The gay hockey romance series Heated Rivalry will premiere on HBO Max on November 28, 2025, with the first two episodes. The six-episode show, based on Rachel Reid's Game Changers book series, follows rival pro hockey players navigating ambition, rivalry, and an evolving secret relationship. Created by Jacob Tierney, it stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie as the leads.
Release Details
Heated Rivalry, a Canadian production originally made for Crave, debuts on HBO Max in the US on Friday, November 28, 2025, starting with the first two episodes. Subsequent episodes will air weekly, culminating in a finale on December 26. The series has also secured international deals, including a November 28 premiere on HBO Max in Australia, November 30 on Sky in New Zealand, and an upcoming release on Movistar Plus+ in Spain.
Plot and Cast
Based on Rachel Reid's bestselling Game Changers book series, the show centers on pro hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. "Shane and Ilya are two of the biggest stars in major league hockey, bound by ambition, rivalry and a magnetic pull neither of them fully understands," reads the official synopsis. "What begins as a secret fling between two fresh-faced rookies evolves into a years-long journey of love, denial and self-discovery. Over the next eight years, the pair chase glory on the ice while struggling to navigate their feelings off it."
The supporting cast includes François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Sophie Nélisse, and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova. Jacob Tierney, known for Letterkenny, serves as writer, director, producer, and executive producer.
Production and Sales
Produced by Accent Aigu Entertainment in association with Bell Media's Crave, the series highlights global appeal. "Heated Rivalry is premium, high-caliber content that resonates with global audiences," said Justin Stockman, vice president of content development and programming at Bell Media. International distributor Sphere Abacus facilitated the deals following Bell Media's acquisition of a majority stake earlier in 2025. Bell Media president Sean Cohan noted the sales as validation of their vision to create globally traveling content.