The hit Canadian television drama Heated Rivalry is planning something special for its fans. While a second season is confirmed, producers are considering a rare move. They are exploring the release of a bonus special episode in 2026 to keep audiences engaged during the longer wait for the next full season.
This kind of standalone episode released between seasons is uncommon, drawing comparisons to special episodes from shows like Euphoria. The potential special is aimed at bridging the gap for viewers eager for more of the story about rival hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.
Details on the Planned Heated Rivalry Bonus Episode
The idea for this unique episode came from within the show’s production company. Justin Stockman, an executive at Bell Media, confirmed the discussions. He explained that the team is looking into what is possible to deliver something special to fans sooner.
“We’re going to see what’s feasible,” Stockman stated. “If [showrunner Jacob Tierney] can find a way to make the source material work in a way that gets us something sooner or something special, I’m sure he will. I would love to have this back for the holidays next year, but that likely is not going to happen. We can’t rush the process. We won’t be able to repeat the magic if we push him”.
The show’s creator, Jacob Tierney, is involved in the planning but is focused on maintaining the quality that made the first season a success. He acknowledged the pressure from the show’s sudden popularity but emphasized the need to stay true to the story.
“This isn’t what any of us expected and I’m endlessly grateful for it. But it’s the kind of noise that I have to drown out to make the next two seasons,” Tierney said. “I have to keep trusting myself. I have to keep doing what I did in the first place. That’s the way you’re going to get a good season two”.
What the Bonus Episode Could Be About
The series is based on the Game Changers novel series by Rachel Reid. While the main second season is expected to adapt the sequel novel The Long Game, a bonus episode has a wealth of additional material to draw from.
One strong candidate is an adaptation of the short story “My Dinner With Hayden.” This story takes place about 15 months after the events of the first season. It involves Shane and Ilya hosting an awkward dinner party with Shane’s teammate, Hayden, and his wife after Hayden discovers their secret relationship. The story deals directly with the ongoing tension of keeping their romance hidden.
Other possibilities include other short stories from the author or even scenes from the first novel’s epilogue that were not included in the initial season. This epilogue shows the couple beginning to build a public life together, which would set the stage for season two.
The Unlikely Rise of Heated Rivalry to Global Hit
The discussion of a special episode highlights the show’s extraordinary success. Heated Rivalry debuted on November 28, 2025, on Crave in Canada and quickly became a global phenomenon after being picked up by HBO Max in the United States and other platforms worldwide.
The show’s path to screens was unexpected. Originally planned for a 2026 release, executives at Crave were so impressed with the early cuts that they pushed the premiere up to capitalize on holiday viewing. The move was a gamble that paid off.
The series became the most-watched original series ever on Crave. In the United States, it broke records on HBO Max, becoming the top-rated non-animated acquired series since the service launched. The show’s blend of sports drama and romance attracted a massive audience that surprised industry insiders.
“I thought it would be kind of a very specific, maybe gay-only show, but it really is aโฆ” said Casey Bloys, HBO and Max’s content chairman, noting its broad appeal.
The Cast and Their Real-World Impact
The show stars Hudson Williams as the Canadian player Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as the Russian player Ilya Rozanov. Their performances have been widely praised for the chemistry and depth they bring to the roles.
The actors’ influence has extended beyond the screen. Both Williams and Storrie have been selected as official torchbearers for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics torch relay, connecting their fictional hockey roles to the real-world sporting event.
Furthermore, the show has had a tangible cultural impact. It inspired professional hockey player Jesse Kortuem to publicly come out as gay. Kortuem credited the show with giving him the courage, and he later appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show, where he received a supportive video message from Hudson Williams.
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What This Means for Fans and the Upcoming Season
For fans, the potential bonus episode is welcome news. While the second season was officially renewed in December 2025, production takes time. Indications suggest filming may not begin until summer, with a possible release in 2027. A special episode in 2026 would provide a much-needed continuation of the story.
The first season of Heated Rivalry consisted of six episodes and is available for streaming. In Canada, it streams on Crave. In the United States, it is available on HBO Max. The show is also available on platforms like Neon in New Zealand and Movistar Plus+ in Spain.
The show’s success proves there is a large, engaged audience for this type of story. The consideration of a special episode demonstrates a commitment to serving that audience in innovative ways while the creators carefully work on the next chapter of Shane and Ilya’s journey.
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