UK audiences can finally mark their calendars for one of the most talked-about television events of the new year. The steamy and much-debated LGBTQ+ romance series, Heated Rivalry, has officially secured its UK streaming premiere.
What is Heated Rivalry About?
Based on Rachel Reid's popular Game Changers book series, the show centres on two professional ice hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie respectively, the pair are publicly known for their intense on-ice feud. However, the drama unfolds away from the rink, where they have secretly nurtured a passionate romantic relationship for eight years.
The official premise pits their sporting ambitions against their hidden love, asking if something as powerful yet fragile as real love can survive in their cutthroat, competitive world. The first season adapts material from the initial two novels in Reid's six-book series.
Controversy and Acclaim
Despite becoming Canadian streamer Crave's most-watched original series to date, Heated Rivalry has not been without its detractors. It was labelled the most 'controversial' show of 2025, primarily for its depiction of gay intimacy.
Actor Jordan Firstman, star of I Love LA, publicly criticised the series, telling Vulture he did not believe it portrayed gay sex authentically. "It's not how gay people f***," he stated, arguing there are few genuine portrayals. Firstman also controversially pressured the lead actors to publicly disclose their sexualities, suggesting viewers just wanted to see "two straight hockey players pretending to be gay." He has since apologised for these remarks.
This criticism stands in stark contrast to the show's soaring popularity and the fervent hype from its fanbase, particularly in the UK where viewers have eagerly awaited its arrival.
UK Release Details and Fan Reaction
The long wait for British fans is nearly over. Heated Rivalry will premiere in the UK on January 10, 2026, available to stream on Sky and its sister service, NOW.
Announcing the news, Sky TV teased: "Your winter just got a steamy upgrade. You can thank us later." The confirmation has sparked celebration on social media, where hopeful viewers had been flooding platforms with queries about a UK release.
One excited fan declared, "I cannot wait for Heated Rivalry to be FINALLY shown in the UK in the next few weeks," while another praised the swift announcement: "You guys move FAST!!!! I'm so happy right now, we have been begging for this."
The show's explicit nature has even led to some amusing domestic dilemmas, with one tentative viewer sharing, "I'm unable to keep my interests to myself and I'm home for the holidays so my mum has heard all about heated rivalry and now she wants to watch it with me on the TV in the living room."
With its blend of high-stakes sports drama, secret romance, and cultural debate, Heated Rivalry is poised to set British screens alight this January.
