‘Empty Netters’ hosts respond to ‘Heated Rivalry’ controversy
The HBO Max and Crave series Heated Rivalry, a show centered on a passionate romance between professional hockey players, sparked widespread conversation – even reaching the highest levels of the NHL. However, a recent controversy involving the popular podcast Empty Netters has revealed a potential disconnect between public perception and private sentiment within the hockey community.
A League Commissioner’s Viewing Habits
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman reportedly binged all six episodes of Heated Rivalry in a single night, a noteworthy gesture given the show’s explicit content and its exploration of LGBTQ+ themes. The series, which features intimate scenes, has been seen as a potential turning point in the NHL’s historically complex relationship with the LGBTQ+ community.
Empty Netters and the Initial Wave of Support
Empty Netters, a podcast hosted by brothers Dan and Chris Powers, initially became a prominent voice in celebrating the show. Their enthusiastic coverage resonated with audiences, boosting their viewership to 50 times their average, often reaching around 500,000 views per video. The podcast also capitalized on the show’s popularity by launching merchandise with the phrase “From the closet to the cottage,” selling shirts for up to $45.
Private Doubts Surface
The narrative shifted dramatically when Outsports published text messages from Dan Powers revealing a far less enthusiastic private opinion of the show. Powers reportedly described Heated Rivalry as “trash” that “panders” and “checks inclusivity boxes.” He stated he wouldn’t watch it “out of principle.”
Backlash and a Public Response
The release of these messages sparked immediate backlash on social media, with many questioning the authenticity of Empty Netters’ previous praise. In response, Dan Powers released a 17-minute video addressing the controversy. He claimed the messages were sent to another podcaster as a critique of the show from a TV writer’s perspective.
A Shifting Perspective
Powers explained that his initial reaction was based on a misunderstanding of the show’s genre, expecting a hockey-focused narrative rather than a romance. He asserted that his hyperbolic language was typical of his communication style and that he and his brother ultimately came to appreciate the series as they continued watching. He also disputed a claim by Outsports that he was not given an opportunity to comment before publication, sharing screenshots of unanswered messages.
What Happens Next?
The fallout from this controversy could lead to a decline in viewership and merchandise sales for Empty Netters. It is possible that some listeners may feel betrayed by the perceived inauthenticity, impacting the podcast’s long-term growth. The incident may also prompt increased scrutiny of endorsements and sponsorships within the hockey podcasting community. Alternatively, if Powers’ explanation resonates with a significant portion of their audience, Empty Netters could weather the storm and maintain its position as a leading voice in hockey discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Dan Powers initially say about Heated Rivalry in text messages?
Dan Powers reportedly called the show “trash” and claimed it was made to “pander” and “check inclusivity boxes,” stating he wouldn’t watch it “out of principle.”
How did Empty Netters respond to the controversy?
Dan Powers released a 17-minute video explaining that the text messages were sent to another podcaster as a critique of the show as a TV writer and that his initial reaction was based on a misunderstanding of the show’s genre.
What was the impact of Heated Rivalry on Empty Netters’ viewership?
Viewership of Empty Netters’ YouTube videos covering the show increased 50 times their average, often reaching around 500,000 views. They also launched merchandise related to the show.
How do you think the balance between authentic opinion and commercial interests plays out for media personalities and content creators?