Heated Rivalry Season 2: Connor Storrie Teases Story After Show’s Fast Renewal

Connor Storrie, the star who plays Russian hockey captain Ilya Rozanov, says he has no idea what is next for his character. His comment comes right after HBO Max and Crave confirmed the hit series will return for a second season. The show got the renewal while its first season is still airing, a move that surprised even the cast. In a recent interview, Storrie talked about the show’s sudden success and gave his best guess for where the story is headed.

How The Show Became A Quick Success

Heated Rivalry premiered on November 28, 2025, and its popularity grew very fast. The show became Crave’s biggest original series launch ever. Data showed that viewership increased by nearly 400% in the first week after its debut.

The show’s buzz was strong on social media. It became a top trending topic in Canada during its premiere weekend. Fans shared clips and reactions, making it a constant topic of discussion online.

The quick renewal for a second season shows the streamers’ confidence. HBO Max will continue to show the series in the United States and Australia. New deals have also been made to bring it to viewers in parts of Asia, Latin America, and Europe.

What Connor Storrie Said About The Early Renewal

For Storrie, the show’s fast rise to fame has been surprising. He was not prepared for how much attention the show got.

He talked about the early days, even sharing a story about his audition. “I did so because the casting director should see what the character really looks like,” Storrie said about his choice to take his shirt off for his audition tape. He later joked that he did not realize his physique had become a popular topic until fans started sending him screenshots.

When asked about the plot for Season 2, Storrie was direct about not knowing the details. “[I] have no idea,” he said. However, he made a guess based on how the first season was made. “With how true we stayed to the book for this one, I can assume it’s going to be equally as true”.

Also Read: Heated Rivalry Cast Questions “One Way” Claim After Critic Calls Show’s Sex Scenes “Not Gay”

What Fans Think Season 2 Will Be About

While the producers have not shared an official plot, Storrie and other sources point to a specific book. The first season is based on the second novel in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series, which is also called Heated Rivalry. The story of Shane and Ilya continues in the sixth book, The Long Game.

Storrie himself hinted at this. “Start reading The Long Game if you want to spoil it for yourself,” he told fans.

Here is what The Long Game novel is about:

• It picks up the story ten years after Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov begin their secret relationship.
• Shane wants to stay at the top of his game and feels their relationship must remain a secret.
• Ilya is tired of hiding. He wants closeness and is even willing to take the risk of being open about their love.
• The central conflict is the couple deciding what matters more: their careers in hockey or their love for each other.

It is very likely that Season 2 will cover this story. Show creator Jacob Tierney has also suggested the focus will remain on Shane and Ilya. “We’re following Shane and Ilya. That’s not gonna be a shock,” Tierney said.

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The Official Season 2 Announcement

HBO Max announced the renewal in December 2025 with a special video. Co-stars Hudson Williams (Shane) and Connor Storrie (Ilya) opened a gift box to find a hockey puck inside. The puck was marked with “Heated Rivalry Season 2”.

In the video, Williams teased the new season by saying, “Hotter. Wetter. Longer.” This has led fans to hope the second season might have more episodes than the first season’s six.

In a joint statement, creator Jacob Tierney and executive producer Brendan Brady expressed their thanks. “Watching our show become an international phenomenon has been extraordinary. Being renewed for a second season so early is a true honour, and we can’t wait to bring you even more of what you love”.

Which Cast Members Are Expected To Return?

An official cast list for Season 2 is not ready yet. However, it is certain that the two lead actors will be back.

• Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander
• Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov

Other actors from Season 1 may also return. The ensemble cast includes:

• François Arnaud as Scott Hunter
• Robbie G.K. as Kip Grady
• Christina Chang as Yuna Hollander
• Dylan Walsh as David Hollander
• Sophie Nélisse as Rose Landry
• Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova as Svetlana

There is also a chance the show will introduce new characters from other books in the Game Changers series, as it did in Season 1.

When Will Heated Rivalry Season 2 Be Released?

No release date has been set for Season 2. The first season had a quick production timeline. Filming started in April 2025, and the show premiered seven months later in November 2025. If the team follows a similar schedule, fans could hope for new episodes by late 2026.

For now, the first season is still unfolding. New episodes are released weekly. The season finale is scheduled to drop on December 26, 2025.

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