The breakout hockey romance heated rivalry hbo max has officially been renewed for a second season, locking in a return for the story of rival players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov as Season 1 continues its weekly rollout in the U.S.
The renewal arrives while the first season is still airing, signaling strong momentum for the series and giving fans a clear answer on the show’s future: the on-ice tension and off-ice relationship at the center of the story will continue.
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Season 2 is officially happening
Season 2 has been confirmed, with the creative team indicating the next chapter will continue following Shane and Ilya’s story rather than shifting focus to a different pairing. That means the central romance remains the core of the show moving forward.
Where the show streams in the U.S.
In the United States, Heated Rivalry is available to stream on HBO Max. The series has also been distributed in other regions through separate deals, but HBO Max is the key home for U.S. viewers.
Season 1 release schedule and finale date
Season 1 launched with a two-episode premiere on November 28, 2025, followed by weekly episode drops. The season is scheduled to conclude with its finale on December 26, 2025.
That timeline matters because the Season 2 news landed while Season 1 is still unfolding, which is relatively rare and typically reflects confidence in continued audience demand.
How many episodes are in Season 1
Season 1 is a six-episode run. Viewers can expect the full first-season arc to wrap by late December 2025 based on the confirmed schedule.
Who’s in the cast
The series stars Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov. Season 1 also features additional supporting cast members, including François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Sophie Nélisse, and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova.
What the story is based on
Heated Rivalry is adapted from the Game Changers romance novels by Rachel Reid. The show’s on-screen storyline centers on two elite hockey players whose fierce rivalry becomes a public spectacle—while they secretly navigate a relationship neither feels safe exposing in a high-pressure professional sports world.
Who’s behind the series
The show was created by Jacob Tierney, who also serves as a key creative force on the series. Season 2 confirmation includes creative involvement tied to continuing the same character-driven approach that defined Season 1.
What’s confirmed about Season 2 story direction
While detailed plot points and an episode count for Season 2 have not been formally released, what has been confirmed is the focus: Shane and Ilya remain the leads, and the story continues with them at the center rather than treating Season 1 as a one-off.
What has not been announced yet
To keep things strictly factual as of today:
- A Season 2 release date has not been announced.
- A production start date has not been publicly confirmed.
- A full Season 2 cast list beyond the continuing focus on the leads has not been officially published.
Why the renewal matters for HBO Max viewers
For U.S. subscribers, the renewal removes the uncertainty that often hangs over new series—especially those released near the end of the year. It also means viewers can watch Season 1 knowing the story will not end with the first season’s finale.
It’s also a notable moment for romance-forward series built around serialized emotional stakes: a renewal during the first season’s rollout typically reflects strong engagement, strong completion rates, or both.
How to catch up before the finale
If you’re just starting the show, the simplest way to follow along is to begin with the two-episode premiere from November 28, then continue weekly through the finale on December 26. Watching in order is especially important here because the series builds tension and character development episode-by-episode, with relationship decisions and public pressure escalating as the season progresses.
What fans should keep an eye on next
As Season 1 continues, the next concrete updates most viewers will be waiting for are straightforward and measurable: Season 2 timing, returning supporting cast confirmations, and any official production milestones shared publicly. Until then, the biggest confirmed headline is already locked in—more Shane and Ilya is officially on the way.
Tell us your take in the comments—and keep checking back for the next confirmed update.
