Heated Rivalry finally secures OTT release date in India; here's when and where you can stream queer hockey drama | EXCLUSIVE
Heated Rivalry finally hits Lionsgate Play in India on February 20, 2026. The queer hockey drama, based on Rachel Reid’s novel, follows rivals Ilya and Shane over a decade.
Last Updated: 01.34 PM, Feb 10, 2026
The critically acclaimed Canadian series Heated Rivalry (2025) has finally found a streaming home in India, ending months of rampant speculation and an ever-expanding web campaign by Indian fans. The first season, consisting of six episodes, will debut exclusively on Lionsgate Play (OTTplay Premium) on February 20, 2026.
Why did the Indian audience have to wait so long for Heated Rivalry?
| Series Title | Heated Rivalry |
| OTT Release Date (India) | February 20, 2026 |
| Streaming Platform | Lionsgate Play (OTTplay Premium) |
| Director | Jacob Tierney |
| Lead Cast | Hudson Williams (Shane), Connor Storrie (Ilya) |
The announcement finally puts an end to the long wait for the show's large audience in India. The series has been a worldwide hit since it premiered on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the US in late 2025, but licensing issues have kept it noticeably out of official Indian streaming libraries.
Heated Rivalry is an adaptation of Rachel Reid's 2019 best-selling novel of the same name, which is in the Game Changers series. This adaptation, written and directed by Jacob Tierney (Letterkenny, Shoresy), chronicles the secret romance of two ice hockey superstars—Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) and Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams)—that lasted for ten years.
Who are the lead characters in Heated Rivalry and what is their dynamic?
The show's success stems from the realistic depiction of a high-pressure professional sports setting and the touching "enemies-to-lovers" LGBTQ romance that unfolds inside it. Williams portrays the disciplined and stern Canadian captain of the Montreal Metros and Storrie, the Boston Raiders' dynamic and provocative Russian star.
The "patchwork" structure of the show's worldwide distribution rights, probably, was the main cause of the delay in the show's Indian premiere. Heated Rivalry required unique territory negotiations since it was created by Accent Aigu Entertainment for Crave, while significant hits typically have simultaneous global rollouts.
How has Heated Rivalry been received by critics and the sports community?
Fans and critics alike have praised the show for its "triggering realism" and its depiction of the struggles of coming out in a hyper-masculine sport. In a recent interview, Brock McGillis—the first out gay professional hockey player—remarked on how accurately the show portrayed the "clandestine" aspect of homosexual life in sports.
Fan edits and "VPN-watching" tutorials were commonplace on X (previously Twitter) and Instagram, contributing to the show's meteoric rise in popularity in India.
What timeline does Heated Rivalry's first season cover?
The six episodes that make up the first season begin with the protagonists' initial meeting as teenagers and span about ten years of their lives. François Arnaud introduces Scott Hunter, another important character from the Reid novels, in the series. His introduction lays the foundation for future installments.
Now that Indian viewers may legally and in high definition catch up on the narrative, Season 2 is set to adapt Reid's sequel, The Long Game, and it is expected to be produced in late 2026 or early 2027.
In what language will Heated Rivalry be available?
With various subtitle options, Heated Rivalry will be accessible in its original English version.
Heated Rivalry FAQs
Q: Is Heated Rivalry available in India?
A: Yes, after a period of being unavailable in the region, Heated Rivalry is set to officially premiere in India on February 20, 2026. The series will be available exclusively for streaming on Lionsgate Play (OTTplay Premium).
Q: Where can I watch 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.