“Heat Rivalry” It's one of the most entertaining shows of the season, bringing together hockey fans and those less familiar with the sport to watch two rival hockey players fall in love.
The powerful drama, based on Rachel Reid's 2019 novel, originally aired on Canada's Crave platform before arriving on HBO Max in the US and Australia. The show's viewership has continued to grow over the past month, turning the series into a global phenomenon.
But how does the NHL feel about this? “Heat Rivalry”? In a recent interview with Hollywood ReporterA league spokesman said of the popular series, “There are so many ways to get excited about hockey, and in the NHL's 108-year history, this may be the most unique incentive to attract new fans.”
The rep added: “See you at the skating rink.”
The season one finale, “The Cottage,” will premiere on HBO Max on Friday, December 26 at 12:00 pm PT (or 9:00 pm PT on December 25), concluding the six-episode season. But, fortunately for the fans, even more hockey and romance awaits us.
Creator Jacob Tierney and executive producer Brendan Brady confirmed in a statement earlier this month that the show will be renewed for a second season.
“Watching our show become an international phenomenon has been extraordinary. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has been on this journey with us,” they wrote. “It’s truly an honor to be renewed for a second season so early, and we can’t wait to bring you more of what you love.”
So far, Heated Rivalry has closely followed how the love story of Shane (played by Hudson Williams in the series) and Ilya (portrayed by Connor Storrie) unfolds in Reed's book. The author also wrote a 2022 sequel called The Long Game.
When she spoke to TODAY.comReed said she's always thinking about ways to continue Shane and Ilya's story.
“I have ideas for them that I'm working on,” she shared. “They never leave my head.”
Reed added: “I'm working on some of them, trying to figure out what to do with them, but something will happen. You'll definitely see something.”
In the series and book, the romance between the two rival hockey players unfolds over the course of eight years, from the time Shane and Ilya went head-to-head as rookies to when they compete at the Olympics.
The first five episodes of the season are available to stream now on HBO Max.
