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Heated Rivalry

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Heated Rivalry

Heated Rivalry is a Canadian sports romance television series created, written and directed by Jacob Tierney for Crave, and is based on Rachel Reid's Game Changers novel series. The series stars Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov, two rival professional hockey players whose on-ice animosity conceals a passionate, secret romance. It premiered on Crave on November 28, 2025, and simultaneously streaming across multiple platforms, including HBO Max in the United States and Australia, Neon in New Zealand, and Movistar Plus+ in Spain. In December 2025, it was renewed for a second season. The series has received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the direction, writing, as well as the lead actors' performances and chemistry. It has also achieved strong audience viewership, becoming Crave's most-watched original series to date.

Infobox

Genre
mw- Sports Romance
Created by
Jacob Tierney
Based on
Game Changers seriesby Rachel Reid
Starring
Hudson Williams Connor Storrie
Country of origin
Canada
Original language
English
Executive producers
Jacob Tierney Brendan Brady Justin Stockman
Camera setup
Single-camera
Production company
Accent Aigu Entertainment
Network
Crave
Producer
Lori Fitchburg
Production companies
Accent Aigu Entertainment Bell Media
No. of seasons
1
Running time
43–49 minutes
Directed by
Jacob Tierney
No. of episodes
4
Original languages
English Russian
Written by
Jacob Tierney
Release
November 28, 2025 (2025-11-28) –present
Composer
Peter Peter
Cinematography
Jackson Parell
Editors
Arthur Tarnowski Véronique Barbe

Tables

· Episodes
1
1
No.
1
Title
"Rookies"
Directed by
Jacob Tierney
Written by
Jacob Tierney
Original release date
November 28, 2025 (2025-11-28)
In December 2008, young hockey players Shane Hollander of Canada and Ilya Rozanov of Russia meet before the International Prospect Cup final, which Russia wins. Six months later, Ilya is picked first at the Major League Hockey draft by the Boston Raiders, and Shane is picked second by the Montreal Metros. The two have a chance encounter at the hotel gym later that night. Canada beats Russia at the following year's Prospect Cup final. After filming a commercial together in summer 2010, Shane and Ilya become aroused while showering side-by-side, leading them to meet clandestinely at their hotel and have oral sex. The MLH stokes a perceived rivalry between them during their rookie season, including at an All-Star game in February 2011. There, Ilya tells Shane his hotel room number, prompting another tryst. After exchanging numbers, plans to have sex in Montreal fall through when their game there is cancelled. Four months later, Shane wins Rookie of the Year at the MLH Awards. At the after-party, the pair argue on a balcony when Shane perceives Ilya as a sore loser. Ilya kisses Shane, but Shane fears they will be seen and leaves.
In December 2008, young hockey players Shane Hollander of Canada and Ilya Rozanov of Russia meet before the International Prospect Cup final, which Russia wins. Six months later, Ilya is picked first at the Major League Hockey draft by the Boston Raiders, and Shane is picked second by the Montreal Metros. The two have a chance encounter at the hotel gym later that night. Canada beats Russia at the following year's Prospect Cup final. After filming a commercial together in summer 2010, Shane and Ilya become aroused while showering side-by-side, leading them to meet clandestinely at their hotel and have oral sex. The MLH stokes a perceived rivalry between them during their rookie season, including at an All-Star game in February 2011. There, Ilya tells Shane his hotel room number, prompting another tryst. After exchanging numbers, plans to have sex in Montreal fall through when their game there is cancelled. Four months later, Shane wins Rookie of the Year at the MLH Awards. At the after-party, the pair argue on a balcony when Shane perceives Ilya as a sore loser. Ilya kisses Shane, but Shane fears they will be seen and leaves.
No.
In December 2008, young hockey players Shane Hollander of Canada and Ilya Rozanov of Russia meet before the International Prospect Cup final, which Russia wins. Six months later, Ilya is picked first at the Major League Hockey draft by the Boston Raiders, and Shane is picked second by the Montreal Metros. The two have a chance encounter at the hotel gym later that night. Canada beats Russia at the following year's Prospect Cup final. After filming a commercial together in summer 2010, Shane and Ilya become aroused while showering side-by-side, leading them to meet clandestinely at their hotel and have oral sex. The MLH stokes a perceived rivalry between them during their rookie season, including at an All-Star game in February 2011. There, Ilya tells Shane his hotel room number, prompting another tryst. After exchanging numbers, plans to have sex in Montreal fall through when their game there is cancelled. Four months later, Shane wins Rookie of the Year at the MLH Awards. At the after-party, the pair argue on a balcony when Shane perceives Ilya as a sore loser. Ilya kisses Shane, but Shane fears they will be seen and leaves.
2
2
No.
2
Title
"Olympians"
Directed by
Jacob Tierney
Written by
Jacob Tierney
Original release date
November 28, 2025 (2025-11-28)
Shane and Ilya begin sexting over the course of two years, including before their game in fall 2013, after which they meet at Shane's apartment and finally have sex for the first time. During the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia, Ilya begins ignoring Shane's texts after his Russian hockey team performs poorly. Following a discussion with his friends Scott Hunter and Carter Vaughn, where the latter commends the bravery of presumably gay figure skaters performing in conservative Russia, Shane realizes the pressure Ilya is under. Shane's attempt to support Ilya in person is met with hostility. At a gala, Ilya's friend Svetlana saves him from speaking with both of their overbearing fathers. She leaves Ilya alone with his past sexual partner Sasha, but Ilya rejects Sasha's proposition to hook up. As Ilya continues to ignore Shane, Ilya's team goes on to win the league championship. In the summer of 2014, while backstage at the Major League Hockey awards, Shane expresses frustration with Ilya for being distant. Ilya proposes a meeting that night, during which the two have sex again. Afterward, Ilya shuts down when Shane asks about his comfort in Russia, causing Shane to leave feeling dejected.
Shane and Ilya begin sexting over the course of two years, including before their game in fall 2013, after which they meet at Shane's apartment and finally have sex for the first time. During the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia, Ilya begins ignoring Shane's texts after his Russian hockey team performs poorly. Following a discussion with his friends Scott Hunter and Carter Vaughn, where the latter commends the bravery of presumably gay figure skaters performing in conservative Russia, Shane realizes the pressure Ilya is under. Shane's attempt to support Ilya in person is met with hostility. At a gala, Ilya's friend Svetlana saves him from speaking with both of their overbearing fathers. She leaves Ilya alone with his past sexual partner Sasha, but Ilya rejects Sasha's proposition to hook up. As Ilya continues to ignore Shane, Ilya's team goes on to win the league championship. In the summer of 2014, while backstage at the Major League Hockey awards, Shane expresses frustration with Ilya for being distant. Ilya proposes a meeting that night, during which the two have sex again. Afterward, Ilya shuts down when Shane asks about his comfort in Russia, causing Shane to leave feeling dejected.
No.
Shane and Ilya begin sexting over the course of two years, including before their game in fall 2013, after which they meet at Shane's apartment and finally have sex for the first time. During the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia, Ilya begins ignoring Shane's texts after his Russian hockey team performs poorly. Following a discussion with his friends Scott Hunter and Carter Vaughn, where the latter commends the bravery of presumably gay figure skaters performing in conservative Russia, Shane realizes the pressure Ilya is under. Shane's attempt to support Ilya in person is met with hostility. At a gala, Ilya's friend Svetlana saves him from speaking with both of their overbearing fathers. She leaves Ilya alone with his past sexual partner Sasha, but Ilya rejects Sasha's proposition to hook up. As Ilya continues to ignore Shane, Ilya's team goes on to win the league championship. In the summer of 2014, while backstage at the Major League Hockey awards, Shane expresses frustration with Ilya for being distant. Ilya proposes a meeting that night, during which the two have sex again. Afterward, Ilya shuts down when Shane asks about his comfort in Russia, causing Shane to leave feeling dejected.
3
3
No.
3
Title
"Hunter"
Directed by
Jacob Tierney
Written by
Jacob Tierney
Original release date
December 5, 2025 (2025-12-05)
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. That night, Scott finally breaks a scoring slump. Driven by superstition, Scott returns to the smoothie shop before each home game and orders the same thing while subtly flirting with Kip, including inviting him to a game. While playing away, Scott loses games against the Raiders and the Metros. After the latter, Shane and Scott brawl when Scott compares him to Ilya. At a fundraiser where Kip serves food, Scott asks Kip back to his house. They have sex, after which Scott asks Kip to move in with him. After two months together, Kip's friend Elena warns him that Scott being closeted is demoralizing Kip. Scott speaks about being orphaned at age 12 and finding family in hockey. After Scott declines to join a hangout at a gay bar for Kip's birthday, Kip leaves Scott's apartment and goes home to his father, where he breaks down crying. Scott watches from outside as Kip celebrates his birthday and admission to graduate school with his friends.
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. That night, Scott finally breaks a scoring slump. Driven by superstition, Scott returns to the smoothie shop before each home game and orders the same thing while subtly flirting with Kip, including inviting him to a game. While playing away, Scott loses games against the Raiders and the Metros. After the latter, Shane and Scott brawl when Scott compares him to Ilya. At a fundraiser where Kip serves food, Scott asks Kip back to his house. They have sex, after which Scott asks Kip to move in with him. After two months together, Kip's friend Elena warns him that Scott being closeted is demoralizing Kip. Scott speaks about being orphaned at age 12 and finding family in hockey. After Scott declines to join a hangout at a gay bar for Kip's birthday, Kip leaves Scott's apartment and goes home to his father, where he breaks down crying. Scott watches from outside as Kip celebrates his birthday and admission to graduate school with his friends.
No.
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. That night, Scott finally breaks a scoring slump. Driven by superstition, Scott returns to the smoothie shop before each home game and orders the same thing while subtly flirting with Kip, including inviting him to a game. While playing away, Scott loses games against the Raiders and the Metros. After the latter, Shane and Scott brawl when Scott compares him to Ilya. At a fundraiser where Kip serves food, Scott asks Kip back to his house. They have sex, after which Scott asks Kip to move in with him. After two months together, Kip's friend Elena warns him that Scott being closeted is demoralizing Kip. Scott speaks about being orphaned at age 12 and finding family in hockey. After Scott declines to join a hangout at a gay bar for Kip's birthday, Kip leaves Scott's apartment and goes home to his father, where he breaks down crying. Scott watches from outside as Kip celebrates his birthday and admission to graduate school with his friends.
4
4
No.
4
Title
"Rose"
Directed by
Jacob Tierney
Written by
Jacob Tierney
Original release date
December 12, 2025 (2025-12-12)
Ilya and Shane continue to hook up from 2014 to 2016. In 2015, the Metros win their first cup in sixteen years and defend their title in 2016. When Svetlana asks Ilya, and Shane's teammate Hayden asks Shane, about the person they have been texting for years, both deny any serious relationship. Before a game, Shane meets Ilya at his house in Boston, where they have sex and fall asleep together. In the morning, Ilya makes Shane a tuna melt, and Shane avoids labeling his sexuality while they talk about their lives. Ilya worries about his father's worsening health and his brother's failure to care for him. Ilya and Shane share an intimate moment while frotting when they call out each other's first names; this unsettles Shane, who leaves abruptly. Soon after, Shane meets actress Rose Landry and begins a public romance with her, sparking Ilya's jealousy. After sharing a rough game in Montreal, Shane and Ilya go to the same nightclub with their friends, and they feed each other's envy by dancing and making out with women. The episode ends with Shane and Ilya imagining each other, while the former has sex with Rose and the latter masturbates.
Ilya and Shane continue to hook up from 2014 to 2016. In 2015, the Metros win their first cup in sixteen years and defend their title in 2016. When Svetlana asks Ilya, and Shane's teammate Hayden asks Shane, about the person they have been texting for years, both deny any serious relationship. Before a game, Shane meets Ilya at his house in Boston, where they have sex and fall asleep together. In the morning, Ilya makes Shane a tuna melt, and Shane avoids labeling his sexuality while they talk about their lives. Ilya worries about his father's worsening health and his brother's failure to care for him. Ilya and Shane share an intimate moment while frotting when they call out each other's first names; this unsettles Shane, who leaves abruptly. Soon after, Shane meets actress Rose Landry and begins a public romance with her, sparking Ilya's jealousy. After sharing a rough game in Montreal, Shane and Ilya go to the same nightclub with their friends, and they feed each other's envy by dancing and making out with women. The episode ends with Shane and Ilya imagining each other, while the former has sex with Rose and the latter masturbates.
No.
Ilya and Shane continue to hook up from 2014 to 2016. In 2015, the Metros win their first cup in sixteen years and defend their title in 2016. When Svetlana asks Ilya, and Shane's teammate Hayden asks Shane, about the person they have been texting for years, both deny any serious relationship. Before a game, Shane meets Ilya at his house in Boston, where they have sex and fall asleep together. In the morning, Ilya makes Shane a tuna melt, and Shane avoids labeling his sexuality while they talk about their lives. Ilya worries about his father's worsening health and his brother's failure to care for him. Ilya and Shane share an intimate moment while frotting when they call out each other's first names; this unsettles Shane, who leaves abruptly. Soon after, Shane meets actress Rose Landry and begins a public romance with her, sparking Ilya's jealousy. After sharing a rough game in Montreal, Shane and Ilya go to the same nightclub with their friends, and they feed each other's envy by dancing and making out with women. The episode ends with Shane and Ilya imagining each other, while the former has sex with Rose and the latter masturbates.
5
5
No.
5
Title
"I'll Believe in Anything"
Directed by
Jacob Tierney
Written by
Jacob Tierney
Original release date
December 19, 2025 (2025-12-19)
6
6
No.
6
Title
"The Cottage"
Directed by
Jacob Tierney
Written by
Jacob Tierney
Original release date
December 26, 2025 (2025-12-26)
No.
Title
Directed by
Written by
Original release date
1
"Rookies"
Jacob Tierney
Jacob Tierney
November 28, 2025 (2025-11-28)
In December 2008, young hockey players Shane Hollander of Canada and Ilya Rozanov of Russia meet before the International Prospect Cup final, which Russia wins. Six months later, Ilya is picked first at the Major League Hockey draft by the Boston Raiders, and Shane is picked second by the Montreal Metros. The two have a chance encounter at the hotel gym later that night. Canada beats Russia at the following year's Prospect Cup final. After filming a commercial together in summer 2010, Shane and Ilya become aroused while showering side-by-side, leading them to meet clandestinely at their hotel and have oral sex. The MLH stokes a perceived rivalry between them during their rookie season, including at an All-Star game in February 2011. There, Ilya tells Shane his hotel room number, prompting another tryst. After exchanging numbers, plans to have sex in Montreal fall through when their game there is cancelled. Four months later, Shane wins Rookie of the Year at the MLH Awards. At the after-party, the pair argue on a balcony when Shane perceives Ilya as a sore loser. Ilya kisses Shane, but Shane fears they will be seen and leaves.
2
"Olympians"
Jacob Tierney
Jacob Tierney
November 28, 2025 (2025-11-28)
Shane and Ilya begin sexting over the course of two years, including before their game in fall 2013, after which they meet at Shane's apartment and finally have sex for the first time. During the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia, Ilya begins ignoring Shane's texts after his Russian hockey team performs poorly. Following a discussion with his friends Scott Hunter and Carter Vaughn, where the latter commends the bravery of presumably gay figure skaters performing in conservative Russia, Shane realizes the pressure Ilya is under. Shane's attempt to support Ilya in person is met with hostility. At a gala, Ilya's friend Svetlana saves him from speaking with both of their overbearing fathers. She leaves Ilya alone with his past sexual partner Sasha, but Ilya rejects Sasha's proposition to hook up. As Ilya continues to ignore Shane, Ilya's team goes on to win the league championship. In the summer of 2014, while backstage at the Major League Hockey awards, Shane expresses frustration with Ilya for being distant. Ilya proposes a meeting that night, during which the two have sex again. Afterward, Ilya shuts down when Shane asks about his comfort in Russia, causing Shane to leave feeling dejected.
3
"Hunter"
Jacob Tierney
Jacob Tierney
December 5, 2025 (2025-12-05)
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. That night, Scott finally breaks a scoring slump. Driven by superstition, Scott returns to the smoothie shop before each home game and orders the same thing while subtly flirting with Kip, including inviting him to a game. While playing away, Scott loses games against the Raiders and the Metros. After the latter, Shane and Scott brawl when Scott compares him to Ilya. At a fundraiser where Kip serves food, Scott asks Kip back to his house. They have sex, after which Scott asks Kip to move in with him. After two months together, Kip's friend Elena warns him that Scott being closeted is demoralizing Kip. Scott speaks about being orphaned at age 12 and finding family in hockey. After Scott declines to join a hangout at a gay bar for Kip's birthday, Kip leaves Scott's apartment and goes home to his father, where he breaks down crying. Scott watches from outside as Kip celebrates his birthday and admission to graduate school with his friends.
4
"Rose"
Jacob Tierney
Jacob Tierney
December 12, 2025 (2025-12-12)
Ilya and Shane continue to hook up from 2014 to 2016. In 2015, the Metros win their first cup in sixteen years and defend their title in 2016. When Svetlana asks Ilya, and Shane's teammate Hayden asks Shane, about the person they have been texting for years, both deny any serious relationship. Before a game, Shane meets Ilya at his house in Boston, where they have sex and fall asleep together. In the morning, Ilya makes Shane a tuna melt, and Shane avoids labeling his sexuality while they talk about their lives. Ilya worries about his father's worsening health and his brother's failure to care for him. Ilya and Shane share an intimate moment while frotting when they call out each other's first names; this unsettles Shane, who leaves abruptly. Soon after, Shane meets actress Rose Landry and begins a public romance with her, sparking Ilya's jealousy. After sharing a rough game in Montreal, Shane and Ilya go to the same nightclub with their friends, and they feed each other's envy by dancing and making out with women. The episode ends with Shane and Ilya imagining each other, while the former has sex with Rose and the latter masturbates.
5
"I'll Believe in Anything"
Jacob Tierney
Jacob Tierney
December 19, 2025 (2025-12-19)
6
"The Cottage"
Jacob Tierney
Jacob Tierney
December 26, 2025 (2025-12-26)

References

  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/heated-rivalry-hudson-williams-interview-1236449733/
  2. "The dates are locked in and the episode names are here... well, most of them. 😉 Watch the two-episode premiere of #HeatedRivalry Nov 28 only on @CraveCanada"
    https://www.instagram.com/p/DQrqo1ZifOw/
  3. Heated Rivalry
    https://variety.com/2025/tv/global/hockey-romance-series-heated-rivalry-sells-hbo-max-us-australia-1236585535/
  4. Rachel Reid Writes Romance
    https://www.rachelreidwrites.com/news/2025/9/14
  5. The Washington Post
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/2025/12/06/heated-rivalry-hbo-series-rachel-reid/
  6. Episodic Medium
    https://www.episodicmedium.tv/week-to-week-the-mm-hockey-romance-revolution-will-be-televised-in-canada/
  7. The Cinemaholic
    https://thecinemaholic.com/heated-rivalry-crave/
  8. Deadline Hollywood
    https://deadline.com/2025/06/bell-upfront-2025-26-slate-crave-ctv-exec-interview-1236412227/
  9. Heated Rivalry
    https://deadline.com/2025/12/heated-rivalry-season-2-crave-hbo-max-1236646802/
  10. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a69711400/heated-rivalry-season-2-news-date-cast/
  11. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/tv/a69697648/heated-rivalry-season-2-release-date-plot-cast/
  12. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.out.com/gay-tv-shows/heated-rivalry-connor-storrie-hudson-williams-interview
  13. Heated Rivalry
    https://ew.com/heated-rivalry-cut-sex-scenes-episode-3-11862248
  14. The Hamilton Spectator
    https://www.thespec.com/entertainment/movies/3-lgbtq-movies-filmed-in-hamilton/article_1b2a04fe-2025-5cba-ad31-905f28d735e9.html
  15. Cosmopolitan
    https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/tv/a69607342/heated-rivalry-filming-locations/
  16. Primetimer
    https://www.primetimer.com/features/where-was-heated-rivalry-season-1-filmed-all-filming-locations-revealed
  17. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/heated-rivalry-soundtrack-wet-leg-feist-streaming-gains-1236133983/
  18. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.slashfilm.com/2050452/heated-rivalry-destroyed-generation-needle-drop-all-the-things-she-said/
  19. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.queerty.com/watch-hockey-jocks-sizzle-off-the-ice-in-steamy-gay-romance-series-heated-rivalry-20251009/
  20. Episodic Medium
    https://www.episodicmedium.tv/week-to-week-tiktoks-take-gay-hockey-romance-transnational/
  21. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/heated-rivalry-social-media-popularity-crave-hbo-max-1236432001/
  22. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/crave-breaks-the-ice-with-trailer-and-debut-date-for-its-new-original-series-heated-rivalry-premiering-november-28/
  23. Heated Rivalry
    https://playbackonline.ca/2025/11/05/craves-heated-rivalry-to-premiere-at-montreal-lgbtq-festival
  24. TheWrap
    https://www.thewrap.com/heated-rivalry-episode-4-connor-storrie-hudson-williams-interview/
  25. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/heated_rivalry/s01
  26. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.metacritic.com/tv/heated-rivalry/season-1
  27. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/film-and-tv/article-craves-heated-rivalry-is-hot-as-h-e-double-hockey-sticks-canadian/
  28. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/heated-rivalry-review-hbo-max-gay-hockey-drama-1236435495/
  29. Heated Rivalry
    https://collider.com/heated-rivalry-review-hbo-max/
  30. Will & Grace
    https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/g44360919/best-lgbtq-shows/
  31. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.rogerebert.com/streaming/heated-rivalry-tv-review
  32. Media Play News
    https://www.mediaplaynews.com/justwatch-george-clooneys-jay-kelly-apple-tvs-pluribus-top-weekly-streaming-through-dec-7/
  33. Media Play News
    https://www.mediaplaynews.com/stranger-things-again-takes-top-spot-on-weekly-whip-us-streaming-originals-chart-through-dec-7/
  34. Screen Rant
    https://screenrant.com/heated-rivalry-hbo-max-viewership-success-streaming-chart/
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