Fans of Heated Rivalry finally have a timeline for the next season. Show creator Jacob Tierney and executive producer Brendan Brady told CBS Mornings Thursday that writing for Season 2 is underway, filming kicks off in August, and the series is expected to return in April 2027.
“There will be more Heated Rivalry on your TVs, like, truly, as soon as humanly possible,” Tierney told Gayle King.
Brady added that fans should “enjoy the yearn” while waiting, promising the same tension and drama that made Season 1 a hit.
Faithful to the Source
Tierney and Brady stressed their dedication to adapting Rachel Reid’s novels with care. Having worked with Canadian streamer Crave on hits like Letterkenny and Shoresy, the pair said they trusted both the material and the audience.
“They trusted me, but they also trusted the material and the audience already loved this,” Tierney said.
He added that the series is a “very faithful adaptation” of Reid’s work.
Brady emphasized taking both the story and fans seriously:
“[We] wanted to elevate this to the level that it deserved,” he said.
Tierney had previously told The Hollywood Reporter that their approach avoided oversimplifying the romance.
“I want to take it seriously, which is to say I don’t want to do what I think a lot of people do when they adapt romance,” he said.
Shane vs. Ilya: The Rivalry Continues
Heated Rivalry follows two pro hockey players whose rivalry evolves into a decade-long “situationship.” Canada-born Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) of the fictional Montreal Metros faces off against Russia-born Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) of the Boston Raiders.
The show has launched its stars into new opportunities: Williams joins Crave’s Yaga, while Storrie hosts Saturday Night Live and eyes a role in A24’s Peaked.
What’s Next for Fans
Crave renewed the series for a second season, with HBO Max continuing U.S. distribution. Meanwhile, Rachel Reid is preparing the seventh installment of her Game Changers series, Unrivaled, continuing Shane and Ilya’s story. Its release is set for 2027, aligning with the show’s return.
Season 2 promises more tension, humor, and chemistry, with Tierney and Brady committed to respecting the story and its devoted audience. Fans can mark their calendars: filming begins this August, and Heated Rivalry returns April 2027.
