The steamy LGBTQ+ hockey drama, based on Rachel Reid’s Game Changers book series, has officially been renewed for a second season. The show was created by Jacob Tierney for Canadian streamer Crave, and it quickly became a breakout hit after landing on HBO Max ahead of its November 2025 premiere.
The series follows Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams, a Canadian hockey star, and Ilya Rozanov, portrayed by Connor Storrie, a confident Russian phenom. What begins as a fierce on-ice rivalry turns into a secret and intense relationship that unfolds over several years, as both men struggle with fame, identity, and emotional honesty.
According to Variety, Heated Rivalry has become HBO Max’s top-rated non-animated acquired series and one of the platform’s top five scripted debuts of 2025. With numbers like that, the season 2 renewal came as little surprise.
On Dec. 12, the show was renewed for a second season—two weeks before the season 1 finale even aired.
“Heated Rivalry represents the very best of what Canadian creators can deliver,” said Justin Stockman, vice president of content and programming at Bell Media, which owns Crave, in a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “The response has been extraordinary.”
Tierney echoed that excitement, calling the show’s rapid rise an “international phenomenon” and thanking fans for their support. He added that the early renewal is a huge honor and promised more of what audiences love in season 2.
What Season 2 Will Be About
Season 2 is expected to draw from Rachel Reid’s sixth Game Changers novel, The Long Game. The story jumps nearly 10 years into the future, with Shane and Ilya still hiding their relationship while debating whether going public is worth the risk to their careers and personal lives.
Storrie teased fans on Instagram in December 2025, telling them to read The Long Game “if you want to spoil it for yourself,” while confirming the second season alongside Williams.
Both actors are set to return and have reportedly signed on for three seasons, though Crave has currently greenlit two. Williams jokingly hyped what’s ahead by saying season 2 will be “hotter, wetter, longer,” confirming that both leads will be back.
While the full supporting cast hasn’t been announced, fan favorite François Arnaud is widely expected to return as Scott Hunter, whose storyline continues in The Long Game novel.
When Will Season 2 Start Filming?
In a December 2025 interview with Variety, Williams suggested filming could begin in summer 2026—possibly July or August. He also shared that he’s already training for the role and plans to gain 10 pounds of lean muscle for the new season.
As for the release date, nothing is set yet. Tierney revealed that writing on season 2 hasn’t started, explaining that he wants to avoid rushing the story just to meet demand.
“We don’t want to wait too long, but I also don’t want to put out a rushed second season,” he said. “We’re getting back to work.”
For now, fans can revisit all six episodes of Heated Rivalry season 1, which are currently streaming on HBO Max.
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