Crave’s sports romance series Heated Rivalry has been officially renewed for Season 2, with Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams set to return as Ilya and Shane, respectively.
Heated Rivalry brings the story of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov to life on the small screen. Fans can expect their journey to continue beyond season 1. With a last-minute push for release, HBO Max may have claimed one of 2025’s biggest hits by debuting this queer sports romance series.
Created by Jacob Tierney for Crave and based on Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novels, the show stays remarkably true to its source material. While adaptations often take creative liberties, Heated Rivalry sticks closely to the original story, a move that could have backfired if mishandled.
Fortunately, the on-ice rivalry and off-ice romance between Shane and Ilya, along with the love story of Scott Hunter and Kip Grady, has captured viewers’ attention, leaving audiences eager to see what the series has in store for the next season.
Read Here: Pop Corner: Heated Rivalry Episode 1 Recap: The Rivalry Begins
Heated Rivalry is Officially Returning for Season 2
On December 11, HBO Max enlisted Storrie and Williams to reveal the news in a playful unboxing video on Instagram. In the clip, the two actors unwrap a gift to find a hockey puck inside. Williams reacts with surprise as he reads the message, asking, “Are you allowed to reveal that?”
Storrie confirms, saying, “Season 2. Heated Rivalry. Confirmed.” Meanwhile, Williams adds with a grin, “Hotter. Wetter. Longer.”
What We Know So Far: Plot, Casts, and Release Date
Season 2 of Heated Rivalry is set to draw inspiration from Rachel Reid’s sixth Game Changers novel, The Long Game.
“Start reading The Long Game if you want to spoil it for yourself,” Connor Storrie teased on Instagram in December 2025 when confirming the second season alongside co-star Hudson Williams.
Set nearly a decade later, the story follows Shane and Ilya as they continue guarding their relationship. While weighing the risks of going public—and what that decision could mean for their lives on and off the ice.
Williams and Storrie are confirmed to reprise their roles as Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Additionally, both actors have signed on for three seasons of Heated Rivalry, while Crave has officially greenlit two seasons. Williams playfully teased fans on Instagram, saying, “Hotter, wetter, longer. We’ll both be there,” hinting at the intensity of the upcoming season.
Although the full cast for season 2 hasn’t been announced, several fan-favorite supporting actors are expected to return, including François Arnaud as Scott Hunter. In The Long Game, Scott’s romance with Kip Grady (Robbie G.K.) continues to influence Shane and Ilya’s story.
A premiere date for season 2 hasn’t been set yet. Jacob Tierney has yet to begin writing the new episodes, explaining to Variety in December 2025.
This time last year I’d written five [episodes], and this time this year I’ve written zero of them. So it’s going to be a little bit later, but it’s still going to be soon.
While we wait for more details on Heated Rivalry Season 2, you can watch—or rewatch—the full six-episode first season on Crave and HBO Max. Follow the show’s official account for the latest updates.
You Might Also Like: Pop Corner: Heated Rivalry Ending Explained: What Happened to the Cottage?
Sources: Crave, HBO Max, Variety
