- - Will There Be a “Heated Rivalry” Season 2? What We Know So Far About the Hockey Romance's Next Installment

Samantha StutsmanDecember 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM

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Courtesy Bell Media

Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in 'Heated Rivalry.' -

Heated Rivalry follows two rival pro hockey players whose on-ice competition slowly turns into an intense, complicated romance

The steamy LGBTQ+ drama stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie

In December 2025, the Canadian streaming service Crave announced that the show had been renewed for a second season

Heated Rivalry season 1 may be over, but the ice is far from cold.

The steamy LGBTQ+ drama is based on Rachel Reid’s Game Changers book series and was created by Jacob Tierney for Canadian streaming service Crave. It follows Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams), a Canadian hockey superstar, and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), a cocky Russian phenom, whose fierce on-ice rivalry begins when they meet as teenagers.

What starts as antagonism quickly turns into a secret, explosive hookup — one they swear is meaningless, even as it continues in stolen moments over the next several years. As Shane learns to embrace his sexuality and Ilya contends with cultural pressures, the two are forced to navigate fame, secrecy and emotional vulnerability — all while repeatedly insisting they’re just rivals.

Ahead of its November 2025 premiere, Heated Rivalry was picked up by HBO Max for distribution, where it has since become the platform’s top-rated non-animated acquired series and a top-five scripted debut of 2025, per Variety. With numbers like that, a season 2 renewal in December 2025 came as little surprise to fans.

So, what can fans expect in season 2 of Heated Rivalry? Here's everything we know so far.

Will there be a Heated Rivalry season 2?

Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in 'Heated Rivalry.'

Yes! On Dec. 12, Heated Rivalry was renewed for a second season — two weeks before the season 1 finale.

“Heated Rivalry represents the very best of what Canadian creators can deliver: rich characters, compelling drama and a world audiences want to live in. The response has been extraordinary," Justin Stockman, vice president of content and programming at Bell Media, which owns Crave, said in a statement, per The Hollywood Reporter.

In a separate statement, creator Jacob Tierney added, “Watching our show become an international phenomenon has been extraordinary. We’re profoundly grateful to everyone that has been on this journey with us. Being renewed for a second season so early is a true honour, and we can’t wait to bring you even more of what you love.”

What will Heated Rivalry season 2 be about?

Sabrina Lantos/HBO Max

Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie in 'Heated Rivalry.'

Season 2 of Heated Rivalry is expected to draw from Rachel Reid’s sixth Game Changers novel, The Long Game.

"Start reading The Long Game if you want to spoil it for yourself," Connor Storrie said on Instagram in December 2025 when confirming the second installment alongside his costar Hudson Williams.

Set nearly 10 years later, The Long Game finds Shane and Ilya still guarding their relationship as they weigh the risks of going public — and what that choice would mean for their futures on and off the ice.

Who is returning for Heated Rivalry season 2?

Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty ; Brianna Bryson/WireImage

Hudson Williams in December 2025; Connor Storrie in December 2025.

Williams and Storrie are set to reprise their roles as Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, respectively, according to GQ. They've both signed on for three seasons of Heated Rivalry; Crave has greenlit two.

"Hotter, wetter, longer. We'll both be there," Williams said on Instagram when teasing what's to come in the second installment.

While the full season 2 cast has yet to be officially confirmed, several fan-favorite supporting players are also likely to return, including François Arnaud as Scott Hunter. Scott — whose romance with Kip Grady (Robbie G.K.) paves the way for Ilya and Shane — continues to make appearances in The Long Game book.

When is Heated Rivalry season 2 filming?

Sabrina Lantos/HBO Max

Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov in 'Heated Rivalry.'

While speaking with Variety in December 2025, Williams suggested that production on season 2 could kick off in the summer of 2026.

“Maybe someone has told me July or August, but I really don’t know,” he said, adding that he’s already preparing physically for the next chapter. “I’m gaining 10 pounds for season 2 — 10 lean pounds.”

When is Heated Rivalry reason 2 coming out?

HBO Max

Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov in 'Heated Rivalry.'

A premiere date for Heated Rivalry season 2 has not been set. Fans will have to wait patiently, as Tierney has yet to begin writing the show’s next chapter.

“This time last year I’d written five [episodes], and this time this year I’ve written zero of them,” he told Variety in December 2025. “So it’s going to be a little bit later, but it’s still going to be soon.”

Tierney continued, “We understand that everybody’s goal is to not do two years between seasons. And at the same time, I don’t want to put out a rushed shitty second season just because the show is very popular. But we’re very aware that our creative partners are enthusiastic and don’t want to wait too long. We’re getting back to work!”

Where can I watch Heated Rivalry?

Courtesy Bell Media

Hudson Williams, Sophie Nélisse, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova and Connor Storrie in 'Heated Rivalry.'

All six episodes of Heated Rivalry season 1 are available to stream on HBO Max.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”