every fall on the ice feels like a personal failure and every touch feels electric. The series follows Kat Baker, a high-level skater who battles bipolar disorder while trying to balance her Olympic dreams with a new, frustratingly talented pair partner. If you’re looking for the high-intensity pressure of a professional sports circuit paired with some serious emotional baggage, this is your first stop.

2. “Young Royals” (2021) | Netflix

We can’t get enough of the “Public Figure vs. Secret Heart” trope in “Young Royals,” especially with the rowing team rivalry providing such a tense backdrop. Prince Wilhelm is sent to a prestigious boarding school where he unexpectedly falls for a fellow student, Simon, sparking a massive internal conflict between duty and desire. The rowing scenes serve as a great metaphor for their relationship—rhythmic, exhausting, and requiring total synchronization. It’s the ultimate “forbidden love” story for the modern age.

3. “Zero Chill” (2021) | Netflix

For those who want more of the rink without the R-rated intensity, “Zero Chill” is a fantastic look at the intersection of figure skating and ice hockey. We appreciate how it handles the sibling rivalry between a figure skater and her hockey-star brother, as their family moves across the world for his career. While it’s aimed at a slightly younger audience, the technical skating is impressive and the “ice-cold” tension between competing athletes is very much present. It’s a lighter way to get your hockey fix while waiting for a true “Heated Rivalry” adaptation.

4. “Ted Lasso” (2020) | Apple TV

While “Ted Lasso” is known for its optimism, I’m here for the subtle, slow-burn romantic arcs and the intense locker room dynamics. The show excels at taking “gritty, high-stakes” reality and injecting it with heart, specifically through characters like Roy Kent who struggle with the transition from “alpha athlete” to something more vulnerable. It’s a masterclass in how sports can build—or break—relationships. Plus, the banter is some of the best in the business.

5. “Pitch” (2016) | Prime Video

We have to shout out “Pitch” for its incredible “insider” angle on being the first woman in Major League Baseball. The relationship between Ginny Baker and her veteran catcher, Mike Lawson, is the definition of “complicated chemistry” in a professional environment. It perfectly mirrors the “Heated Rivalry” struggle of balancing a professional reputation with personal feelings. Thanks to licensing shifts, this “lost” sports drama has found a new home on streaming, and it’s a must-watch for fans of the trope.

Shows like “Heated Rivalry” FAQ