So You Finished Heated Rivalry and You Need Another Show to Watch
We all know that feeling. The high of finishing a good show followed by the immediate crash and sense of emptiness when you realize it's over. I've always believed the best way to soothe myself in those situations is to dive right in to another show that has some similarities to the thing I loved. It may not entirely fill the void, but it does provide distraction.
For some of you, Heated Rivalry may have been a new experience--a well made gay romance on mainstream TV that actually cared about sex as part of the story. But I have great news! In other parts of the world this kind of show is not so uncommon. There's a whole world of amazing gay romances out there, and I'm here to share just a few that may appeal to you as a fan of HR.
Note: All of these shows are available on easy to access streaming services--Netflix, Viki, YouTube and iQIYI--some entirely for free. If you want to watch but aren't familiar with any of the platforms, let me know and I will point you.
Did you say rivals to secret lovers? Look no further than Bad Buddy, the story of two arch rivals from feuding families who accidentally fall in love and have to hide their relationship. Buff men, sports, secret romance, explosive chemistry, capital Y yearning--it's all there!
Maybe what appeals to you more than anything about HR is the chance to see beautiful men in gorgeously shot sex scenes that actually matter to relationship development. If so, look no further than KinnPorsche, a show whose visuals and explicit sex scenes will stun you while you try to keep up with the zany plot centered on a mafia family.
Old Fashion Cupcake (Viki)
Maybe you're a fan of adult romances teeming with sexual tension in general, in which case you should definitely check out this workplace romance where a younger employee sets out to woo his older boss. It's short and sweet and you'll want to put it on repeat.
For the sexy angst lovers, The Eighth Sense offers both a compelling romance and a similar emphasis on beautiful cinematography, great music, and all around style. This story focuses on two college students in the same surf club who get tangled up in each other.
Like in The Movies (YouTube)
Speaking of great music and angst, this story about a closeted college student who meets and falls for a very much not closeted gay man will speak to those who are drawn to Shane's journey of coming into his sexuality and working through his internalized homophobia.
Not to get ahead of myself, but I think we all know the story that is coming next for Shane and Ilya in season 2. Dark Blue Kiss similarly takes a look at a long term relationship in the closet--what happens when you've decided to be together but still have to hide?
I Told Sunset About You (Viki)
If you love beautiful cinematography, gorgeous music, intense sexual tension and deep angst, there is hardly a better show for you than this one. This story is coming of age so the characters are on the younger side, but the show is very mature in its themes.
I Cannot Reach You (Netflix or Viki)
Another show about younger characters, this one is a pitch perfect friends to lovers romance. It's funny without being cutesy, and it takes the sexual desire part of the romance seriously. Honestly so good.
And for the romcom fans, I can't leave off this top tier enemies to lovers story about two college students who hate each other--until they really don't. It's short and fun and great for any romcom lover.
Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo (iQIYI)
One more for the angst lovers! This gorgeous story follows two men who fall in love in high school before being separated by traumatic events and come back to together as adults to try to heal. It's another with beautiful visuals, great music, and loads of angsty sexual tension.
And that's the list for now! This is just a starting point--there are so so many more shows I could recommend to you; it's an embarrassment of riches over here. If you try any of these and like them, hit me up anytime for more recs or check my #shan recommends tag. Happy watching!