Heated Rivalry has quickly become one of the most talked-about queer series of the year, but Episode 3, the emotional, quietly romantic story of Scott Hunter and Kip Grady, is the one that has viewers fully obsessed. The standalone episode shifts away from the fiery, enemies-to-lovers relationship of Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) and instead spotlights a slower, tender narrative brought to life by Franois Arnaud and Robbie G.K.Franois Arnaud as Scott Hunter and Robbie G.K. as Kip Grady on Heated Rivalry. Photo: HBO Max/Crave CanadaThe result is a devastating, beautifully acted portrait of a relationship defined by fear, desire and the cost of secrecy, and its earning widespread praise for both stars.The World of Heated RivalryThe series, adapted from Rachel Reids bestselling Game Changers novels, debuted on Crave and HBO Max in late November. While the main storyline comes from the second book, Heated Rivalry, Episode 3 draws from Game Changer, the first novel, which follows closeted hockey player Scott Hunter and smoothie-shop employee Kip Grady.The episode gives viewers Scotts emotional backstory, exploring the tension between his public persona as a celebrated athlete and his private longing for connection. Scott and Kips chemistry is immediate, but Scotts fear of coming out ultimately fractures the relationship, making the episode one of the most heartbreaking of the season.Franois Arnaud: A Veteran Actor With Deep LGBTQ+ RootsFranois Arnaud, who plays Scott, has been winning viewers over for more than a decade. Born in Montreal in 1985, Arnaud fell in love with acting at age nine after seeing a stage production of Cyrano. He later trained at the Conservatoire dart dramatique de Montral before landing his breakout role as Cesare Borgia in Showtimes The Borgias in 2011.Franois Arnaud as Scott Hunter on Heated Rivalry. Photo: HBO Max/Crave CanadaHis rsum since has spanned critically acclaimed dramas and genre hits, including Midnight, Texas, UnREAL, Yellowjackets, Blindspot and Twinless. In 2024, he appeared opposite Orville Peck and Noah Cyrus in the country singers music video How Far Will We Take It?Franois Arnaud as Scott Hunter on Heated Rivalry. Photo: HBO Max/Crave CanadaArnaud publicly came out as bisexual in 2020, sharing a thoughtful and widely praised post about bi visibility. Robbie G.K.: The Breakout Actor Behind Kip GradyKip, Scotts sweet, grounded love interest, is played by Robbie G.K., an actor known for roles in Overcompensating, Marry F** Kill*, Utopia Falls and The Next Step.Robbie G.K. as Kip Grady on Heated Rivalry. Photo: HBO Max/Crave CanadaHeated Rivalry marks Robbies most intimate, emotionally layered performance yet, and fans have been quick to praise his warmth, sincerity and rom-com charm.Robbie G.K. via Instagram. Photo: RobsgkBuilding Scott and Kips On-Screen MagicThe chemistry between Arnaud and Robbie is a major reason the episode has been so celebrated, which is remarkable considering how quickly the actors had to bond.The first time I met him was with the intimacy coordinator, Arnaud told Variety. We were making dick jokes before the sex scenes, but once the cameras were rolling, we were tuned into the reality of these characters.Franois Arnaud as Scott Hunter and Robbie G.K. as Kip Grady on Heated Rivalry. Photo: HBO Max/Crave CanadaThe pair had only one chemistry read over Zoom before filming. Arnaud said Robbies openness impressed him immediately, joking that their dynamic reminded him of Notting Hill: I get to be Julia Roberts!Their intimate scenes were guided by intimacy coordinator Chala Hunter, whom Arnaud praised for striking the perfect balance, respectful, comfortable and in tune with the shows emotional tone.Franois Arnaud as Scott Hunter and Robbie G.K. as Kip Grady on Heated Rivalry. Photo: HBO Max/Crave CanadaWhile Shane and Ilya remain the center of Heated Rivalrys overarching story, Scott and Kip have captured fans hearts with an entirely different flavor of queer romance, one marked by hesitation, longing and the bravery it takes to choose authenticity.Heated RivalryHeated Rivalry. Photo: Bell MediaHeated Rivalry. Photo: Bell MediaConnor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Photo: Sabrina Lantos 2025With Heated Rivalry continuing to dominate conversations online, one thing is clear: Franois Arnaud and Robbie G.K. have delivered one of the years most unforgettable queer TV romances, and fans are hoping this wont be the last time we see Scott and Kip on screen.Source