Heated Rivalry Season 2 confirmed; Here's what you can expect from Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie's series
Heated Rivalry Season 1 ended with a cliffhanger where Shane and Ilya revealed to the former's parents that they love each other. However, they have yet to reveal it publicly.
Last Updated: 02.07 PM, Feb 22, 2026
Season 1 of Heated Rivalry closes with Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov transforming their secret, intense affair into a committed, if still private, relationship. After a weekend at a remote cottage, the couple face their fears, open up to Shane's parents, and finally drive away together, embarking on a new chapter in their lives. Meanwhile, the makers have already confirmed Heated Rivalry Season 2 and here's what you can expect from it.
When is Heated Rivalry Season 2 releasing?
Heated Rivalry, the HBO Max and Crave series, adapted from Rachel Reid’s six-book Game Changers series, has been officially renewed for a second season.
In December 2025, HBO Max confirmed the renewal, sharing an Instagram video of Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie unboxing a hockey puck labeled “Heated Rivalry” on one side and “Season 2” on the other. The post was captioned, “The game’s not over. Season 2 of #HeatedRivalry is coming to HBO Max.”
Hudson Williams told Variety that filming will happen at some point in the summer of 2026. "Maybe someone has told me July or August, but I really don’t know," he said.
Creator Jacob Tierney said, "I don’t want to put out a rushed shitty second season just because the show is very popular. But we’re very aware that our creative partners are enthusiastic and don’t want to wait too long. We’re getting back to work!"
What to expect from Heated Rivalry Season 2?
Although the full plot for Season 2 remains under wraps, Connor Storrie revealed that it will draw from Rachel Reid’s sixth Game Changers book, The Long Game. “Start reading The Long Game if you want to spoil it for yourselves,” he teased.
In an interview with Variety after the season 1 finale, showrunner Jacob Tierney said, "There’s quite a bit of sex in The Long Game. But I think it functions differently in the second book, and that’s just what I want to do. The journey of this show, no matter how long it goes on for, will always be centred around the relationship between Shane and Ilya."
Jacob also explained that while sex will always be an important aspect of the show, as it is in any romantic relationship, the focus is really on exploring what happens after the initial rush of love, what it’s like once you decide you’re in love and how that love is sustained over time. Meanwhile, the book's synopsis reads, “It’s time for them to decide what’s most important—hockey or love."
Heated Rivalry Season 1 FAQs
Q: How does Shane and Ilya’s romance get revealed in Season 1 of Heated Rivalry?
A: Their secret relationship is exposed in Episode 6, “The Cottage”, when Shane’s father unexpectedly arrives at the cottage. This leads Shane to approach his parents, who ultimately accept the couple, setting up the storyline for Heated Rivalry Season 2.
Q: Is Heated Rivalry Season 2 coming?
A: Yes. HBO Max confirmed Heated Rivalry Season 2.
Q: Where to watch Heated Rivalry Season 1 in India?
A: Heated Rivalry Season 1 is now streaming on Lionsgate Play (OTTplay Premium).