'Heated Rivalry' And 5 LGBTQ+ Movies & TV Shows With Happy Endings

Heated Rivalry is taking the world by storm, and rightfully so. The hockey romance adapted from Rachel Reid's Game Changers series is, dare I say, the best romance of the year. Thoughtful, soft, and achingly intimate, watching Connor Storrie's Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams' Shane Hollander fall in love is a gift that keeps on giving, with vulnerable moments that aren't just rare on TV, but it's so beautifully done here, it's setting the new standard.

We don't yet know how many seasons Heated Rivalry will get and how the story will pan out, but knowing what Jacob Tierney is capable of as a creator and how he understands the significance of LGBTQ+ romances, we can be sure that Ilya and Shane will have their happy ending, similar to the source material. If you're someone who appreciates softness and a grumpy/sunshine romance, run, don't walk to watch Heated Rivalry. 

Rivals to lovers? Check. Two completely different worlds and a slight tinge of forbidden romance? Check and check. An uptight guy and a carefree spirit? Check check. Like Heated Rivalry, Red, White, & Royal Blue isn't just a perfect romance, but it's a perfect book-to-screen adaptation. It's so good that we have a confirmed sequel, Red, White, and Royal Wedding. It's rare for LGBTQ+ romances to get a happy ending on screen, but it's even more rare to get a sequel where we can spend more time with the characters.

Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez have such sensational chemistry that between every quiet moment and hilariously bickering beat, their scenes together aren't just lovely, but they're fun. They're hot and soft and so, so warm that even the angst between them hits deep. If you love stories about royals, but wish they were centered around LGBTQ+ pairings, this treasure's got everything for you.

Most millennials grew up on shows like One Tree Hill (2003), adding in LGBTQ+ high school characters solely for shock value. The depth and understanding of profound human emotions and how so many people find themselves during those pivotal moments were seldom ever included until Heartstopper. And while Sex Education (2019) did it effectively, too, the happiness and warmth we get in Heartstopper make it such a soft showcase of how vast the spectrum is.

Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring might be the precious faces behind the whole show, but it's full of well-written and thoroughly fleshed-out queer characters who feel real and relatable. Characters who you can tell the writers love and appreciate as much as the actors do. Characters who are also given nuanced and brilliant narrative arcs to shine and blossom. For anyone who wants something deeply wholesome and honest, look no further than Hearstopper. 

At the moment, Bridgerton is mostly centered on heterosexual couples (though Benedict Bridgerton is confirmed to be bisexual and his season is coming soon!), but with the show being renewed for Seasons 5 and 6, we now have a guarantee that we'll also see Francesca and Michaela's romance come to fruition. And here's another thing: Hollywood is indeed doing a better job of incorporating LGBTQ+ romances, but we rarely have two women getting together.

What'll also be incredible about Francesca and Michaela's love story is that it'll differ from most historicals that feature same-sex relationships because they often use the time period as an excuse not to carry on with the happy ending. Yet, because Bridgerton is a romance where these happy endings are a must, we know that they'll not only get their happy ending, but it will also be gorgeous in every way because the show knows how to deliver deeply memorable romantic relationships. And it'll be a must-watch for anyone who loves historical settings.

Schitt's Creek isn't just one of the funniest TV shows to grace our screens, but it's also unapologetically romantic and delivers some of the best romantic moments. With Dan Levy's David Rose and Noah Reid's Patrick Brewer, we get everything that makes romance novels so special. Their first meeting, first few moments of becoming friends, their first kiss, and the eventual marriage, which I dare you to watch without blubbering because it's too precious for words.

In every way where it matters, Schitt's Creek brings to our screens unapologetic queer joy all wrapped up in an unforgettable love story that still makes me giddy every time I think about it. Perfect for viewers who loved Letterkenny (2016), but truly for anyone who wants something that's guaranteed to always make them laugh and swoon. 

Have you ever wondered what Pride and Prejudice would be like if it were centered around LGBTQ+ characters and full of all the joys of summer and sunlight bring? Well, you don't have to wonder too much because Fire Island exists, and it's a compelling reimagining that not only delivers joy, but it's also brilliantly written to reflect a plethora of character depth. While some viewers aren't sure if the happy-for-now equates to a happy ending, it's safe to assume that the couples can last beyond the final episode. 

It's creative, genuinely so thoughtful, and so well-made that it's shocking it flew under the radar because it deserves far more hype. It's a win on all fronts with an inclusive cast that makes the entire movie feel refreshing, realistic, and deeply heartfelt.