Fans of the hit hockey romance series Heated Rivalry got a clear update on when to expect the next chapter. Series creator Jacob Tierney confirmed that Season 2 will not premiere in 2026 but is targeting a release soon after. The new season will adapt Rachel Reid’s novel The Long Game, continuing the complex relationship between rivals-turned-lovers Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.
Season 2 Premiere Timeline and Production Schedule
Jacob Tierney provided a specific window for the show’s return in recent interviews. He stated that new episodes are not expected next year but clarified the wait will not be extreme.
“It will not be same time next year, but it’ll be pretty soon after that,” Tierney told Entertainment Weekly. “It’s not gonna be two years. It’s not even gonna be 18 months, I think. So we’re gonna go as fast as we can, while ensuring that we’re doing as good a job as we possibly can.”
This points to a likely premiere in early 2027. The delay is due to the early stage of production. Tierney, who writes and directs the series, noted he has not yet started writing the new season’s scripts. Star Hudson Williams mentioned that filming is expected to begin in the summer of 2026, which supports the 2027 release timeline.
The show was a major success for HBO Max and its Canadian partner, Crave. It was renewed for a second season just 15 days after its debut on November 28, 2025, and became Crave’s most-watched original series. Despite the quick renewal, the creative team is prioritizing quality over speed.
The Long Game Story and Season 2 Plot
Season 2 will directly follow the sixth book in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series, The Long Game. The story jumps forward in time, picking up with Shane and Ilya years into their secret relationship. The central conflict involves Ilya growing tired of the secrecy, while Shane fears that coming out could destroy his public image and hockey career.
Actor Connor Storrie, who plays Ilya, discussed the evolving dynamic. “Now that we’ve established we’re together and we’re choosing this, what does that look like to consistently choose through new obstacles?” he said. The season will explore how the couple navigates these pressures while trying to build a life together.
The first season concluded with a major step for the couple. After a secluded stay at a cottage where they confessed their love, Shane’s father discovered them together. This forced Shane to come out to his parents, setting the stage for the new challenges they will face in a world that still does not know their truth.
Returning Cast and New Characters
The main cast is set to return. Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will reprise their roles as Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Co-stars François Arnaud (Scott Hunter) and Robbie G.K. (Kip Grady) are also expected back.
A character from another book in Reid’s series has already been introduced. Matthew Finlan appeared in Season 1 as Kyle Swift, a bartender friend of Kip’s. Kyle is the main character in the book Common Goal. Series creator Jacob Tierney confirmed this is the same Kyle, hinting his story might be developed further in the new season.
There is also potential for the series to continue beyond Season 2. Reports indicate that Williams and Storrie initially signed contracts for three seasons.
Global Streaming Information
The first season of Heated Rivalry is available to stream on HBO Max in the United States, Australia, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. In Canada, it streams on Crave, which produced the series. All six episodes of Season 1 are currently available.
Season 2 will follow the same release pattern, premiering on Crave in Canada and on HBO Max internationally. No trailer or teaser has been released, as production has not yet started.
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