Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen Joke About Hit Show ‘Heated Rivalry’ on CNN Special

CNN’s New Year’s Eve broadcast took an unexpected turn. Hosts Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen joked about the popular series Heated Rivalry. The moment happened live during New Year’s Eve Live on December 31.The banter began over a personal topic. Cooper admitted feeling strange about a bed frame from Cohen. The longtime friends then playfully argued about the gift.Cooper quipped their disagreement was not like the television show. He directly referenced the Canadian series. Cohen quickly seized on the mention.He began casting them as the show’s lead characters. According to Cohen, Cooper would be Ilya Rozanov. He assigned himself the role of Shane Hollander. Cooper appeared confused by the comparison on live television.

A Breakout Hit for Crave and HBO Max

The show they referenced is a major success story. Heated Rivalry is a gay romance series set in professional hockey. It streams on Canada’s Crave and on HBO Max internationally.It premiered in late 2025. The series quickly became a surprise breakout hit. It features actors Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams as rival athletes.The plot follows their complex relationship. They navigate intense professional competition and personal feelings. The show has garnered a dedicated global fanbase.

CNN Hosts and Celebrities Join Fan Conversation

The CNN segment highlighted the show’s cultural reach. It showed mainstream celebrities engaging with LGBTQ+ themed content. The moment was captured and shared widely on social media, including Twitter.Later in the same broadcast, Cohen brought the show up again. He asked singer Brandi Carlile a direct question. He wondered if lesbians cared about the hockey romance series.Carlile gave an enthusiastic, humorous response. She said the show was all she could think about. Her reply sent Cooper into a fit of laughter on air.This was not an isolated mention in mainstream media. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the show has received significant coverage. Its first season sparked considerable discussion.

A Sign of Changing Media Landscape

The casual references on a major news network are telling. They signal a shift in mainstream acceptance. Niche streaming content can now permeate wider cultural conversations.The series was created by Jacob Tierney. It is based on a popular novel by Rachel Reid. Its success points to strong audience demand for diverse sports narratives.The interaction between Cohen and Cooper felt organic. It mirrored the way real friends discuss popular television. This authenticity resonated with viewers watching at home.

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The spontaneous Heated Rivalry exchange on CNN proves the show’s impact extends far beyond its streaming platform. It has cemented its place in the broader pop culture dialogue of the new year.

Disclaimer: This news article is based on reports from CNN’s broadcast and coverage by The Hollywood Reporter. All details presented are factual accounts of the televised event and related public information about the series.