The highly anticipated romantic drama series HEATED RIVALRY will make its debut on Friday, November 28, on HBO Max in the U.S. and Australia. Adapted from Rachel Reid’s critically acclaimed Game Changers book series, the show will premiere with two episodes, followed by weekly releases of new episodes leading up to the season finale on December 26.
Originally created for the Canadian streaming service Crave by award-winning writer-director Jacob Tierney—known for his work on Letterkenny and Shoresy—HEATED RIVALRY tells the compelling story of two rival hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, respectively, Shane and Ilya are among the top stars in Major League Hockey. Their journey is marked by an intense rivalry and a magnetic attraction that neither can fully grasp.
What starts as a secret relationship between the two rookies blossoms into a complex narrative filled with love, denial, and self-discovery over eight years. As they pursue their dreams of glory on the ice, Shane and Ilya face the challenge of reconciling their sports ambitions with their undeniable feelings for each other. This leads them to question whether their fiercely competitive environment can accommodate a love that is both fragile and powerful.
The series showcases a talented cast, including François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Sophie Nélisse, and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova. Produced by Accent Aigu Entertainment in collaboration with Bell Media’s Crave, HEATED RIVALRY is set to captivate audiences with its blend of romance and sports drama, exploring themes of ambition, identity, and love.