Considered one of the hottest TV shows of 2025 and the internet’s latest obsession, Heated Rivalry finally broke the ice with viewers after premiering on November 28, 2025. Based on author Rachel Reid‘s Game Changers books, the steamy sports series follows two rival hockey players who engage in a years-long sexual relationship that turns into something deeper. With fans clamoring for more episodes, many are already wondering if they can look forward to a season 2.
But has Heated Rivalry been renewed for a second season? More importantly, is the show meant to be a multi-season production?
Here, Hollywood Life has rounded up everything we know so far about the future of Heated Rivalry.
What Is Heated Rivalry About?
The show follows Ottawa, Canada, native Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams), captain of the Montreal Metros, and Russian American Ilya Rozanov (played by Connor Storrie), captain of the Boston Raiders, who are pitted against each other in the public eye as two of sports’ most famous athletes. But all the animosity on the ice covers up the passionate sexual relationship that Shane and Ilya develop.
The synopsis of Heated Rivalry explores a “secret fling between two fresh-faced rookies,” which “evolves into a years-long journey of love, denial, and self-discovery.”
“Over the next eight years, as they chase glory on the ice, they struggle to navigate their feelings for each other,” the show’s premise reads. “Torn between the sport they live for and the love they can’t ignore, Shane and Ilya must decide if there’s room in their fiercely competitive world for something as fragile – and powerful – as real love.”
How Many Episodes of Heated Rivalry Are There?
There are six episodes in season 1 of Heated Rivalry. Below is the schedule for when HBO subscribers can stream each episode:
- Episode 1: “Rookies” — November 28, 2025
- Episode 2: “Olympians” — November 28, 2025
- Episode 3: “”Hunter” — December 5, 2025
- Episode 4: “Rose” — December 12, 2025
- Episode 5: “I’ll Believe in Anything” — December 19, 2025
- Episode 6: “The Cottage” — December 26, 2025
Will There Be a Season 2 of Heated Rivalry?
Yes! Heated Rivalry was officially renewed for a second season. After the series became a breakout global hit following its November 28, 2025 premiere, Crave confirmed the renewal and the creative team quickly began planning what’s next. In a statement from the news release, creator Jacob Tierney and executive producer Brendan Brady said, “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.”
Series star Hudson previously teased fans with the possibility of a second season. In June 2025, the actor shared an Instagram carousel of photos from the set with his co-star Connor alongside the caption, “See u next season? (Connor Storrie you are an exceptional soul).”
Since then, updates have firmed up Heated Rivalry’s return plans. Jacob has confirmed that writing is underway and that production is expected to begin in August 2026, with the sophomore season targeting a spring 2027 premiere window. The second installment will adapt The Long Game, Reid’s sequel to the original novel, and continue the emotional and romantic journey between Shane and Ilya.
Jacob further teased in an April 2026 BookCon appearance that season 2 “really is different” from the first season.
“And the challenge of it is, from an adaptation point of view, is that you’re in much more serious territory,” he continued. “A lot of the initial — there’s still lots of flirting and lots of sex — but this kind of danger, this kind of hotel-room-adolescent-sex stuff is largely gone.”
