Heated Rivalry may still be an ongoing series on HBO Max, but it's already become a global sensation for both new and old fans of the original novel by Rachel Reid. If you're looking for similar stories, here are 8 queer shows that share the same vibe and chemistry, and where to watch them all online!
Fellow Travelers (2023)
Starring Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Wicked) and Matt Bomer (Doom Patrol, White Collar), Fellow Travelers is a historical drama about a decades-long, secret gay romance between political staffers in Washington, DC. Think secret passion in closeted environments.
Streaming Platforms: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+
One of the Boys (2023)
This Danish queer coming-of-age series follows Lau, a shy boy who is still exploring his sexuality and identity, who is forced to attend a hyper-masculine summer camp. While Heated Rivalry navigates a more mature queer couple, One of the Boys leans on uncovering queer identities in a restrictive setting.
Streaming Platforms: Amazon Prime Video
Interview with the Vampire (2022-Present)
Connor and Shane are Louis and Lestat, except we're viewing them through a vampiric love story, in which these 200-year-old immortals explore historical New Orleans while sharing intense, enemies-to-lovers romance in this messy world they are forced to live in.
Streaming Platforms: Netflix, AMC+, Amazon Prime Video
Young Royals (2021-2024)
Similar to One of the Boys, the Swedish Netflix original, Young Royals, follows Prince Wilhelm of Sweden, who is sent to a prestigious boarding school after a scandal.
Little did he know he would fall for one of the students, Simon, as they unravel their sexual identity, a blooming secret love, and the immense pressure of becoming the future king.
Streaming Platforms: Netflix
Looking (2014-2015)
While Heated Rivalry focuses on one couple, Looking shows three perspectives, specifically from three gay friends in San Francisco, all of whom have their own lives to navigate: from modern dating to careers and realistic relationships.
Streaming Platforms: HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
Queer As Folk, US (2000-2005) & UK Version (1999-2000)
Similar to how Looking depicts its queer relationships on screen, Queer as Folk is a fictional drama series in which the episodes show the lives and struggles of a group of gay friends, whose queer experiences drew heavily from real-life stories. These stories involve LGBTQ+ issues like AIDS, adoption, marriage equality, and community dynamics.
The only difference between the UK version and the US remake is that each has its own cinematic storytelling. Go for the UK version if you're looking for a shorter, grittier take, and opt for the US remake if you're looking for a longer, more mainstream-friendly show.
Streaming Platforms (US Version): Paramount+, Hulu
Streaming Platforms (UK Version): Revry (dedicated LGBTQ+ platform); can be purchased on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV
Our Flag Means Death (2022-2023)
Our Flag Means Death is not just a historical(ish) romcom about gentleman pirate Stede Bonnet on his mission to find the infamous Blackbeard—it's also about how both men find love in belonging to one another, a queer romance with a dash of chosen family amidst historical piracy.
Streaming Platforms: HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
Heartstopper (2022-Present)
One of the most iconic and beloved boys' love series is Heartstopper. However, Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson are not rivals. They play the same sport, rugby, but both high schoolers portray their journeys of coming out, acceptance, and falling in love as teenage boys.
Streaming Platforms: Netflix
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