The Heated Rivalry phenomenon is officially back! Show creator Jacob Tierney and executive producer Brendan Brady have dropped the bombshell that Season 2 is moving forward, with cameras rolling this summer and a premiere set for spring 2027—marking one of the longest waits in streaming history.
"We're deep in the writing trenches," Tierney spilled during an exclusive chat with Gayle King on CBS Mornings. "Shooting kicks off this summer, and we're racing to bring more of that Heated Rivalry magic to your screens." Brady added, teasing fans to embrace the suspense, much like the show's iconic emotional rollercoaster.
A Crave spokesperson confirmed the timeline, noting production launches this summer with a spring 2027 target—a move that's already sparking buzz about whether the delay will fuel or frustrate the show's massive fanbase.
Jacob Tierney at the 'Heated Rivalry' premiere in 2025. Harold Feng/Getty
In their interview, Tierney and Brady reflected on the show's explosive rise from niche hit to global sensation after its HBO Max debut. Tierney confessed he was stunned by the viral frenzy, which fast-tracked Season 2. He shouted out Crave for betting big on the material and its devoted audience, warning that some still underestimate the power of Rachel Reid's book fans.
Tierney stressed that the series stays fiercely loyal to Reid's source material, adapting her MLM hockey romance series Game Changers—including gems like Game Changer, Heated Rivalry, and The Long Game. He also highlighted the all-Canadian DNA of both the books and production team.
Stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, who bring Shane Hollander and Ilya Rosanov to life, have seen their careers explode since the show dropped. From Golden Globes red carpets to SNL spoofs and even Winter Olympics torchbearer duties, their ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. Jimmy Fallon raved that Williams' Tonight Show appearance drew one of the wildest crowds ever.
Season 1 mashed up elements from Reid's first two books, while Season 2 will dive into The Long Game, following Shane and Ilya's secret romance through personal battles. Tierney also teased fresh faces, like Troy Barrett from Role Model, joining the fray.
Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in 'Heated Rivalry'. Sabrina Lantos
The Long Game jumps three years ahead, with Shane and Ilya grappling with hidden love, mental health hurdles, and the constant threat of exposure. For fans itching to binge or rewatch, Heated Rivalry is streaming on HBO Max in the U.S. and Crave in Canada as the countdown to Season 2 begins.
Catch Tierney and Brady's full interview on CBS Mornings for all the juicy details.
