Crave’s hit sports romance series Heated Rivalry is expanding beyond television with back-to-back filming for seasons two and three in 2026, alongside a standalone holiday-themed movie slated for a December 2027 theatrical release.
Seasons Two and Three Film Back-To-Back
- Seasons two and three are slated to film back-to-back this year, with both comprising six episodes.
- A standalone holiday film focused on Scott and Kip is scheduled to shoot this December for a December 2027 theatrical release.
- Season two will draw primarily from Rachel Reid’s sixth novel, The Long Game, alongside elements from Role Model.
Back to Back Production Plans
Following the pop culture phenomenon status achieved when Crave’s adaptation debuted on HBO Max in 2025, production is ramping up significantly. Deadline reported that seasons two and three are filming back-to-back this year, each consisting of six episodes.
Screen Rant noted that season two is confirmed to arrive in the spring of 2027. Bleedingcool.com added that series creator Jacob Tierney stated season two adapts elements from both The Long Game and Role Model.
Speculation regarding a doubled episode order previously circulated after Dylan Walsh mentioned in a Cameo video that the show was filming 12 episodes, according to Screen Rant. Tierney subsequently clarified that season two would contain six episodes, aligning with the current report of a separate third season and a feature film.
Holiday Film Focuses on Scott and Kip
A standalone holiday film is planned to shoot this December after production wraps on the back-to-back television seasons. Screen Rant and bleedingcool.com reported that the film is intended for a December 2027 theatrical release and will center on Scott Hunter and Christopher “Kip” Grady.
The project is reportedly based on Rachel Reid’s short story Merry Christmas, Scott and Kip!
focusing on the couple’s first Christmas together. Screen Rant noted that main characters Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov are reportedly not a part of the film.
Season two welcomes several new cast members to the arena. Screen Rant confirmed that Justice Smith, Charlie Gillespie, Daniel Diemer, and Shaheen Jafargholi are joining the cast.
Returning actors include François Arnaud as Scott, Robbie G.K. as Kip, Sophie Nélisse as Rose, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova as Svetlana, Christina Chang and Dylan Walsh as Shane’s parents Yuna and David, Callan Potter as Hayden, Benjamin Roy as JJ, and Kamilla Kowal as Jackie, as outlined by bleedingcool.com.
| Project | Episode Count / Format | Production Window | Release Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 2 | 6 Episodes | 2026 | Spring 2027 |
| Season 3 | 6 Episodes | 2026 (Back-to-Back) | TBA |
| Holiday Movie | Standalone Feature | December 2026 | December 2027 |
Books Provide a Roadmap for the Adaptation
Tierney discussed the adaptation process during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, noting that the books provide a clear roadmap for viewers. What’s so funny about the level of secrecy is like there’s a book – you can just look at it. It’ll tell you honestly, 90 percent of what you’d like to know is in that book,
Tierney said. He emphasized that the series relies on emotion rather than hidden twists.
Tierney also stated, This is not the usual suspects. Like, we’re not trying to hide a villain from you… there are books, read them, and then make two guesses, three guesses, and I bet two of them will be right. This show is not built on secrets. It’s built on feelings and sensation. It’s a very visceral show. It’s very sensual in that way, and it’s all in the execution of it.
Meanwhile, the first season is currently running in a limited theatrical release across the United States and Canada from November 6 through November 30, spanning more than 650 locations through distributors including Regal Cinemas, AMC, and Cinemark, as reported by Screen Rant. Crave stated there are no additional projects to confirm.
