The late-night celebration in Times Square took an unexpected turn when two prominent personalities, Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper, found themselves captivated by a single television show:Heated Rivalry.
Their playful debate about the series, a steamy drama centered on rival hockey players, unfolded during CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live broadcast, revealing a surprising level of enthusiasm for the breakout hit of 2025.
Heated Rivalryfollows Shane, played by Hudson Williams, and Ilya, portrayed by Connor Storrie, as they navigate a passionate and complex connection despite their competitive animosity.
The conversation quickly veered into personal territory, with Cooper jokingly revealing he’d been sleeping in a bed frame Cohen had gifted him. Cohen playfully clarified, “Just the bed frame. I didn’t give you the mattress,” sparking laughter and a lighthearted discussion about their friendship.
The duo playfully assigned themselves roles within the show’s dynamic, with Cohen declaring himself Ilya and Cooper, much to his surprise, cast as Shane. Cooper vehemently disagreed, insisting he was more akin to the character of Kip.
Later in the night, Grammy-winning musician Brandi Carlile entered the conversation, confessing thatHeated Rivalryhad completely consumed her thoughts. “It’s all I can think about,” she admitted, prompting a fit of uncontrollable laughter from Cooper.
The show’s influence continued when Stephen Colbert joined the discussion, jokingly labeling himself a “bossy bottom” in his relationship. This admission seemed to push Cooper over the edge, leading him to question ifHeated Rivalrywas somehow driving everyone to madness.
The frequent mentions of the show didn’t go unnoticed by those involved in its creation. Rachel Reid, the author of theGame Changersseries that inspired the adaptation, expressed her astonishment on Instagram, sharing a slideshow of Cohen and Cooper’s playful debate.
Actor Robbie G.K., who plays Kip, chimed in with a simple but enthusiastic comment, tagging Cooper and affirming his agreement with Cooper’s self-assessment: “right answer king.”
Anderson Cooper’s reaction to the show’s mention was particularly striking, erupting into a 25-second burst of unrestrained laughter that captivated viewers and underscored the widespread obsession withHeated Rivalry.
It became clear that this wasn’t just a television show; it was a cultural phenomenon, sparking conversations and captivating even the most unexpected audiences.
