Steamy, sensual TV shows aren’t new, but the Canadian series has captured the public's attention in a way that a show hasn’t in a while. So, what’s behind its cultural resonance? What does it mean that this gay romance was written by a woman? And why are straight women and gay men equally into the sex scenes?
Michel Ghanem, TV critic and columnist of “Appointment Viewing” for The Cut, and Glen Weldon, co-host of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour, join the show to get into why we’re all waiting for every new episode with bated breath.
(0:00) What is Heated Rivalry really about?
(2:40) How successful is the gay TV show?
(6:05) Why are straight women into gay romance?
(9:25) Why all audiences see something new in the sex scenes
(12:12) Can straight actors play queer characters?
(18:30) "Wait, What?!" A Pop Culture Trivia Game
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