Is Heated Rivalry Based on a True Story?
Heated Rivalry is not a strict true story. It is a fictional romance series based on Rachel Reid’s 2019 novel of the same name.
The book and show follow two pro hockey rivals Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Their secret relationship plays out over several years on and off the ice.
The story itself is made up. But Rachel Reid has said the idea was inspired by real NHL rivalries especially the long running battles between stars like Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin.
So the characters are not real players. Their romance does not retell any confirmed real life relationship. Instead the show uses the intensity of real hockey rivalries plus the pressure on queer athletes as a base for a fictional love story.
Heated Rivalry is also shaped to work as TV drama. Some moments in the show are more heightened or stylized than anything from one specific real game or season.
When will Heated Rivalry Season 2 Come Out?
Season 2 is confirmed. HBO Max announced the renewal in December 2025 with a teaser that shows a puck labeled Season 2.
There is no exact release date yet. Creator Jacob Tierney has said the goal is to start production by late summer 2026.
If that schedule holds the season will likely arrive sometime in 2027 on HBO Max and Crave.
Some outlets suggest that if production moves quickly it could land in late 2026 but that is more guesswork than a firm plan. The safest expectation right now is a 2027 release window unless the team or HBO Max updates things.
Where to Watch Heated Rivalry?
Heated Rivalry streams on HBO Max in the US and Australia. In Canada it is on Crave. Some other regions like New Zealand and Spain have it on local services such as Neon and Movistar Plus.
Right now there is no legal free streaming option listed. JustWatch and other guides say you can watch it only on paid plans for HBO Max and Crave for now.
Season 1 is fully available on HBO Max. New viewers can start there then follow any later seasons on the same platforms once they drop.
Cast of Heated Rivalry Season 2
Season 2 casting is not fully locked in public yet. The renewal news confirms that Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie are set to return because they signed for three seasons as Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.
Reports expect most core faces from season 1 to come back. That likely includes François Arnaud as Scott Hunter Christina Chang as Yuna Hollander Dylan Walsh as David Hollander Sophie Nélisse as Rose Landry Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova as Svetlana Vetrova and Robbie G K as Kip Grady although none of them are officially confirmed yet.
Disclaimer
This article is based on creator interviews, published source material, and official streaming announcements. Story inspirations, production timelines, and casting details may evolve as new information is released. Always refer to official HBO Max, Crave, or creator statements for the latest confirmed updates.
