The wait for one of television’s most talked-about new series is almost over. Heated Rivalry, the TV adaptation of Rachel Reid’s popular queer hockey romance novel, is set to premiere this week. The series will debut with its first two episodes simultaneously, giving fans an extended first look at this story of love and rivalry on the ice.
Show Premiere Schedule and Streaming Platforms
Heated Rivalry Episode 1, titled “Rookies,” and Episode 2, titled “Olympians,” will both be released on November 28, 2025. In the United States, the series will be available exclusively on HBO Max. New episodes are scheduled to go live on the streaming platform at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET.
For Canadian viewers, the show will be available on the Crave streaming service. Following the two-episode premiere, the remaining four episodes of the first season will be released weekly on subsequent Fridays, with the season finale scheduled for December 26, 2025. The series has also been acquired for international distribution, with HBO Max streaming it in Australia and Sky broadcasting it in New Zealand.
The Story and Characters of Heated Rivalry
Heated Rivalry follows the complex relationship between two professional hockey players: Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie respectively, these characters are celebrated stars in Major League Hockey who play for rival teams. Publicly, they are fierce competitors, but privately they navigate a secret romantic relationship that spans eight years.
The official series synopsis describes it as “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.” The first episode establishes their initial meeting and the beginning of their secret affair, setting the stage for a story that explores identity, love, and the pressures of professional sports.
The supporting cast includes François Arnaud as Scott Hunter, Sophie Nélisse as Rose Landry, and Christina Chang and Dylan Walsh as Shane’s parents. Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova plays Svetlana Vetrova.
Creative Team and Source Material
The series was developed by Jacob Tierney, who also serves as writer, director, and executive producer. Tierney discovered Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” book series during the pandemic and was drawn to adapting it for television. The show is based specifically on the second novel in the series, which shares the same “Heated Rivalry” title.
Author Rachel Reid has been involved in the adaptation as a consulting producer and has expressed strong support for the television interpretation of her work. At a recent premiere event, she shared her confidence in the creative team:
“It was an absolute dream from the very first moment that I spoke to Jacob. He laid out exactly everything that was important about the books and the characters, he just got them right away. So, I never worried again after that.”
The series is produced by Accent Aigu Entertainment and Bell Media, with filming having taken place in Toronto and Montreal earlier this year.
Early Buzz and Fan Excitement
Anticipation for Heated Rivalry has been building for months across social media platforms. The series has generated significant attention on TikTok and other platforms, with fan edits and discussions contributing to its pre-release popularity. The recent world premiere of the first episode at Montreal’s Image+Nation Queer Film Festival on November 23, 2025, generated positive initial reactions from attendees.
Fans at the festival event celebrated the show’s faithful adaptation of the source material and the chemistry between the lead actors. The series has been noted for its thoughtful exploration of queer identity within the world of professional hockey, a topic that resonates with many viewers. Director Jacob Tierney acknowledged the fan support at the premiere, stating:
“The whole thing has been overwhelming. I know there’s a lot of fans here and we really owe so much of this to you. I’ve never felt anything like what it’s like to be supported by you guys.”
How to Watch Heated Rivalry
To watch Heated Rivalry in the United States, viewers will need an active HBO Max subscription. The streaming service offers several plan options, including a Basic with Ads plan at $9.99 per month, a Standard plan at $16.99 per month, and a Premium plan at $22.99 per month. Some promotional offers may be available, including a Black Friday deal that reduces the monthly cost for the Basic plan.
The series is rated TV-MA, reflecting its mature content including intimate scenes and adult themes. For those interested in the source material, Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” book series is widely available through book retailers, with “Heated Rivalry” being the second installment in the collection.
The premiere of Heated Rivalry represents a significant moment for queer representation in sports-themed television, bringing a beloved romance novel to the screen with its central relationship between two hockey players navigating their secret love amid professional rivalry.
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