Heated Rivalry: Romantic and sports drama about hockey premieres on HBO Max

Premiered in France on February 6, 2026, on HBO Max, Heated Rivalry is a Canadian drama series crafted by Jacob Tierney, renowned writer, director, and producer known for Letterkenny and Shoresy. Based on Rachel Reid’s popular novel—who also serves as a consulting producer—the series offers an intimate look behind the scenes of professional hockey, exploring a secret romantic relationship. The show is produced by Accent Aigu Entertainment for Crave (Bell Media) and is distributed internationally by Sphere Abacus.

At the heart of the story are Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, two young prospects destined for stardom in the Major League Hockey. From the start, their fierce rivalry on the ice fuels a constant tension—driven by competition, egos, and media scrutiny. Off the rink, an undeniable attraction draws them together, sparking a secret affair they desperately try to hide in a world obsessed with appearances.

As the episodes unfold, their relationship evolves over time, spanning nearly eight years of careers filled with triumphs, setbacks, and personal sacrifices. Caught between denial, fear of exposure, and a desire for acceptance, Shane and Ilya struggle to balance their professional ambitions with their deepening feelings, all while navigating the unspoken rules of a world driven by performance, masculinity, and relentless competition.

The official trailer will be added as soon as HBO Max releases it.

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Led by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, and featuring François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Sophie Nélisse, and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, Heated Rivalry taps into a recent wave of sports dramas focused on personal stories. Jacob Tierney takes on both writing and directing duties, emphasizing a realistic portrayal of professional hockey life and the emotional journeys of the characters.

The direction balances a visceral and introspective approach, blending intense match sequences with quieter, more personal moments. The tone appeals to mature viewers who enjoy sports stories as much as modern romantic dramas. Through its themes—identity, social pressure, masculinity, forbidden love—the series can be compared to shows like Friday Night Lights or recent LGBTQ+ stories set against competitive worlds.

Heated Rivalry
Series | 2025
Season 1 drops on HBO Max on February 6, 2026
Drama, romance, sports | 6 episodes, 50 minutes each
Created by Jacob Tierney | Starring Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, François Arnaud
Original title: Heated Rivalry
Country: Canada

Through the journey of two elite athletes, Heated Rivalry offers a heartfelt portrayal of professional sports, where the pursuit of recognition clashes with personal choices. The series weaves rivalry and romance over time, painting a nuanced picture of characters caught between public exposure and their own truths.

To explore even further, check out our roundup of February's latest HBO Max releases, our guide to all the new streaming titles across platforms, and today's featured picks What to watch today in streaming.

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