Streaming sensation Heated Rivalry has become one of 2025’s biggest breakout hits. A steamy hockey romance between two professional rivals unfolds across six episodes on HBO Max and Crave. Here’s exactly where to watch this phenomenon that’s captivating audiences.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Aired: Premiered November 28, 2025, with new episodes every Friday
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96% certified fresh with 9.1/10 on IMDb
- Main Cast: Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov
- Season 2: Already renewed for next season in December 2025
Where to Watch Heated Rivalry Right Now
America’s Next Top Model documentary drops today on Netflix with shocking revelations
Dana Eden dies at 52, Tehran producer found dead in Athens hotel
HBO Max is your primary streaming destination in the United States. New episodes drop every Friday at 3 a.m. ET. Plans start at $10.99 per month for standard access. You can also add HBO Max to any Hulu plan for an additional $9.99 monthly.
Prime Video offers the series through Crave as an add-on subscription for Canadian viewers. In Australia, New Zealand (via Neon), and Spain (via Movistar Plus+), the show streams on different regional platforms. The series originated as a Canadian production on Crave before HBO Max picked it up.
Complete Episode Release Schedule and Timeline
Tommy Lee Jones’ daughter was pregnant before her tragic death, court docs reveal
J Cole announces The Fall-Off world tour, first global dates in decades
The first two episodes debuted simultaneously on November 28, 2025, establishing the show’s weekly Friday release pattern. Episode 3 aired December 5, followed by Episode 4 on December 12. As of today, Episode 5 reached viewers on December 19, 2025.
The season finale, Episode 6, arrives on December 26, 2025, at 3 a.m. ET on HBO Max. Fans should note that each episode runs 45-60 minutes, giving plenty of time for character development and intimate storytelling. The series wrapped production earlier this year.
| Episode | Title | Release Date |
| 1-2 | Rookies / Olympians | November 28, 2025 |
| 3 | TBA | December 5, 2025 |
| 4 | TBA | December 12, 2025 |
| 5 | TBA | December 19, 2025 |
| 6 (Finale) | TBA | December 26, 2025 |
The Cast and Story Behind the Romance
Hudson Williams, age 24, commands the screen as Shane Hollander, an Ottawa-born Asian Canadian ice hockey player serving as captain of the Montreal Metros. Connor Storrie portrays Ilya Grigoryevich Rozanov, a Russian hockey superstar. Their on-ice rivalry masks an intense secret romance that evolves across years of hidden encounters.
The supporting ensemble includes François Arnaud as Scott Hunter, Sophie Nélisse as Rose Landry, and Dylan Walsh in key supporting roles. Jacob Tierney created the series, adapting Rachel Reid‘s bestselling novel from her Game Changers romance series. The show marks an evolution in skating-world storytelling, blending sports drama with intimate character work.
What Critics and Fans Are Saying
Heated Rivalry has exploded in popularity despite initial skepticism. Rotten Tomatoes critics gave it a 96% certified fresh rating, while viewers awarded it 9.1/10 on IMDb—making Episode 5 the highest-rated TV episode of 2025 on the platform. The hockey community rallied behind the show, with the NHL calling it a unique driver for creating new fans.
“This show changes the narrative around hockey and masculinity. It’s groundbreaking television.”
— Industry observers, Entertainment media
Season 2 Is Already Confirmed for 2026
The show’s success guaranteed a future. HBO Max and Crave officially renewed Heated Rivalry for Season 2 in December 2025. Creator Jacob Tierney and executive producer Brendan Brady confirmed the news publicly, with reports suggesting filming could begin soon for 2026 release.
Fans expect more exploration of Shane and Ilya’s relationship as they navigate professional hockey, public scrutiny, and the complexities of their private bond. The series remains perfect for viewers seeking smart romance drama alongside authentic sports storytelling.
Sources
- HBO Max Official – Streaming platform offering Heated Rivalry in the US
- The Hollywood Reporter – Coverage of show’s success and cultural impact
- Variety – Series renewal announcement and industry analysis
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.