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.
Renewal Announcement
Crave has greenlit a second season of Heated Rivalry, the steamy drama following rival hockey players Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) as they navigate a secret romantic relationship amid their competitive careers. Created by Jacob Tierney (Letterkenny) and based on Rachel Reid's Game Changers novel series, the show premiered on November 28, 2025, with new episodes dropping Fridays. The Season 1 finale airs on December 26, 2025.
Viewership and Impact
Heated Rivalry has emerged as a cultural phenomenon, achieving Crave's record for biggest original series with nearly 400% growth in initial seven-day streams, according to internal data. It trended as a top topic on X in Canada during its premiere weekend and has sparked fan engagement across North America and Europe through social media edits and reactions. Reviewers have praised it as one of the most significant LGBTQ+ shows on television.
International Expansion
HBO Max has secured rights for Season 2 in the U.S., Australia, and select Asian markets including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand. Distributor Sphere Abacus has deals for Europe (excluding UK, Ireland, Spain, Turkey), Asia, Latin America, and New Zealand via Neon/Sky. More territories, including the UK, are in discussions.
Cast and Production
The ensemble includes François Arnaud as Scott Hunter, Robbie G.K. as Kip Grady, Christina Chang and Dylan Walsh as Yuna and David Hollander, Sophie Nélisse as Rose Landry, and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova as Svetlana. Produced by Accent Aigu Entertainment with Crave, the series involves the Canada Media Fund and Bell Fund.
Statements
'Watching our show become an international phenomenon has been extraordinary,' said Tierney and executive producer Brendan Brady. 'Being renewed for a second season so early is a true honor.' Justin Stockman, VP Content at Bell Media, added, 'The response has been extraordinary, and seeing the series now travelling internationally is an incredible milestone.'
