Fans of the hit hockey drama Heated Rivalry have a date to circle: April 2027. The highly anticipated second season of the series, based on Rachel Reid’s popular “Game Changers” book series, is slated to premiere then, with production kicking off this summer. The news comes from appearances by creator Jacob Tierney and executive producer Brendan Brady on CBS Mornings Thursday, offering a glimpse into the future of the show that’s captivated audiences with its compelling love story.
The series, which streams on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the U.S., follows the complex relationship between professional hockey players Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) of the Montreal Metros and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) of the Boston Raiders. Averaging over 10.5 million viewers per episode in the U.S. Alone, according to Warner Bros. Discovery, Heated Rivalry has resonated with viewers due to its “intense” and “focused” storytelling, as Tierney described it.
Tierney confirmed that writing for the second season is already underway, and filming is scheduled to begin in August. “There will be more Heated Rivalry on your TVs, like, truly, as soon as humanly possible,” Tierney said during the CBS Mornings interview. Brady playfully urged fans to “enjoy the yearn” while they await the new episodes, acknowledging the anticipation surrounding the continuation of Shane and Ilya’s story.
The success of Heated Rivalry, Tierney explained, stems from a commitment to faithfully adapting Reid’s source material. “This was a Canadian book. We’re Canadian producers,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of respecting the original story and its audience. He too highlighted the trust Crave placed in him and the material, noting that the streamer recognized the existing fanbase and allowed him to deliver a story that honored it.
A Faithful Adaptation and a Focus on Romance
Tierney previously told The Hollywood Reporter his approach to adapting romance novels is to avoid simplification. “I don’t want to do what I think a lot of people do when they look at adapting romance, which is simplify, truncate, shorten,” he said. Brady echoed this sentiment, adding that they aimed to “elevate this to the level that it deserved.” This dedication to a nuanced and respectful adaptation has clearly paid off, attracting a dedicated viewership.
The second season will be based on Reid’s novel, The Long Game, continuing the narrative of Shane and Ilya. Reid is also working on a third book in the series, Unrivaled, which will further explore their relationship, though its release date has been pushed back to 2027.
Stars on the Rise
Heated Rivalry has not only been a critical and commercial success but has also launched the careers of its leading men, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. Williams has joined the cast of the Crave series Yaga, while Storrie is slated to host Saturday Night Live this week and is reportedly considering a role in an upcoming A24 film, Peaked.
The show’s popularity underscores the demand for authentic and compelling LGBTQ+ representation in media. Heated Rivalry’s success demonstrates that audiences are eager for stories that explore complex relationships with depth and sensitivity.
As production ramps up this summer, fans can anticipate more updates on the second season of Heated Rivalry. With a confirmed premiere window of April 2027, the wait is on to see what challenges and triumphs await Shane and Ilya in the next chapter of their story.
What are you most looking forward to seeing in Season 2 of Heated Rivalry? Share your thoughts in the comments below!