Los Angeles, January 7, 2026 – Actor Hudson Williams candidly shared details about the intimacy garments used on set during steamy scenes for the hit LGBTQ+ hockey romance series, Heated Rivalry, streaming on HBO Max, during an appearance on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

The 24-year-old Canadian actor, who plays Shane Hollander, discussed the behind-the-scenes challenges of filming intimate moments with co-star Connor Storrie as their characters navigate a romantic rivalry on the ice.

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Williams Explains the Intimacy Garment

When asked about on-set precautions for explicit scenes, Williams joked about the “modesty garment” actors are required to wear.

“I got my hockey stick. And my intimacy garment,” he told Fallon. “They call it a [expletive] sock… By the end, they just gave up on any of them.”

Williams added that the garment “grabs the berries” and leaves the “whole backside out,” eliciting laughter and cheers from the audience. He also noted the importance of on-set intimacy coordinators to guide actors through these moments safely.

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Audition and Reading the Novel

Williams shared that he and Storrie hadn’t initially read Rachel Reid’s 2019 novel, upon which the HBO Max series is based.

“No, we didn’t even know about hockey smut and romantic… like, we didn’t even know that it existed,” Williams said.

He added that during the audition process, he read the book but joked that it took “way too long” to get a call back. Staying in character while waiting became part of his preparation.

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Audience Reactions and Fan Engagement

Since the series’ debut in November 2025, fans—including closeted professional athletes—have reached out to share their experiences with LGBTQ+ representation in sports. Williams said:

“Hockey players, football players, basketball players… then they’re reaching out privately through Instagram or emails relayed by our author Rachel Reid. Those stories really hit you, showing this is a celebratory show but also resonates deeply.”

The season one finale of Heated Rivalry has aired, and Canadian streaming platform Crave has confirmed a second season following the series’ success in the United States.

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On-Set Humor and Chemistry

Williams joked about the awkwardness of the intimacy scenes while maintaining professionalism, noting:

“No, which is awful. It kind of grabs the berries.”

His playful reenactments on Fallon’s show highlighted the balance of comedy, romance, and care that the production employs when handling explicit content.

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Heated Rivalry: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Sports Romance

Heated Rivalry combines sports drama, romance, and LGBTQ+ representation, exploring the lives of rival hockey players who find love amid competition. Its mix of humor, steamy moments, and heartfelt storytelling has made it one of HBO Max’s standout series in 2025.