NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman revealed he binge-watched the entire six-episode series Heated Rivalry in one night and commended its production quality. Speaking before a game between the San Jose Sharks and Washington Capitals, he highlighted the show's compelling storyline and nods to real league history. While acknowledging its mature content, Bettman suggested it positively impacts hockey's growth.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, aged 73, confessed to reporters that he watched all six episodes of the HBO Max series Heated Rivalry in a single night. The show, a rivals-to-lovers hockey drama, has gained popularity for its engaging narrative and subtle references to actual NHL events, such as trips to Sochi and the All-Star Game in Tampa.
Bettman, speaking in a pre-game scrum before Thursday's matchup between the San Jose Sharks and Washington Capitals, praised the series as "very well done." He noted its appeal, stating, "The storyline was very compelling and a lot of fun, because I could see where they were picking at things that we had in the past."
However, he cautioned about its content, describing it as "a little spicy" particularly for young audiences. "The content, particularly for young people, might be a little spicy. And so you have to balance that out in terms of how you embrace it," Bettman said. Despite this, he credited the show with helping to grow the game, aligning with the league's awareness of its cultural impact.
In a separate interview with The Hockey News, Bettman called Heated Rivalry a "wonderful story," reinforcing his positive view. The commissioner's endorsement highlights the NHL's evolving engagement with media that explores diverse themes in hockey, though he emphasized a measured approach to such content.
