Will there be a ‘Heated Rivalry’ season 2?
Fans of the steamy gay hockey romance Heated Rivalry have been on tenterhooks since the first season dropped on HBO Max, blending enemies-to-lovers tension with ice-rink drama that rivals the best of prestige TV. With stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie channeling Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov’s sizzling chemistry, the show’s become a cultural juggernaut. So, will there be a Heated Rivalry season 2? Buckle up, darlings—the answer is a resounding yes, with official renewal news hitting just before the holidays in 2025.
Renewal buzz heats up
The renewal for Heated Rivalry season 2 came straight from Crave and HBO Max, announced in December 2025 amid fan frenzy. While HBO Max will license the show, they’re stepping back from full creative involvement, leaving Crave to steer the ship. This queer hockey saga, adapted from Rachel Reid’s Game Changers books, promises more on-ice rivalry and off-ice passion.
Details from outlets like Variety and Deadline confirm the show’s breakout success in 2025, with stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie reprising their roles as Shane and Ilya. Season 2 skips ahead to book six in the series, focusing on the couple’s evolving romance post-finale, including deeper explorations of supporting characters as teased by showrunner Jacob Tierney.
But don’t expect Heated Rivalry season 2 anytime soon—sources including Screen Rant and Marie Claire report a potential 2027 premiere, citing production timelines and the need for meticulous adaptation. Miley Cyrus has expressed interest in joining, adding star power, while fan posts on X buzz with excitement over the delayed but assured return.
What fans are saying
Heated Rivalry season 2 has sparked wild enthusiasm across social media, with X users celebrating the renewal while lamenting the wait until 2027. Posts highlight the show’s impact on queer representation in sports dramas, drawing parallels to hits like Young Royals. This fan fervor underscores the series’ cult status, built on authentic romance and high-stakes hockey action.
Diving into the plot for Heated Rivalry season 2, it adapts The Long Game, exploring Shane and Ilya’s life after coming out, including marriage and family challenges. Showrunner Jacob Tierney hints at expanding narratives for side characters, blending tender moments with professional tensions, as per insights from Glamour and TIME.
While production delays push Heated Rivalry season 2 to early 2027, optimism runs high with potential cameos like Miley Cyrus. Creators emphasize quality over speed, citing the first season’s acclaim. This approach mirrors prestige TV strategies seen in Fellow Travelers, ensuring a satisfying continuation for devoted viewers.
Behind the 2027 wait
Showrunner Jacob Tierney explained the Heated Rivalry season 2 delay in a Variety interview, noting he hasn’t started scripting yet unlike last year. This pushes production into late 2026, aiming for a polished adaptation that honors the books‘ depth. Fans appreciate the care, drawing comparisons to delayed hits like Euphoria.
Cast updates for Heated Rivalry season 2 include Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie returning, with Tierney hinting at expanded roles for ensemble players. Miley Cyrus’s expressed interest could bring a musical cameo, as per Elle reports, injecting fresh energy into the queer romance narrative that’s captivated audiences worldwide.
Looking ahead, Heated Rivalry season 2 might pave the way for more seasons, with unconfirmed buzz on X suggesting a three-season arc. While details remain speculative, the show’s success in boosting LGBTQ+ visibility in sports media ensures its legacy, much like Ted Lasso‘s feel-good vibes.
Global fan frenzy builds
Heated Rivalry season 2 is generating international buzz, with UK viewers set to stream it on Sky or Now TV upon release, as detailed in recent Esquire guides. This expansion reflects the show’s growing appeal beyond North America, tapping into global demand for queer-led stories in sports entertainment.
Expect Heated Rivalry season 2 to delve deeper into Shane and Ilya’s domestic life, including wedding bells and family hurdles, per adaptations from Rachel Reid’s The Long Game. Creators promise emotional authenticity, echoing fan-favorite dynamics in shows like Heartstopper, while broadening the ensemble’s arcs for richer storytelling.
As Heated Rivalry season 2 eyes a 2027 debut, speculation swirls around guest stars like Hayley Kiyoko, hinted in QBurgh updates, potentially amplifying the soundtrack’s vibe. This queer hockey tale continues to champion representation, much like its predecessors in reshaping TV landscapes.The future looks bright
In the end, Heated Rivalry season 2 is locked in for a 2027 return, promising more heart-pounding romance and rink-side drama that fans crave. With its commitment to queer stories and stellar adaptations, this HBO Max gem is poised to skate into even greater acclaim—stay tuned for updates.
