Fans of the fiery queer hockey drama Heated Rivalry can officially exhale as the breakout sensation has been renewed for a second season. Crave, the Canadian streaming platform owned by Bell Media, confirmed the news this week, with HBO Max set to continue licensing the series for U.S. audiences.Created by Jacob Tierney and based on Rachel Reids beloved Game Changers novels, Heated Rivalry follows the long-simmering, emotionally charged relationship between hockey stars Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams, and Ilya Rozanov, portrayed by Connor Storrie. The renewal comes on the heels of a fan-fueled frenzy across social media, where the shows magnetic leads and tender-but-steamy storytelling have captivated LGBTQ+ viewers.Franois Arnaud as Scott Hunter on Heated Rivalry. Photo: HBO Max/Crave CanadaRobbie G.K. as Kip Grady on Heated Rivalry. Photo: HBO Max/Crave CanadaAccording to the official series logline, Hollander and Rozanov are two of the biggest stars in Major League Hockey, bound by ambition, rivalry and a magnetic pull neither of them fully understands. Their connection, which begins as a clandestine fling during their rookie years, spans nearly a decade as they navigate glory on the ice and turmoil off it. The show blends slow-burn romance, queer identity exploration and high-stakes athletic drama a combination that has helped it rise to the top of online trending lists since its Nov. 28 premiere.Alongside Williams and Storrie, the ensemble cast includes Franois Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Sophie Nlisse and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova. Robbie G.K. has emerged as a particular fan favorite thanks to his portrayal of Kip Grady, a smoothie-maker whose romance with Arnauds character appears in one of the seasons most talked-about episodes.Franois Arnaud as Scott Hunter and Robbie G.K. as Kip Grady on Heated Rivalry. Photo: HBO Max/Crave CanadaHeated RivalrySeason 1 debuted with two episodes on Crave and HBO Max, followed by weekly releases leading up to the season finale on Dec. 26. The series consistent buzz fueled by viral clips, fan edits and weekly discourse over the shows emotional intensity and intimate scenes made a renewal all but inevitable.Tierney returns for Season 2 as writer, director and executive producer alongside Brendan Brady. Reid remains involved as a consulting producer, ensuring the adaptation continues to honor the emotional heart of the original books. Lori Fischburg also returns as producer. The series is produced by Accent Aigu Entertainment in association with Crave, with Sphere Abacus handling international distribution.Heated Rivalry. Photo: Bell MediaHudson Williams as Shane Hollander, Sophie Nlisse as Rose Landry, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova as Svetlana, and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Photo: Sabrina Lantos 2025Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Photo: Sabrina Lantos 2025With anticipation already building, fans are eager to see where Shane and Ilyas tumultuous, irresistible connection heads next. Season 1 ended on a cliffhanger that left viewers buzzing, and now, the next chapter of this queer sports romance is officially on the way.Source