The popular LGBTQ+ ice hockey drama, Heated Rivalry, has been officially renewed for a second season by Canadian streaming service Crave. The series, which has quickly become Crave’s most-watched original program, will continue its partnership with HBO Max, which is also expanding its distribution rights to include more global territories.
Since its debut on November 28, viewership for Heated Rivalry surged nearly 400% in the first week, according to internal metrics from mParticle and Amazon Channels. The series has captivated audiences with its unique blend of sports drama and romance, creating a significant cultural impact across North America and Europe.
Global Expansion and New Partnerships
As part of its international strategy, HBO Max has secured streaming rights for both Season 1 and the upcoming Season 2 across Europe, excluding the UK, Ireland, Spain, and Turkey. The deal also covers countries in Asia, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and several others. Additionally, Neon/Sky New Zealand will return as the local distributor for the second season.
Insiders at Sphere Abacus, the show’s global distributor, have indicated that further international deals, including one for the United Kingdom, are expected soon. This expansion marks a significant milestone for a Canadian production, as it seeks to reach audiences worldwide.
Justin Stockman, Vice President of Content and Programming at Bell Media, expressed enthusiasm about the show’s success. “Heated Rivalry represents the very best of what Canadian creators can deliver: rich characters, compelling drama, and a world audiences want to live in,” he stated. “The response has been extraordinary, and seeing the series now traveling internationally is an incredible milestone.”
A Compelling Story of Rivalry and Romance
Based on the best-selling novel series, Game Changers by Rachel Reid, the six-episode drama follows two rival hockey players, Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (played by Connor Storrie). Their fierce on-ice competition transforms into a secret relationship that develops over eight years. As they navigate their careers in Major League Hockey, the duo grapples with ambition, rivalry, and the challenges of forbidden love in a hyper-masculine environment.
The ensemble cast also features notable performances from François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, and others, contributing to the series’ dynamic storytelling. The show has sparked significant online engagement, including viral fan edits and trends on platforms like TikTok.
Production for Season 2 will once again be led by Jacob Tierney, who serves as writer, director, and executive producer alongside Brendan Brady of Accent Aigu Entertainment. The project is produced in association with Crave, with backing from the Canada Media Fund and the Bell Fund.
In a joint statement, Tierney and Brady expressed their gratitude for the show’s success: “Watching our show become an international phenomenon has been extraordinary. We’re profoundly grateful to everyone that has been on this journey with us. Being renewed for a second season so early is a true honor, and we can’t wait to bring you even more of what you love.”
The Season 1 finale of Heated Rivalry is set to air on December 26, with production on Season 2 expected to commence in early 2026.
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