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Season 1 – Heated Rivalry

Play trailer 1:29 Poster for Season 1 – Heated Rivalry Nov 2025 Drama Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
96% Tomatometer 79 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
A romance set in the world of hockey; Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov are two stars in Major League Hockey, bound by ambition, rivalry, and a magnetic pull neither of them fully understands.
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Heated Rivalry — Season 1

Heated Rivalry — Season 1

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Jacob Tierney lovingly adapts Rachel Reid's hockey-set romance novels into an all-consuming, steamy, dreamy love fest of true queer intent, making Heated Rivalry a bona fide winner.

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Audience Says

A charged Heated Rivalry between two captivating protagonists delivers a magnetic love story that leaves us wanting more.

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Critics Reviews

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Phillip Maciak The New Republic Jan 27
The show feels unique. It’s physical and intimate, surprisingly quiet, and it moves strangely, telling its story in lurches and skids. Go to Full Review Caroline Siede Girl Culture (Substack) Jan 16
I assumed Heated Rivalry was going to be a bit absurd, but instead it’s pretty exquisite. Go to Full Review Catharine Hughes New Statesman Jan 14
It would be a mistake -- nay, a disservice -- to try and over-intellectualise this icy romp. Sometimes the riddle really is as straightforward as: what’s better than one hot man? Two. Go to Full Review Kristian M. Lin Fort Worth Weekly 1h
... worth hanging a banner for. Go to Full Review Álex Vicente El Pais (Spain) 1d
Its dramatic structure quickly settles into an alarming monotony...[Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Monique Jones Just Add Color Jan 26
C
I think Heated Rivalry is fun—at least for the sex scenes—but it falls short when it comes to character development. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Mark S @Mark166 2h A cinematic Masterpiece with a stunning love story that has you hoocked from the first episode until the last! Get ready for an emotional ride 😀 See more Muberra O 4h Perfect casting, outstanding performances, and incredible chemistry make this series truly special. The emotional depth, character development, and coming of age love story are beautifully handled without ever feeling heavy. Music, costumes, and overall production are top tier, and every scene serves the story rather than existing for shock value. It is not a cheesy romance or a sex driven show, but an artistically strong, emotionally rich series that stays loyal to the book. While the sports rivalry takes a back seat, the relationship carries everything. The pacing starts fast but settles naturally, creating a show worth rewatching and analyzing. See more Kim O @KimmOh 5h Beautiful in every way. Jacob Tierney gorgeously adapted the book by Rachel Reid. The artistry of the shots and camera movements surpasses anything I’ve seen in a "small, Canadian" TV show. The soundtrack is masterfully produced by Peter Peter; The mostly instrumental, sometimes EDM music just serves to elevate every scene it’s in. And finally the acting. Canadas own Hudson Williams brings Shane’s quiet, sometimes awkward character to life in the most beautiful and charming manner. Connor Storrie as Ilya is a masterpiece; Connor and Ilya look and sound like completely different people. This young man is going places. It’s an absolute masterclass in every way. See more Dustin H @DuckJ83 1d Amazing Love Story! Couldn’t get enough, read all of Game Changer book series after binging season 1. See more Maria M @MariaDeCaprio 2d An exquisite fairytale (in the best way). Written in the age of hookups, Heated Rivalry gives us love to root for. Season Two will surely break the internet See more Myles H @myleshungerford 3d Very very very overrated. See more Read all reviews
Heated Rivalry — Season 1

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Jacob Tierney

Creator

Hudson Williams

Shane Hollander

Callan Potter

Hayden Pike

Connor Storrie

Ilya Rozanov

Kolton Stewart

Carter Vaughn

Sophie Nélisse

Actor

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Nov 28, 2025 Rookies Two rival hockey stars at the peak of their careers face an unexpected emotional connection, challenging their professional paths and disrupting the sports world's expectations. Details Episode 2 Aired Nov 28, 2025 Olympians Shane and Ilya keep their secret fling alive while their growing connection is tested by personal and professional pressures. Details Episode 3 Aired Dec 5, 2025 Hunter Four months before the 2014 Winter Olympics, hockey golden boy Scott Hunter stops into a smoothie shop and orders a smoothie recommended by an employee named Kip; Scott finally breaks a scoring slump. Details Episode 4 Aired Dec 12, 2025 Rose A moment of unexpected vulnerability and a high-profile romance unleash a storm of turmoil for Shane and Ilya. Details Episode 5 Aired Dec 19, 2025 I'll Believe in Anything At dinner with Rose, Shane confirms her suspicions and admits he is gay, they agree to remain friends only; at the 2017 All-Star Game, Ilya and Shane reconnect when Shane reveals his breakup with Rose, and play on the same team for the first time. Details Episode 6 Aired Dec 26, 2025 The Cottage Kip and his friends watch on TV as Scott discusses his public coming out while accepting the MVP award; Shane drives Ilya to Shane's cottage, where Ilya reveals his exclusivity and later shares the trauma of his mother's death by suicide. Details
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Heated Rivalry — Season 1

Heated Rivalry: Season 1 Trailer Heated Rivalry: Season 1 Trailer 1:29 View more videos
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Heated Rivalry — Season 1

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Season Info

Director
Jacob Tierney
Creator
Jacob Tierney
Executive Producer
Justin Stockman, Brendan Brady, Jacob Tierney
Network
HBO Max
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Drama, Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date
Nov 28, 2025