Heated Rivalry on OTT in India: Release date, streaming platform, cast, plot, and more about queer hockey drama

Heated Rivalry is a very popular Canadian queer hockey drama that took social media by storm. Initially unavailable, the series is now set to release in India on OTT in February 2026.

Heated Rivalry poster

Heated Rivalry has surged in popularity by blending high-stakes professional sports with an emotionally charged, explicit queer romance. The show succeeds through powerful, subtle, and vulnerable performances, which generate intense, often atomic, fan devotion and mainstream buzz. After months of fervent speculation and a relentless online push from fans, the acclaimed Canadian drama Heated Rivalry has finally locked in its streaming destination in India. As the OTT release date is near, here's everything you need to know about the series.

When and where to watch Heated Rivalry in India?

Heated Rivalry is all set to be released on Lionsgate Play on February 20, 2026. You can also watch the series with your OTTplay Premium subscription. Heated Rivalry has 6 episodes in total.

What's the plot of Heated Rivalry?

Heated Rivalry Season 1 is a popular Canadian queer sports drama, based on Rachel Reid's novel. It follows the secret, intense 10-year romantic relationship between rival professional hockey players Shane Hollander (Montreal) and Ilya Rozanov (Boston). The show covers fame, forbidden love, and personal growth.

Shane Hollander, the disciplined Canadian captain of the Montreal Metros, and Ilya Rozanov, the flamboyant Russian star of the Boston Raiders. The media-driven, bone-crushing rivalry on the ice masks a passionate, secret, and evolving relationship that spans roughly ten years.

Also Read: Heated Rivalry finally secures OTT release date in India; here's when and where you can stream queer hockey drama | EXCLUSIVE

The story tackles themes of fame, sexism in professional sports, toxic masculinity, and the journey from casual encounters to deep, committed love. Their romance progresses through secrets and intense, sometimes volatile encounters, to public acknowledgement.

Their rivalry masks an intense physical attraction. They meet secretly for years, often in hotel rooms during away games to avoid public detection. The story spans nearly 10 years. While initially a purely physical affair, the relationship develops into love, forcing both to break through emotional barriers and confront their fear of intimacy.

The story extensively highlights the pressures of professional hockey, including toxic locker room culture and the fear of coming out in a homophobic environment. The relationship culminates when they finally stop hiding their love, overcome personal fears and external pressure to be together in public, transforming from rivals to partners.

Who plays what in Heated Rivalry?

Directed by Jacob Tierney, Heated Rivalry casts Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander, a Canadian captain in Montreal, and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov, a charismatic Russian player in Boston. On the other hand, the supporting Cast includes François Arnaud (Scott Hunter), Robbie G.K. (Kip Grady), Christina Chang, and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova.

In what language will Heated Rivalry be available?

Heated Rivalry will be accessible in its original English version with various subtitle options.

Heated Rivalry FAQs

Q: Is Heated Rivalry available in India?

A: Yes, Heated Rivalry is set to premiere in India on February 20, 2026 officially. The series will be available exclusively for streaming on Lionsgate Play (OTTplay Premium).

Q: Where can I watch the Heated Rivalry series?

A: In India, you can watch Heated Rivalry on Lionsgate Play (OTTplay Premium) starting February 20, 2026. Internationally, the show is available on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the United States and Australia.

Q: Who plays Shane and Ilya in the Heated Rivalry show?

A: Hudson Williams stars as Shane Hollander, the disciplined captain of the Montreal Metros, while Connor Storrie portrays Ilya Rozanov, the charismatic Russian captain of the Boston Raiders.

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