The highly anticipated television adaptation of Heated Rivalry is almost here, bringing to the screen a beloved Canadian romance set in the world of professional hockey. Based on the popular novel by Rachel Reid, the show explores the passionate and emotionally complex relationship between two rival athletes whose careers and personal lives collide in unexpected ways.
The series officially premieres on HBO Max on December 12, 2025. The first two episodes will be released on that date, followed by weekly installments every Thursday until the season’s conclusion. Season 1 consists of eight episodes.
Episode rollout schedule:
Heated Rivalry chronicles the slow-burn romance between hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, whose fierce on-ice rivalry evolves into a secret and complicated love affair that spans more than a decade. The series explores themes of ambition, identity, and the tension between personal fulfillment and public success.
The cast features:
Filmed in Toronto and Montreal, the series blends sports drama with heartfelt romance. According to producers, the adaptation aims to stay faithful to the emotional depth of Reid’s novel while expanding on the characters’ backstories.
All episodes will be available exclusively on HBO Max, with streaming access also through Binge in Australia and Crave in Canada. No information has yet been shared about a potential second season.
“We wanted to capture the fierce intensity of love and rivalry both on and off the ice,” said executive producer Julia Nolan.
Author’s summary:
The HBO Max series Heated Rivalry debuts December 12, 2025, with eight weekly episodes exploring a decade-long romance between two rival hockey players.