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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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99% Tomatometer 69 Reviews 94% Popcornmeter 1,000+ 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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Catharine Hughes New Statesman 1d
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 Anita Singh Daily Telegraph (UK) 3d
3/5
[The series] all sounds very adult, but the storytelling is at the teenage drama level. And the acting, from some cast members, is at the daytime soap level. Go to Full Review Lucy Mangan Guardian 3d
3/5
We wait for the main pair to grow up. The second half of the show lets them, a bit. Sex becomes love (and sex) and intimacy (and sex) and the banter improves a bit. Whether it is reward enough for sitting through the first few hours is for you to decide. Go to Full Review Jeanine T. Abraham VisAbleBlackwoman (Medium) 13h
5/5
Both Hudson Williams and Connor Storie are fantastic young actors who are fun to watch on screen, and you immediately fall in love with them and root for their relationship. Go to Full Review Steve Murray ArtsATL 1d
Will these two tough, hot guys travel an unusual reverse course, from hate sex into something, years later, that feels like first love? That trajectory is what turns the fellas’ closeted bromance-with-benefits into a swoon fest. Go to Full Review Barbara Ellen Observer (UK) 3d
The show is strongest when dealing with topical issues: homophobia in sport and elsewhere; fear of discovery and the threat of losing sponsorships, or worse; the courage it takes to come out; cultural differences; the support of family and friends. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Kalyn B 31m I was absolutely feral for this show. I LOVED it. Sooo excited for season 2!! See more Merry T @Gopi108 2h I literally cant stop rewatching it. And I can't get enough of all the positivity that is coming from this. <3 See more Bobbi H 3h I admit I thought I was just in for the smut, but by episode 4 I was completely drawn into the story and these characters. The commitment to Ilya by Connor is proof he's a star, and how Hudson plays Shane in the hospital may be my favorite moment of the show. Absolutely worth a watch, but I promise you it will turn into a rewatch. And again. And again. See more krissss k @lobiani 5h I don't understand how these people became obsessed with this. See more Gabe G @G2theabe 18h What a beautiful, layered well told love story with an incredible cast with powerful and unexpected reveals. The promotion focuses on the tawdry, but the show focuses on love. Highly recommend - I can’t believe how good this show is. See more Skylar K @skyxo22 20h One of the best lgbt shows/films I’ve ever seen. The acting is actually incredible. The chemistry between these two is also incredible. Absolute 10/10!!!! 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