Jacob Tierney, the creator of the hit series Heated Rivalry, has directly addressed fan requests for a longer second season. In a recent interview, he stated that while the new season will deliver “a lot of content,” it will not have more episodes than the first season’s six-episode run.
The confirmation comes shortly after the swift renewal of the sports romance drama, which has become a breakout international hit for Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the United States and other territories. While fans hoping for an extended episode order may be disappointed, Tierney emphasized the team’s commitment to quality and expanding the show’s universe in other ways.
The Official Word on Season 2 Length
During an interview with Gold Derby, Tierney was asked directly if the highly anticipated second season would feature more than the six episodes of Season 1. His response was clear and cautious.
“I don’t know if you’re going to get that. But you’re going to get a lot of content. Everyone’s pretty committed to this universe, in this world. So it’s going to be OK. It’s going to be good.”
This statement prioritizes the assurance of quality over a simple increase in quantity. Tierney elaborated that the entire production team remains deeply committed to the world of Heated Rivalry and that the focus is on delivering the same caliber of storytelling that resonated with audiences in the first season.
The renewal for Season 2 was officially announced in December 2025, just weeks after the show’s premiere. The news was revealed through a social media video featuring stars Hudson Williams (Shane Hollander) and Connor Storrie (Ilya Rozanov) opening a gift box to find a hockey puck inscribed with “Season 2”. In the video, Williams quipped, “Hotter, wetter, longer,” a comment that initially sparked fan speculation about a longer season. Tierney’s recent remarks, however, clarify that “longer” likely refers to the evolving story rather than the episode count.
Why the Show Sticks to a Six-Episode Format
The decision to maintain a concise season structure is rooted in the show’s source material and production style. Heated Rivalry is adapted from Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novel series, with the first season covering the second book, Heated Rivalry. The confirmed second season will adapt the sixth book in the series, The Long Game.
This approach of dedicating one season to a specific novel provides a focused narrative arc. Creator Jacob Tierney has indicated satisfaction with this creative direction. In a statement, he and executive producer Brendan Brady said, “We’re profoundly grateful to everyone that has been on this journey with us… and we can’t wait to bring you even more of what you love”.
Furthermore, the first season demonstrated that episode length can be flexible even if the count is not. Episodes varied in runtime from approximately 43 to 55 minutes, allowing for deeper exploration of emotional and plot-critical moments when needed. For instance, the fifth episode ran longer to accommodate significant character development. This variable runtime model is a tool the show can continue to use to tell its story effectively without diluting the plot across additional installments.
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What to Expect in the Next Season
While the episode number is set, the scope of the story is expanding. Season 2 will follow Shane and Ilya’s continuing journey as depicted in The Long Game, set about a decade after their secret romance begins. The central conflict shifts from starting a hidden relationship to managing one over the long term under the intense scrutiny of professional sports.
“I would say that The Long Game in terms of their intimacy picks up where we leave off in season 1,” star Hudson Williams told ABC Audio. “I think having that relationship to kind of stand on and then go against what they face in The Long Game… is gonna be really beautiful ‘cause our adversity is a way different one than season 1.”
Connor Storrie added that the new material offers even more emotionally intense scenes for his character, Ilya. Tierney has also expressed excitement about bringing specific moments from the sequel book to screen, notably a wedding scene involving the children of Shane’s best friend and teammate, Hayden Pike.
The ensemble cast is also expected to grow. While Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will return as the leads, other fan-favorite characters are likely to come back. The first season introduced Scott Hunter (François Arnaud) and Kip Grady (Robbie G.K.), the couple from the first Game Changers novel, and their story is poised for further development. Arnaud has mentioned hearing early discussions about a potential spin-off and noted that in the books, his character develops a close friendship with Ilya, which could be explored.
The Unlikely Hit That Earned a Fast Renewal
Heated Rivalry’s quick renewal is a testament to its unexpected and massive success. The series debuted on November 28, 2025, on Crave, with HBO Max streaming it simultaneously in the U.S., Australia, the Philippines, and other regions. It quickly broke records, becoming Crave’s most-watched original series debut and climbing to the number one spot on HBO Max’s streaming rankings.
The show, which follows the secret romance between rival hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, struck a chord globally. Author Rachel Reid, whose books serve as the foundation, described the show’s reception as “surreal and amazing,” noting it has become an “international phenomenon”. The intense fan reaction took even the creator by surprise; Jacob Tierney admitted he anticipated a slow build like his previous show Letterkenny, not an immediate sensation.
The series has sparked widespread discussion online, from analyses of its characters to its portrayal of queer intimacy. This buzz, combined with strong viewership numbers, made a second season an easy decision for the streaming platforms.
Also Read: Heated Rivalry’s Hudson Williams Talks About Overcoming Bias and What He Learned From Playing Shane
