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Season 1 – Heated Rivalry

Play trailer 1:29 Poster for Season 1 – Heated Rivalry Next Ep Dec 19 Drama Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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95% Tomatometer 22 Reviews 91% Popcornmeter 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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Critics Reviews

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Lisa Weidenfeld Boston Globe 11h
TV shows have grappled with the agonies of coming out (or not) for a long time now. There are moments when “Heated Rivalry” seems almost like a throwback... But it’s reflecting a reality that doesn’t seem to have changed enough, sadly. Go to Full Review
Kaiya Shunyata RogerEbert.com Dec 8
'Heated Rivalry' stands out in a wasteland of recent queer television that plays it too safe. ... But, beyond its importance and its inevitable legacy, the show is also one of this year’s most enjoyable. Go to Full Review
Kylie Northover The Age (Australia) Dec 3
4/5
Adapted from the hugely popular YA book series, Heated Rivalry balances in-your-face sex scenes with a tale of sweet romance. Go to Full Review
Jim Provenzano Bay Area Reporter 13h
While the love scenes enchant viewers, they serve dramatic purposes as well, along with serving the hunky good looks of the actors. Go to Full Review
BJ Colangelo Slashfilm Dec 9
Jacob Tierney's adaptation of Rachel Reid's novel is thus far not only one of the finest adaptations of a romance novel, but it's also a breath of fresh air in a streaming landscape actively suffocating its audiences. Go to Full Review
Marina Gordon Common Sense Media Dec 9
4/5
This lusty Canadian show is surprisingly complex and nuanced about a romance between two star hockey players. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Matt R. 6h Awful and unrealistic See more home o @SaltAndLight 1d it's very unrealistic. See more Jimin P @Jiminpark 1d Heated Rivalry is the kind of story that grabs you from the very first page and never lets go. What starts as pure hate, ego, and intense competition slowly turns into something deep, emotional, and painfully real. The enemies-to-lovers trope is done perfectly—no rushing, no shortcuts, just years of tension, denial, and undeniable chemistry. What truly sets Heated Rivalry apart is its emotional depth. It’s not just about secret hookups or spicy scenes—it’s about identity, pressure, self-acceptance, and choosing love even when it’s terrifying. The slow burn makes every soft moment hit harder, and the payoff feels earned. Overall, Heated Rivalry is intense, emotional, and unforgettable. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves rivals-to-lovers, sports romance, and stories that hurt in the best way possible. See more David M @Dmartinez81 1d This getting people to read again! The attention to all details in performance, wardrobe and music is on point. Props to the intimacy coordinator who did one hell a job and the casting director to made the absolute right choice in choosing every actor. 100% 🤯 See more Samantha A @Samantha91_ 1d Prestige cinema has needed to include stories like this - to so perfectly capture yearning/desire/love/fear/sex - this is what we never knew we needed. Cheers to the intimacy coordinator and to the actors who seem absolutely fearless and unabashedly willing to try to get across the passion of this love story. Thank you to everyone involved...I want this team to never stop creating stories like this. THANK YOU. See more Ana R 1d the best thing i ever watched ❤️ 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 Airs Dec 19 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. Details Episode 6 Airs Dec 26 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. 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