Heated Rivalry Season 2: Everything We Know About the HBO Max Hit’s Return

12 January 2026 Entertainment

The Phenomenon That Took the World by Storm

Since its November 2025 premiere, Heated Rivalry has quickly grown into an international cultural hit on HBO Max. The queer hockey romance series, created by Jacob Tierney and based on Rachel Reid’s bestselling Game Changers novels, follows the secret relationship between rival hockey players Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie). The series delivered record-breaking viewership and was greenlit for Season 2 on December 12, cementing its status as one of the most talked-about series of the year.

What to Expect in Season 2

Season 2 is expected to draw inspiration from “The Long Game,” the sixth book in Reid’s series, which explores how Shane and Ilya must confront a defining choice between their relationship and careers. The stars have teased fans by promising a “hotter, wetter, longer” series second time around. Additionally, it would not be surprising to see more of Scott and Kip when the show returns, as the author noted everyone was surprised at how popular these characters were.

Release Date and Production Timeline

While fans are eager for the next chapter, patience will be required. Creator Jacob Tierney has indicated that while fans want more Heated Rivalry as soon as possible, “it can’t be the same time next year”. Tierney told Entertainment Weekly it will not be same time next year, but “it’s not gonna be two years” and “it’s not even gonna be 18 months, I don’t think”. Tierney was determined not to rush out a “shitty second season just because the show is very popular”, ensuring quality over speed.

Why This Matters for Television

Heated Rivalry represents a significant moment for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream television, particularly in sports-themed programming. Fans have gone all in on the show, its two leads have become overnight stars, and much has been written about why it’s resonating with people. As viewers await Season 2, the show continues its global rollout while the cast makes promotional appearances, including at the Golden Globes. For fans of hockey romance and inclusive storytelling, the return of Shane and Ilya cannot come soon enough.