How ‘Heated Rivalry’ Became the Internet’s Favorite Show

About the Show

Heated Rivalry is a Canadian sports romance television series created, written, and directed by Jacob Tierney for Crave. It is adapted from Rachel Reid's Game Changers novel series. The story follows two rival professional hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, whose fierce on-ice competition hides a passionate secret romance. The series premiered on November 28, 2025, in Canada and simultaneously in select regions including the United States and Australia on HBO Max.

Plot Overview

The show centers on the long-time rivalry between Shane, the golden boy of the Montreal Voyageurs, and Ilya, the formidable captain of the Boston Bears. Despite their public animosity, they share a complicated, secret connection. Their romantic relationship began unexpectedly as teenagers during a tournament at age 17 and evolved over the course of eight years amid the pressures of their hockey careers. Bound by ambition, rivalry, and a deep but fragile love, they struggle to balance their secret feelings with their public sports personas.

Production Insights

Jacob Tierney, who has previously worked on acclaimed projects like Letterkenny and Shoresy, reached out to Rachel Reid in 2023 about adapting her books. The six-episode series was filmed in Southern Ontario, with Tierney also serving as executive producer alongside Brendan Brady. Rachel Reid is a consulting producer to ensure authenticity. The production is backed by Accent Aigu Entertainment and Bell Media, aiming to bring this bold, heartfelt sports romance to a global audience.

Cast and Crew

Hudson Williams stars as Shane Hollander, and Connor Storrie plays Ilya Rozanov. The ensemble also includes François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Sophie Nélisse, Dylan Walsh, Christina Chang, and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova. The cast is represented by notable talent agencies, supporting a project praised for its heart, heat, and chemistry.

"This story hooked me from chapter one! It’s a beautiful, deeply human love story. Hudson and Connor are bringing Shane and Ilya to life with all the heart, heat, and chemistry that made readers obsess over the book," said Tierney about the adaptation.

Cultural Impact

Heated Rivalry has quickly become a favorite even before its airing, celebrated for its fresh take on LGBTQIA+ romance within the high-stakes world of professional hockey. Its blend of sports drama and tender storytelling has resonated strongly, making it a standout in the genre.

Jacob Tierney’s adaptation of Rachel Reid’s novel successfully brings an intense, heartfelt love story to life, blending sports rivalry with secret romance in a way that captivates audiences.

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Yahoo Yahoo — 2025-11-25

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