The new television series Heated Rivalry has become a major topic on social media before its first episode even airs. The show, which turns Rachel Reid’s popular queer hockey romance novel into a six-part drama, found its success by focusing on two key ingredients: a deeply loyal online fanbase and what its creator calls “perfect” casting. The search for the right actors to play rival hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov was a central challenge for the production team.
Finding the Right Actors Was a Delicate Process
Jacob Tierney, the show’s creator and director, knew that casting the lead roles was the most important decision. He needed actors who not only looked like professional hockey players but were also comfortable with the story’s extensive intimate scenes. The series explores a secret romantic relationship between two athletes over eight years, and their physical connection is a primary way the story is told.
Tierney noted that the explicit nature of the material made some actors hesitant. He was determined to find performers who understood the project’s demands and were willing to be vulnerable. During the final auditions, Tierney promised a supportive environment but was clear about the requirements, which included multiple sex scenes in each episode.
A Chemistry Read Sealed the Deal
The search ended when Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie performed a chemistry read together. Tierney described the moment as decisive, saying the team’s reaction was immediate. He stated that for him, they were the perfect choices. Williams was cast as the earnest, disciplined Canadian star Shane Hollander, while Storrie took on the role of the confident, sly Russian player Ilya Rozanov.
Tierney said the actors’ dynamic mirrored the characters from the book. He noted that Williams brought the seriousness needed for Shane, while Storrie had all the confidence and humor required for Ilya. Their contrasting energies created the exact tension that drives the story.
Actors Built a Trusting Partnership
For the two leads, building trust was essential from day one. Their first day of filming involved one of the series’ more intimate scenes. Footage from that day shows the actors repeatedly checking in with each other to ensure they were comfortable. This established a pattern of presence and care that continued throughout the production.
Williams admitted that Storrie’s commitment to his role was so complete it was initially confusing. He said that Storrie stayed in a Slavic Russian character even during their audition, sometimes going off-script, which made it difficult for Williams to read his reactions. Storrie explained that this aloofness is part of Ilya’s character, who uses emotional distance to feel powerful in the relationship.
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A Faithful Adaptation for a Passionate Fanbase
The push for an authentic adaptation came from Tierney’s respect for the original book and its readers. He discovered the novel in 2023 and quickly sought the rights, feeling a personal connection to the material. He promised author Rachel Reid that he would treat the story seriously and not water it down for television.
The fanbase for the book, largely comprised of women and queer readers, is highly active online. Trailers and teasers for the show have generated millions of views and countless fan edits on platforms like TikTok. This organic online excitement helped the series secure an international distribution deal with HBO Max for viewers in the United States and Australia.
Reid has expressed her approval of the adaptation, calling the experience a “dream.” She said that Tierney understood the characters immediately, which allowed her to trust the process completely.
A Show About Communication and Love
The series uses its intimate scenes to show how the characters’ relationship evolves. Tierney explained that sex is the language of their love. He noted that the way they interact physically changes as they develop deeper feelings for each other over the years. The story begins when the characters are teenagers and follows their secret fling as they become professional athletes navigating fame and identity.
The director also highlighted that the show includes depictions of consent and care, which are key parts of the characters’ interactions. He described Ilya as a sensitive and empathetic lover, which adds layers to his seemingly carefree personality.
Heated Rivalry premieres on November 28, 2025, on Crave in Canada and on HBO Max in the U.S. and Australia, with new episodes releasing weekly.
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