Heated Rivalry Season 2 Confirmed for April 2027 Premiere
The groundbreaking ice hockey drama Heated Rivalry has officially been renewed for a highly anticipated second season, with show creator Jacob Tierney announcing the series will return to television screens in April 2027. The viral Canadian series, which has captivated audiences since its 2025 debut, will see cameras begin rolling this August as the writers' room is already actively developing new storylines.
Creator's Promise to Fans
During an appearance on CBS Mornings, Jacob Tierney assured dedicated viewers that more of the boundary-pushing drama is on its way. "There will be more Heated Rivalry on your TVs, like, truly, as soon as humanly possible," Tierney told host Gayle King, emphasizing the production team's commitment to delivering the next chapter of this fan-favorite phenomenon without unnecessary delays.
The Show's Impact and Storyline
Adapted from Rachel Reid's popular romance novel series, Heated Rivalry has established itself as a significant milestone in LGBT+ sports storytelling. The series follows the intense relationship between rival hockey players Shane Hollander of the fictional Montreal Metros, portrayed by Hudson Williams, and Ilya Rozanov of the Boston Raiders, played by Connor Storrie.
Their compelling dynamic—blending simmering animosity with undeniable romantic attraction—has resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. Tierney's dedication to creating a "faithful adaptation" of Reid's source material is frequently cited by fans as crucial to the show's authentic emotional depth and narrative power.
Author's Health Challenges Delay New Book
Meanwhile, Rachel Reid, the author behind the "Game Changers" book series that inspired the HBO Max hit, has announced a delay for her upcoming novel Unrivaled. Originally scheduled for a September 2026 release, the book will now be published on June 1, 2027.
In an Instagram video update, Reid explained that worsening symptoms of Parkinson's Disease—with which she was diagnosed in 2023—have affected her writing process. "My Parkinson's symptoms have gotten a bit worse, and it's made it difficult physically to write, so I'm definitely a lot slower," the author revealed.
Reid emphasized her commitment to quality, stating she needs "a few more months for writing" to ensure Unrivaled becomes "the best book it can possibly be." She acknowledged the bittersweet nature of recent developments, noting that while good things have happened, "sometimes the universe hands you some worse stuff to balance it out."
Streaming Availability and Future Prospects
The second season of Heated Rivalry will continue to be available on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the United States, maintaining the distribution pattern that helped build its international fanbase. The show's unique blend of intense hockey action and heartfelt LGBT+ romance has not only entertained viewers but has also been credited with encouraging greater visibility and acceptance within sports communities.
As production prepares to begin this summer, fans can anticipate further developments in the complex relationship between Hollander and Rozanov, whose story has become a hallmark of contemporary television drama that challenges traditional sports narrative conventions.
