Heated Rivalry is a breakout TV hit of 2025 – 2026, adapted from Rachel Reid’s popular Game Changers hockey romance novels. Created and directed by Jacob Tierney, the series tracks the intense, secret relationship between rival hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov over a decade.
What is Heated Rivalry?
Heated Rivalry is a Canadian sports romance drama that follows the intense, decade-long secret relationship between rival hockey superstars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Created and directed by Jacob Tierney, the series has gained worldwide notoriety for its explicit, character-driven storytelling and is praised as a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in sports drama.
Where Can I Watch Heated Rivalry?
The series is streaming across multiple platforms globally following its late 2025 debut. The first season consists of six episodes, all of which have been released.
North America:
Canada: Stream exclusively on Crave.
United States: Stream on HBO Max (often listed as Max). It is also accessible as an add-on via Prime Video or Apple TV.
Europe & United Kingdom:
United Kingdom & Ireland: Premiered January 10, 2026, on Sky Atlantic and the NOW streaming service.
Spain: Available on Movistar Plus+.
Germany & Italy: Launching on HBO Max in early 2026 (Germany on February 6; Italy on February 13).
Oceania & Asia:
Australia: Streaming exclusively on HBO Max.
New Zealand: Available on Neon and Sky.
Philippines: Streaming on HBO Max as of December 2025.
India: The series is not officially released. While it appears on Prime Video, it is currently listed as “unavailable” for Indian users.
Who is in the Full Cast of Heated Rivalry?
- Hudson Williams: Shane Hollander
- Connor Storrie: Ilya Rozanov
- François Arnaud: Scott Hunter
- Robbie G.K.: Kip Grady
- Christina Chang: Yuna Hollander
- Dylan Walsh: David Hollander
- Sophie Nélisse: Rose Landry
- Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova: Svetlana Vetrova
- Callan Potter: Hayden Pike
Is Heated Rivalry LGBTQ+?
Yes. The series stands out as a gay sports romance focused on queer visibility in the masculine culture of professional hockey. It looks at themes of identity, coming out, and the challenges of staying closeted in a sport shaped by heteronormative expectations.
What are the 2026 Updates for Heated Rivalry?
The franchise has seen major progress in early 2026, including an official Season 2 renewal adapting Rachel Reid’s The Long Game. Filming is likely to begin in summer or fall 2026, pushing a release date beyond early 2027. A new book in Shane and Ilya’s storyline, titled Unrivaled, will be released on September 29, 2026. The show also gained Olympic attention, with Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie selected as torchbearers for the Milan-Cortina Games.
