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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
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96% Tomatometer 87 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 Agustín Pérez Emol.com Feb 22
With a gripping story wrapped in strong cinematography, "Heated Rivalry" delivers an electrifying romance that results in a truly binge-worthy show. Go to Full Review Abhishek Srivastava The Times of India Feb 19
3.5/5
For viewers interested in character-focused storytelling set against the backdrop of professional competition, it delivers a thoughtful and engaging experience. Go to Full Review Ayaan Paul Chowdhury The Hindu Feb 19
Your week might get suspiciously better after watching two outrageously hot hockey players go feral in a hotel room, and honestly, that kind of improvement deserves more respect than it gets. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Joeross P @Joeross 1d It's solidly written, and the chemistry between the two characters (Ilya and Shane) doesn’t feel forced. See more Kris K @KR15KK 3d This was totally amazing the way that you actually got to feel for the boys understand where they were why they were acting the way they were. This was just beautiful. See more Josef G @Jimmygoombas 4d look you may not think you are the target demographic for this type of show, I only started watching because my girlfriend really wanted to...but I'm so glad I did. If you don't have any hang-ups about watching a gay romances on screen and allow yourself to empathize with the characters, it is actually really great television and a beautiful love story. Well paced, smartly written and the star power of both Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie is undeniable. I love how huge a phenomenon this show became, and the world could use more authentic and intimate stories like this. See more Thea C 5d keep going after the first episode, it's worth it! See more Nicholas S. @nnschaefer 5d An entertaining short series. The acting may not be the greatest, but the plot is interesting, even if reliant on cliches at times. The characters are also rather complex. See more Craig S. @Rightstuffvp 5d Best LGBTQ storyline since Aristotle and Dante 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

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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