A television phenomenon has emerged from the most unexpected of places, capturing global attention and now finally arriving for UK audiences. Heated Rivalry, a Canadian drama set in the high-stakes world of professional ice hockey with a clandestine gay romance at its core, has transformed from a modest production into an international sensation. The series, which has catapulted its cast to fame and revived its source novels, will be available for British viewers from Saturday, 10 January on Sky and NOW.
What is Heated Rivalry About?
Adapted from Rachel Reid's acclaimed Game Changers book series, the show's first season draws from the novels Game Changer and Heated Rivalry. The plot centres on the intense, secret relationship between two of hockey's biggest stars, who are also fierce rivals on the ice.
Shane Hollander, a disciplined and reserved Japanese-Canadian, is the new captain of the Montreal Metros. His public nemesis is Ilya Rozanov, the charismatic and provocative Russian captain of the Boston Raiders. Drafted first and second overall, their rivalry is relentlessly promoted to fans. In private, however, a chance encounter sparks a hidden relationship that unfolds over eight years, set against media pressure and the demands of elite sport.
Shane wrestles with staying closeted in a sport often hostile to queerness, while Ilya uses bravado to mask vulnerability. Their story is a compelling internal battle about the cost of choosing each other publicly. A secondary, quieter love story follows Toronto Centaurs captain Scott Hunter and gifted rookie Kip Grady.
The Cast and Meteoric Rise to Fame
The series has launched its previously unknown leads into the spotlight. Hudson Williams, 24, plays Shane Hollander and has seen his Instagram following soar to 1.5 million. His co-star, Connor Storrie, 25, brings Ilya Rozanov to life and now boasts 1.6 million Instagram followers. Storrie had a minor role in Joker: Folie à Deux, but it is Heated Rivalry that has made him a household name.
The supporting cast features notable names including François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Sophie Nélisse and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova.
From Niche Stream to Global Sensation
The show's journey to success is remarkable. Filmed in just 37 days for the Canadian streamer Crave (with around 4 million subscribers), it was primed for a quiet debut. However, when the trailer released, American fans of Reid's books ignited a social media frenzy. This led HBO Max to acquire the series for US audiences.
Since premiering on 28 November, it has broken records: becoming Crave's most-watched original series ever and HBO Max's top debut for an acquired non-animated title since 2019. The buzz propelled the original novel back onto the New York Times bestseller list seven years after publication and caused it to sell out on Amazon. The show's candid and steamy sex scenes have also fuelled its dominance of online conversation on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
What's Next for the Series?
Good news for fans: a second season has already been confirmed. The official series Instagram account, @heatedrivalrycrave, announced the renewal in December. Lead actor Hudson Williams, during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, teased that while Season 1 focused on an internal battle, Season 2 would present more of an external battle with "some meanies" and "some big baddies."
For UK and Irish viewers, the wait to join this cultural moment is almost over. All six episodes of the first season will be available to stream on Sky and NOW from 10 January.
