‘HBO Max and Crave Renew ‘Heated Rivalry’ for Season 2′
HBO Max and Crave have confirmed the renewal of the popular hockey romance series, *Heated Rivalry*, for a second season. This announcement comes shortly after the show gained significant attention, becoming a breakout hit in both the United States and Canada. With only four episodes released, the series has quickly captured the hearts of viewers, showcasing its strong storytelling and character development.
Renewal Details
The renewal reflects the increasing popularity of *Heated Rivalry*, which is produced by Accent Aigu Entertainment. HBO Max retains rights to stream the series in the United States and Australia. Additionally, it will expand its reach to Asia, Latin America, and several European regions, excluding the U.K., Ireland, Spain, and Turkey. Crave, which originally commissioned the show, continues its exclusive streaming in Canada.
About the Show
Based on Rachel Reid’s novel, *Heated Rivalry* narrates a multi-year romance between hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, portrayed by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, respectively. Despite playing for rival teams, they cannot resist their attraction to one another.
Key Contributors
- Created by: Jacob Tierney (known for *Letterkenny*)
- Executive Producers: Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady
- Producer: Lori Fischburg
- Consulting Producer: Rachel Reid
Reception and Impact
According to Justin Stockman, Vice President of Content and Programming at Bell Media, *Heated Rivalry* showcases the best of Canadian creativity, blending rich characters with compelling drama. The show’s success has been attributed to its robust social media presence, particularly stemming from the fan base of Reid’s book series. Brady emphasized the fans’ involvement as vital to the show’s journey and success.
Cast Highlights
- Francois Arnaud
- Robbie G.K.
- Christina Change
- Dylan Walsh
- Sophie Nélisse
- Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova
The early renewal for a second season is seen as a significant milestone for the creators, further enhancing the anticipation among fans. As *Heated Rivalry* continues to resonate with audiences, both streaming platforms are excited to expand its reach.
