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Season 1 – Heated Rivalry

Play trailer 1:29 Poster for Season 1 – Heated Rivalry Nov 2025 Drama Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
97% Tomatometer 77 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
A romance set in the world of hockey; Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov are two stars in Major League Hockey, bound by ambition, rivalry, and a magnetic pull neither of them fully understands.
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Heated Rivalry — Season 1

Heated Rivalry — Season 1

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Jacob Tierney lovingly adapts Rachel Reid's hockey-set romance novels into an all-consuming, steamy, dreamy love fest of true queer intent, making Heated Rivalry a bona fide winner.

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Audience Says

A charged Heated Rivalry between two captivating protagonists delivers a magnetic love story that leaves us wanting more.

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Critics Reviews

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Phillip Maciak The New Republic 6d
The show feels unique. It’s physical and intimate, surprisingly quiet, and it moves strangely, telling its story in lurches and skids. Go to Full Review
Caroline Siede Girl Culture (Substack) Jan 16
I assumed Heated Rivalry was going to be a bit absurd, but instead it’s pretty exquisite. Go to Full Review
Catharine Hughes New Statesman Jan 14
It would be a mistake -- nay, a disservice -- to try and over-intellectualise this icy romp. Sometimes the riddle really is as straightforward as: what’s better than one hot man? Two. Go to Full Review
Monique Jones Just Add Color Jan 26
C
I think Heated Rivalry is fun—at least for the sex scenes—but it falls short when it comes to character development. Go to Full Review
Bill Brioux Brioux.tv Jan 20
Perhaps there are unexpected twists and turns ahead, but I didn’t care enough about Grigorev and Hollander, and while Amaud makes the most of his short scene, nobody else really grabbed me in the pilot. Go to Full Review
Lady Jenevia LadyJenevia (YouTube) Jan 19
Heated Rivalry is a compelling story of romance, chosen family, anchored by performances that showcase the many layers of the central characters. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Diane H. @BizzyMama 14h Amazing show; all the feels; great cast; Jacob Tierney and Rachel Reid have created a perfect show and universe. See more Ben M @Benm2026 15h I’m still at the cottage and I’m NEVER leaving. See more Grace G @Graceg 16h I think this might be my favorite show of all time. Obviously, we have a couple more seasons, but I really trust this team to continue with their beautiful storytelling. Everything from the writing, directing, and acting is just so good. I went into this show just thinking I would have a good time, to being emotionally moved and drained week after week. Connor and Hudson are so good, I think I would watch them paint a wall. In a day when Netflix is making their shows write practical AI slop scripts, this was the breath of fresh air we all needed. Now, if I had one tiny critique, it would be episode three. I get why the story is necessary, but I just wasn't invested. That story/couple just don't compare to Shane and Ilya, but they do create a beautiful and important moment in episode five. Overall, though, I would recommend this show to absolutely everyone See more Dominic B @Dominic_Bahantka64 19h As a hockey goalie for ten years I am so offended by this shit See more Dreglea A @enthuzyasthma 1d The hype is one of the most well-deserved hypes ever! It´s the type of hype you want to be on because everyone who got touched by the incredible acting are vibing online and offline at high frequencies. You can see these are not actors who play themselves in all the movies like the types of T Cruise, G Clooney, Dwayne Rock etc. They are GOOD actors, who delivered incredible emotions and facials. For such a small budget, the director did more than necessary. This first season deserves everything it got and more! See more Sarah G @sarahsarahsarah 1d I‘am absolutely obsessed! Their chemistry is unmatched and must be studied Also really loved the soundtrack Absolute must see 10/10 See more Read all reviews
Heated Rivalry — Season 1

My Rating

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Nov 28, 2025 Rookies Two rival hockey stars at the peak of their careers face an unexpected emotional connection, challenging their professional paths and disrupting the sports world's expectations. Details Episode 2 Aired Nov 28, 2025 Olympians Shane and Ilya keep their secret fling alive while their growing connection is tested by personal and professional pressures. Details Episode 3 Aired Dec 5, 2025 Hunter Four months before the 2014 Winter Olympics, hockey golden boy Scott Hunter stops into a smoothie shop and orders a smoothie recommended by an employee named Kip; Scott finally breaks a scoring slump. Details Episode 4 Aired Dec 12, 2025 Rose A moment of unexpected vulnerability and a high-profile romance unleash a storm of turmoil for Shane and Ilya. Details Episode 5 Aired Dec 19, 2025 I'll Believe in Anything At dinner with Rose, Shane confirms her suspicions and admits he is gay, they agree to remain friends only; at the 2017 All-Star Game, Ilya and Shane reconnect when Shane reveals his breakup with Rose, and play on the same team for the first time. Details Episode 6 Aired Dec 26, 2025 The Cottage Kip and his friends watch on TV as Scott discusses his public coming out while accepting the MVP award; Shane drives Ilya to Shane's cottage, where Ilya reveals his exclusivity and later shares the trauma of his mother's death by suicide. Details

Season Info

Director
Jacob Tierney
Creator
Jacob Tierney
Executive Producer
Justin Stockman, Brendan Brady, Jacob Tierney
Network
HBO Max
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Drama, Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date
Nov 28, 2025