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Season 1 – Heated Rivalry

Play trailer 1:29 Poster for Season 1 – Heated Rivalry Next Ep Dec 26 Drama Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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96% Tomatometer 31 Reviews 95% 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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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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Linda Holmes Pop Culture Happy Hour (NPR Podcast) 4d
There's a little bit of a "you want me to do what?" kind of humor to this show. And at the same time, I also really like the fact that it's also very sweet at certain moments. Go to Full Review Lisa Weidenfeld Boston Globe Dec 17
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 Chris Revelle Pajiba 4d
The actors sell palpable attraction and chemistry so consistently and intensely that I was along for their infatuated ride. Go to Full Review Glen Weldon Pop Culture Happy Hour (NPR Podcast) 4d
If we're going to queer a space, sports is a good one to queer. Go to Full Review EJ Moreno EJ Moreno 5d
By its fifth episode, Heated Rivalry proves itself a game changer, overflowing with yearning, sexuality, and drama. This is how you do a first season. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Rj R @ohheyRj 2h Can I add more stars??? See more Henrique B @HBerno 9h Beautiful series so far....Every scene made me to glue and both Shane and Illya made me to fall love with them… can wait for more episodes and new season See more Paula R @Paula30172 18h This is the best thing I've ever watched. You could feel the electricity and the attraction between them and the production in every episode is amazing, a lot of things happen, and you don't get confused or think the characters are empty because of it. See more Jade B 20h If you’ve ever known the exquisite agony of wanting someone with every fiber of your being, only for life’s circumstances to stand firmly in the way, this show will resonate deeply. It’s a coming-of-age story brimming with all the irresistible elements—tragedy, desire, and a visceral infatuation that feels almost too real. Consider yourself warned, though: this is not one to watch with your parents. See more Daniel D. @dsd1985 1d Outstanding story and representation. See more Elizabeth A. @elizabooooom 1d The most raw and realistic, beautiful, emotional story. I’ve never seen anything like it. From the acting to the writing, this is TV perfection. 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

Actor

Callan Potter

Hayden Pike

Connor Storrie

Actor

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 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 The Cottage 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
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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