Canada’s popular gay hockey drama, “Heated Rivalry,” has been confirmed for a second season. Bell Media has announced that the show, which follows the clandestine romance between two male hockey players, will be returning to Crave and HBO Max for additional episodes. The series, created by Jacob Tierney, has experienced a surge in popularity recently, with scenes from the show gaining traction on platforms like TikTok.
Starring Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie as rival NHL players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, the series delves into their off-ice relationship that unfolds over several years. “Heated Rivalry” made its mark as the most-viewed original series debut on Crave in its first week, although specific viewership figures were not disclosed.
The show’s first season will conclude on December 26, and while details about the upcoming season’s storyline remain under wraps, the adaptation is based on Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” book series. International distribution deals have also been secured for the show, with Sky in New Zealand and Movistar Plus+ in Spain joining as new partners. HBO Max will hold the rights to broadcast the series in various Asian markets, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines, with plans for further distribution in the United Kingdom and other regions in the pipeline.
