Heated Rivalry Season 1 finale airs as series eyes Season 2

Heated Rivalry's Season 1 concluded with its six-episode run on December 26, 2025, following the recent renewal for Season 2 by Crave and HBO Max. The Canadian hockey drama, centered on the secret romance between rivals Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), premiered November 28 and became Crave's biggest original.

Season 1 of Heated Rivalry, created by Jacob Tierney and based on Rachel Reid's novels, wrapped with 'The Cottage' on December 26. The full episode lineup:
- Episode 1: “Rookies” (November 28, 2025)
- Episode 2: “Olympians” (November 28, 2025)
- Episode 3: “Homophobic” (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)

Available on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the U.S., the series follows Shane and Ilya's evolving relationship over eight years amid NHL rivalry.

As previously reported, Crave renewed the show for Season 2 after record 400% viewership growth, with HBO Max continuing U.S. distribution and international expansion underway. Tierney, in earlier comments, expressed enthusiasm for continuation, which has now been confirmed. Fan buzz remains high post-finale.

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Dramatic illustration of hockey players celebrating the 'Heated Rivalry' Season 2 renewal on Crave and HBO Max amid cheering fans.
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Heated Rivalry renewed for season 2 at Crave and HBO Max

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The LGBTQ+ hockey drama Heated Rivalry has been renewed for a second season by Canadian streamer Crave, with HBO Max continuing as its U.S. home. The series, which premiered on November 28, 2025, has quickly become Crave's biggest original, boasting a 400% viewership increase. Season 1 concludes on December 26, with more international distribution deals expanding its reach.

The sports romance series Heated Rivalry will return for its second season in spring 2027, according to creator Jacob Tierney. Filming is scheduled to begin in August 2026. The announcement came during an interview on CBS Mornings.

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Following its swift renewal for season 2, the NHL has praised the LGBTQ+ hockey romance series 'Heated Rivalry' for introducing newcomers to the sport. A league representative called it the most unique fan driver in hockey's 108-year history amid its global surge.

Stars of the series Heated Rivalry, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, have been selected as official torchbearers for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The announcement highlights their rising fame from the show's U.S. premiere. They will participate in the Olympic Torch Relay concluding in Milan on February 6.

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In a recent podcast interview, Connor Storrie revealed the intense preparation required to master a Russian accent for his role as Ilya Rozanov in HBO Max's Heated Rivalry. The actor described learning the language as the most daunting aspect of filming the show's first season. His efforts paid off with praise for a key monologue in episode 5.

Minnesota hockey player Jesse Kortuem has shared his coming-out story, crediting the TV show Heated Rivalry for giving him the push. Now, he's on a mission to make the sport more inclusive for everyone. The response? Pure love and support.

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On December 26, 2025, viewers can catch the season finale of Heated Rivalry, the streaming debut of Bugonia on Peacock, and a new episode of Spartacus: House of Ashur. The day's lineup also features documentaries, sports, and reality shows across various platforms.

 

 

 

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