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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 89 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

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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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Scott Bryan BBC.com Mar 11
You tune in initially because you hear about this hockey drama about two guys who hook up in secret thinking that it's going to be a sexy, horny piece of TV. And it is. But it ends up being something way, way more than that. Go to Full Review
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
Rose Ho The Asian Cut Mar 7
5/5
With so much care given to story, performance, and representation, it’s clear that Heated Rivalry sets a new precedent for modern romances on our TV screens and streaming services. 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
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Audience Reviews

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Charlene T @CharleneJ 2h Heated Rivalry is such an incredible show. Emotional, intense, and so well done from start to finish. But what really stood out to me was Hudson Williams and his portrayal of Shane Hollander. He did an amazing job playing Shane in a way that feels natural and real. His autism isn’t portrayed in an obvious or over-the-top way. It’s subtle, woven into small behaviors, expressions, and moments that make the character feel authentic rather than defined by it. That restraint makes the performance even more powerful. You can tell how much thought went into understanding Shane as a person, not just labeling him. Overall, Heated Rivalry is an amazing show that pulls you in and keeps you invested, but Hudson Williams’ performance is truly something special. See more Amanda B @amandabee307 Apr 11 I've been trying to figure out why I love this show so much. I think it's the dopamine you get from falling in love with someone and realizing they like you too. I can't stop watching them fall in love with each other over and over again. See more David Wayne F @RT19535935 Apr 10 In my 64 years I don't think I've ever seen a piece of media that felt so emotionally immersive. There's a magic to this cinematic TV show that transcends the content and digs its way straight into your heart. It's a fantastic blending of brilliant acting, perfect casting, excellent writing, beautiful cinematography, and a great soundtrack. The attention to detail in every facet invites returning to it again and again without ever getting tired of being in this world. On top of that, the timing of the show couldn't have better. See more JL O @jayello Apr 9 Stunning, moving performances from the newcomer leads (and supporting cast), mesmerizing chemistry, and flawless pacing, plotting, editing, cinematography, lighting, and music all work in sync to make this an unforgettably thrilling (and hilarious!) TV experience to cherish. Every moment is a layered, nuanced gem that rewards attentive viewing and rewatching. This little show made on a shoestring budget easily equals or outperforms all the well-known prestige dramas. Go watch it now! See more Marianne S @NitoFace Apr 6 Don't discount this as "smut". Yes, it has explicit sex scenes but I don't think any of them are gratuitous. These scenes contain important dialogue and help to develop the characters and the plot, which is so refreshing! This is one of the best and most real love stories I've ever seen. The acting, cinematography, lighting, and storytelling are top notch. As a Canadian, it is wonderful to see our culture, language, and stories in popular media! See more Heather P. @hhpancoe Apr 3 Absolute perfection! This is what the world needs in this moment. See more Read all reviews
Heated Rivalry — Season 1

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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

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