Heated Rivalry Takes UK by Storm: Why This Hockey Romance Has Captivated Global Audiences

A Cultural Phenomenon Arrives in the UK

Today, January 10, 2026, marks the premiere of Heated Rivalry on Sky in the United Kingdom and Ireland, bringing the critically acclaimed sports romance to British viewers. This Canadian television series, created by Jacob Tierney for Crave, follows two rival professional hockey players—Canadian Shane Hollander and Russian Ilya Rozanov—whose on-ice animosity conceals a passionate, secret romance. The series has become a cultural sensation since its debut, sparking conversations across social media and mainstream media alike.

From Streaming Service to Global Hit

The first season premiered online on Crave on November 28, 2025, and was picked up for streaming on HBO Max in selected territories, Neon in New Zealand, and Movistar Plus+ in Spain. The show has received critical acclaim, with praise for the directing, writing, and the lead actors’ performances and chemistry. The series has captured audiences beyond its core demographic, with mainstream media attention intensifying in recent weeks.

The show was referenced at least four times by cohosts Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen during CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live broadcast to ring in 2026, demonstrating its penetration into mainstream culture. Lead actor Connor Storrie, who plays Ilya Rozanov, recently announced Golden Globe nominations, noting that eight months ago he was ‘literally waiting tables’—a moment that went viral.

What Makes This Rivalry Different

Author Rachel Reid drew inspiration from the real-life rivalry between Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin for the book, grounding the fictional romance in authentic sports culture. As cast member François Arnaud noted, people are ‘really tired of emotionally unavailable men, and to see people open up in that way and characters show up in that way on TV, it’s a rarity’.

Looking Ahead: Second Season Confirmed

On December 12, 2025, Crave announced the series has been renewed for a second season, with HBO Max returning as a key distribution partner, following strong viewer interest and streaming performance. The second season is set to adapt The Long Game, the sixth book of the Game Changers series, which serves as a sequel to Heated Rivalry. For UK audiences tuning in today, this heated rivalry is just beginning—and the phenomenon shows no signs of cooling down.