Heated Rivalry out on OTT in India: Here's where you can finally stream, cast, episode details, and more about sports romance series

Heated Rivalry debuts on India's Lionsgate Play. The series follows hockey stars Shane and Ilya's secret romance, praised for its chemistry and LGBTQ+ representation in professional sports.

A still from Heated Rivalry

Today, the highly acclaimed sports romance series Heated Rivalry (2025) made its official debut on Indian OTT. The show had a smashing debut in the US and EU at the end of last year, and now it's making its local debut on Lionsgate Play (OTTplay Premium). The series has a huge online following; in the past, Indian viewers had to rely on fan edits and foreign footage to follow the plot. The addition of this high-stakes international drama to Lionsgate Play's growing collection of shows aimed at Indian viewers is substantial.

What is the premise and origin of Heated Rivalry?

Taking its title from the second book in the Game Changers series, Heated Rivalry is an accurate reproduction of the novels written by Rachel Reid, a popular Canadian author. The story follows two professional ice hockey players as they navigate their careers over the course of a decade. Jacob Tierney served as the showrunner, writer, and director. Beginning in 2008 with their first meeting as gifted adolescents at an international tournament, the story follows the protagonists as they pursue parallel careers and eventually become captains of competing teams in a made-up professional league inspired by the National Hockey League.

The Montreal Metros' disciplined and media-friendly captain, Shane Hollander, and the Boston Raiders' controversial and charismatic Russian captain, Ilya Rozanov, are at the core of the plot, which is passionate and frequently turbulent. The two stars privately have a complicated romantic relationship, although the public and sports media perpetuate a story of intense professional animosity between them. They compel themselves to conceal a deeply emotional bond from their teammates, families, and the typically conservative athletic society. This bond develops out of a succession of high-stakes secret encounters. The show's portrayal of the psychological and emotional costs of leading a double life in the spotlight of professional sports fame has earned it praise.

ALSO READ: Heated Rivalry Review: Shane and Ilya warm hearts but Scott and Kip's romance is the true game changer

Who are the lead actors bringing Shane and Ilya to life?

The main actors' performances are the main reason Heated Rivalry is successful. Hudson Williams gives a multi-layered performance as Shane Hollander, the "Golden Boy" of Canadian hockey who battles the loneliness caused by his secret. In contrast, Connor Storrie, who received accolades for his convincing Russian accent and charisma onscreen, portrays Ilya Rozanov with an air of self-assuredness and inner fragility. Critics have praised the chemistry between Williams and Storrie, saying that the couple does an impressive job of juggling the physical demands of the sport with the intimate demands of their romance.

The professional hockey world is further explored by the supporting cast, which includes well-known performers. American hockey veteran Scott Hunter, played by François Arnaud, struggles with issues of self-disclosure and secrecy. Christina Chang and Dylan Walsh play Shane's parents, who are dealing with the challenges of their son's enormous celebrity; Sophie Nélisse plays Rose Landry, an actor who plays a significant role in Shane's public life. In contrast to the glamorous lives of the professional athletes, Robbie G.K.'s character Kip Grady offers a more realistic narrative.

How did the director ensure Heated Rivalry's authenticity to the source material?

To stay true to the narrative arcs described by Rachel Reid's books, director Jacob Tierney chose a linear style of storytelling. From the electric buzz of sold-out arenas to the clinical silence of the hotel hallways where Shane and Ilya share their most intimate moments, every detail of the production is designed to capture the spirit of professional ice hockey. Both newcomers and long-time hockey fans will feel like they're part of the action because of Tierney's direction, which focuses on the physical aspects of the sport.

Six episodes make up Heated Rivalry and each one is 45–55 minutes long. This structure enables the narrative to traverse substantial time leaps while keeping the emphasis on the developing relationship between the protagonists. Mental health, the weight of corporate sponsorships, and the evolving climate of inclusion in professional sports are some of the more general topics covered in the show. It differs from other modern dramas in that it defies conventional romantic cliches in favour of "triggering reality" and an open portrayal of queer life.

What impact has Heated Rivalry had on international critics and sports culture?

Heated Rivalry was a critical smash even before it debuted in India. Many critics have praised the show for its sensitive treatment of LGBTQ+ themes and outstanding production quality. The series was often mentioned by sportsmen and sports pundits as starting a conversation about gay representation in hockey for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The sequel novel The Long Game will be the basis for the upcoming second season, further demonstrating the show's cultural influence outside the realm of traditional media.

The first season of Heated Rivalry is now available in its entirety on Lionsgate Play (OTTplay Premium) for audiences in India. The platform's choice to premiere the show in the region exemplifies the rising need for varied, top-notch international storytelling that appeals to younger, more globally minded viewers.

Heated Rivalry FAQs:

Q: Is the Heated Rivalry series available on Lionsgate Play India?

A: Yes, the internationally acclaimed sports romance series Heated Rivalry is available for streaming in India exclusively on Lionsgate Play (OTTplay Premium). The series officially debuted on the platform today, after achieving significant success in North America and Europe.

Q: When is the release date for Heated Rivalry in India?

A: The official release date of Heated Rivalry on OTT in India is Friday, February 20, 2026. This release gave Indian viewers their first official access to the six-episode first season, which had previously gone viral globally following its late 2025 debut in Canada.

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

A: In Heated Rivalry the lead roles of the rival hockey captains are played by Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov. Their performances have been highly praised for their onscreen chemistry and their portrayal of the complex, decade-long secret relationship between the two athletes.

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