The Canadian sports romantic drama, Heated Rivalry, has taken over the internet and become one of 2025’s breakout TV hits. Released by Crave, it is based on Rachel Reid’s beloved Game Changers novel series, chronically the rivalry-turned romance between rival pro hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.
Fans can rejoice as the series was picked up for Season 2 two weeks before the Season 1 finale premiered. HBO Max and Canada’s Crave picked up the second season, after the show turned into Crave’s biggest original series launch to date (via The Hollywood Reporter).
Heated Rivalry Season 2: Release Date and Schedule
A still from the show | Credits: Crave
On December 12, 2025, the series was officially renewed for a second season by Crave and HBO Max following overwhelming audience response. However, that is all we know about the show’s Season 2, as neither Crave nor HBO Max has revealed more details.
However, the star of the show, Hudson Williams, who portrays Shane Hollander, revealed in an interview with Variety that the second season might begin production in the summer of 2026.
Maybe someone has told me July or August, but I really don’t know. I’m gaining 10 pounds for season 2 — 10 lean pounds.
But the production of the show also depends upon the script, and from what we know, Jacob Tierney has yet to start writing. While talking to Variety in December 2025, he remarked,
This time last year I’d written five [episodes], and this time this year I’ve written zero of them. So it’s going to be a little bit later, but it’s still going to be soon.
While he hopes to start soon, Tierney also remarked that he does not want to rush in to risk undermining the quality.
We understand that everybody’s goal is to not do two years between seasons. And at the same time, I don’t want to put out a rushed shitty second season just because the show is very popular. But we’re very aware that our creative partners are enthusiastic and don’t want to wait too long. We’re getting back to work!
Well, given this, and if everything goes well, fans can expect Season 2 to be released by early 2027 or later. But given Tierney’s statement, there is a possibility we might get it even earlier. Till then, fingers crossed!
What to Expect from Heated Rivalry Season 2?
Heated Rivalry Season 2 is expected to follow the next chapter of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov’s relationship, almost a decade after the start of their romance. The second season will be based on Rachel Reid’s The Long Game, part of the Game Changers novel series.
Season 1 ends with the two protagonists reaffirming their love after emotional highs and lows, culminating at a retreat in “The Cottage.” As for Season 2, it will be set nearly 10 years later, as The Long Game features Shane and Ilya still going strong but keeping their relationship a secret from everyone.
We expect the second season to explore how Shane and Ilya negotiate their relationship more publicly while managing their professional careers, the dynamics of fame, and deeper emotional territory beyond the initial attraction.
While there has been no official count revealed, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie teased in an Instagram video confirming the second season that it will be “hotter, wetter, and longer.” This means the second season might have more than six episodes.
The cast of the second season has also not been confirmed, but Williams and Storrie will reprise their roles as they have both signed on for three seasons (via GQ).
AspectDetailsTitleHeated Rivalry TypeCanadian sports romance drama TV series CreatorJacob Tierney (creator, writer, director) Core premiseFollows NHL stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, bitter on‑ice rivals whose secret, years‑long affair turns into an all‑consuming love story that clashes with hockey’s macho culture. Main castHudson Williams (Shane Hollander), Connor Storrie (Ilya Rozanov), plus supporting ensemble, including Rose Landry and Svetlana’s families and teammates. Based onHeated Rivalry, the second novel in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series
What are your expectations for the second season? Let us know in the comments below.
Heated Rivalry is now streaming on HBO Max in the United States.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
