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Heated Rivalry

Updated: Wikipedia source

Heated Rivalry

Heated Rivalry is a Canadian sports romance television series created, written, and directed by Jacob Tierney for Crave. Based on Rachel Reid's Game Changers novel series, it follows two rival professional hockey players, Canadian Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Russian Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), whose on-ice animosity conceals a passionate, secret romance. It also stars François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, Sophie Nélisse, and Dylan Walsh. The first season premiered on Crave on November 28, 2025, and was picked up for streaming on HBO Max in the United States and Australia; Neon in New Zealand; and Movistar Plus+ in Spain. The series received critical acclaim, with praise for the directing, writing, and the lead actors' performances and chemistry. It also achieved strong audience viewership, becoming Crave's most-watched original series to date and HBO Max's top debut for an acquired, non-animated title since the platform's launch in 2019. The series has been described by media outlets as a global sensation and a break-out critical hit. In December 2025, it was renewed for a second season.

Infobox

Genre
mw- Sports Romance
Created by
Jacob Tierney
Based on
Game Changers seriesby Rachel Reid
Starring
François Arnaud Hudson Williams Connor Storrie Christina Chang Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova Callan Potter Franco Lo Presti Kamilla Kowal Yaroslav Poverlo Slavic Rogozine Dylan Walsh Benjamin Roy Kolton Stewart Robbie G.K. Bianca Nugara Brandon Ash-Mohammed Matthew Finlan Nadine Bhabha Matt Gordon Sophie Nélisse
Country of origin
Canada
Original language
English
Executive producers
Jacob Tierney Brendan Brady Justin Stockman
Camera setup
Dual-camera
Production company
Accent Aigu Entertainment
Network
Crave
Producer
Lori Fischburg
Production companies
Accent Aigu Entertainment Bell Media
No. of seasons
1
Running time
43–55 minutes
Directed by
Jacob Tierney
No. of episodes
6
Original languages
English Russian
Written by
Jacob Tierney
Release
November 28, 2025 (2025-11-28) –present
Composer
Peter Peter
Cinematography
Jackson Parell
Editors
Arthur Tarnowski Véronique Barbe

Tables

· Episodes
1
1
No.
1
Title
"Rookies"
Directed by
Jacob Tierney
Written by
Jacob Tierney
Original release date
November 28, 2025 (2025-11-28)
In December 2008, young hockey players Shane Hollander of Canada and Ilya Rozanov of Russia meet before the International Prospect Cup final, which Russia wins. Six months later, Ilya is picked first at the Major League Hockey (MLH) draft by the Boston Raiders, and Shane is picked second by the Montreal Metros. The two have a chance encounter at the hotel gym later that night. Canada beats Russia at the following year's Prospect Cup final. After filming a commercial together in summer 2010, Shane and Ilya become aroused while showering side-by-side, leading them to meet clandestinely at their hotel and have oral sex. The MLH stokes a perceived rivalry between them during their rookie season, including at an All-Star Game in February 2011. There, Ilya tells Shane his hotel room number, prompting another tryst. After exchanging numbers, plans to have sex in Montreal fall through when their game there is cancelled. Four months later, Shane wins Rookie of the Year at the MLH Awards. At the after-party, the pair argue on a balcony when Shane perceives Ilya as a sore loser. Ilya kisses Shane, but Shane fears they will be seen and hastily leaves.
In December 2008, young hockey players Shane Hollander of Canada and Ilya Rozanov of Russia meet before the International Prospect Cup final, which Russia wins. Six months later, Ilya is picked first at the Major League Hockey (MLH) draft by the Boston Raiders, and Shane is picked second by the Montreal Metros. The two have a chance encounter at the hotel gym later that night. Canada beats Russia at the following year's Prospect Cup final. After filming a commercial together in summer 2010, Shane and Ilya become aroused while showering side-by-side, leading them to meet clandestinely at their hotel and have oral sex. The MLH stokes a perceived rivalry between them during their rookie season, including at an All-Star Game in February 2011. There, Ilya tells Shane his hotel room number, prompting another tryst. After exchanging numbers, plans to have sex in Montreal fall through when their game there is cancelled. Four months later, Shane wins Rookie of the Year at the MLH Awards. At the after-party, the pair argue on a balcony when Shane perceives Ilya as a sore loser. Ilya kisses Shane, but Shane fears they will be seen and hastily leaves.
No.
In December 2008, young hockey players Shane Hollander of Canada and Ilya Rozanov of Russia meet before the International Prospect Cup final, which Russia wins. Six months later, Ilya is picked first at the Major League Hockey (MLH) draft by the Boston Raiders, and Shane is picked second by the Montreal Metros. The two have a chance encounter at the hotel gym later that night. Canada beats Russia at the following year's Prospect Cup final. After filming a commercial together in summer 2010, Shane and Ilya become aroused while showering side-by-side, leading them to meet clandestinely at their hotel and have oral sex. The MLH stokes a perceived rivalry between them during their rookie season, including at an All-Star Game in February 2011. There, Ilya tells Shane his hotel room number, prompting another tryst. After exchanging numbers, plans to have sex in Montreal fall through when their game there is cancelled. Four months later, Shane wins Rookie of the Year at the MLH Awards. At the after-party, the pair argue on a balcony when Shane perceives Ilya as a sore loser. Ilya kisses Shane, but Shane fears they will be seen and hastily leaves.
2
2
No.
2
Title
"Olympians"
Directed by
Jacob Tierney
Written by
Jacob Tierney
Original release date
November 28, 2025 (2025-11-28)
Shane and Ilya begin sexting over the course of two years, including before their game in fall 2013, after which they meet at Shane's apartment and finally have sex for the first time. During the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Ilya begins ignoring Shane's texts after his Russian hockey team performs poorly. Following a discussion with his friends Scott Hunter and Carter Vaughn, where the latter commends the bravery of presumably gay figure skaters performing in conservative Russia, Shane attempts to support Ilya in person, but is met with hostility. At a gala, Ilya's friend Svetlana saves him from speaking with both of their overbearing fathers. She leaves Ilya alone with his past sexual partner Sasha, but Ilya rejects Sasha's proposition to hook up. As Ilya continues to ignore Shane, Ilya's team goes on to win the MLH championship. In the summer of 2014, while backstage at the MLH awards, Shane expresses frustration with Ilya for being distant. Ilya proposes a meeting that night, during which the two have sex again. Afterward, Ilya shuts down when Shane asks about his comfort in Russia, causing Shane to leave feeling dejected.
Shane and Ilya begin sexting over the course of two years, including before their game in fall 2013, after which they meet at Shane's apartment and finally have sex for the first time. During the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Ilya begins ignoring Shane's texts after his Russian hockey team performs poorly. Following a discussion with his friends Scott Hunter and Carter Vaughn, where the latter commends the bravery of presumably gay figure skaters performing in conservative Russia, Shane attempts to support Ilya in person, but is met with hostility. At a gala, Ilya's friend Svetlana saves him from speaking with both of their overbearing fathers. She leaves Ilya alone with his past sexual partner Sasha, but Ilya rejects Sasha's proposition to hook up. As Ilya continues to ignore Shane, Ilya's team goes on to win the MLH championship. In the summer of 2014, while backstage at the MLH awards, Shane expresses frustration with Ilya for being distant. Ilya proposes a meeting that night, during which the two have sex again. Afterward, Ilya shuts down when Shane asks about his comfort in Russia, causing Shane to leave feeling dejected.
No.
Shane and Ilya begin sexting over the course of two years, including before their game in fall 2013, after which they meet at Shane's apartment and finally have sex for the first time. During the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Ilya begins ignoring Shane's texts after his Russian hockey team performs poorly. Following a discussion with his friends Scott Hunter and Carter Vaughn, where the latter commends the bravery of presumably gay figure skaters performing in conservative Russia, Shane attempts to support Ilya in person, but is met with hostility. At a gala, Ilya's friend Svetlana saves him from speaking with both of their overbearing fathers. She leaves Ilya alone with his past sexual partner Sasha, but Ilya rejects Sasha's proposition to hook up. As Ilya continues to ignore Shane, Ilya's team goes on to win the MLH championship. In the summer of 2014, while backstage at the MLH awards, Shane expresses frustration with Ilya for being distant. Ilya proposes a meeting that night, during which the two have sex again. Afterward, Ilya shuts down when Shane asks about his comfort in Russia, causing Shane to leave feeling dejected.
3
3
No.
3
Title
"Hunter"
Directed by
Jacob Tierney
Written by
Jacob Tierney
Original release date
December 5, 2025 (2025-12-05)
Four months before the 2014 Winter Olympics, Scott stops into a smoothie shop and orders a smoothie recommended by an employee named Kip. That night, Scott finally breaks a scoring slump. Driven by superstition, Scott returns to the smoothie shop before each home game and orders the same thing while subtly flirting with Kip. While playing away, Scott loses games against the Raiders and the Metros. After the latter, Shane and Scott brawl when Scott compares him to Ilya. At a fundraiser where Kip serves food, Scott asks Kip back to his house. They have sex, after which Scott asks Kip to move in with him. After two months together, Kip's friend Elena warns him that Scott being closeted is demoralizing Kip. Scott speaks about being orphaned at age 12 and finding family in hockey. After Scott declines to join a hangout at a gay bar for Kip's birthday, Kip leaves Scott's apartment and goes home to his father, where he breaks down crying. Scott watches from outside as Kip celebrates his birthday and admission to graduate school with his friends.
Four months before the 2014 Winter Olympics, Scott stops into a smoothie shop and orders a smoothie recommended by an employee named Kip. That night, Scott finally breaks a scoring slump. Driven by superstition, Scott returns to the smoothie shop before each home game and orders the same thing while subtly flirting with Kip. While playing away, Scott loses games against the Raiders and the Metros. After the latter, Shane and Scott brawl when Scott compares him to Ilya. At a fundraiser where Kip serves food, Scott asks Kip back to his house. They have sex, after which Scott asks Kip to move in with him. After two months together, Kip's friend Elena warns him that Scott being closeted is demoralizing Kip. Scott speaks about being orphaned at age 12 and finding family in hockey. After Scott declines to join a hangout at a gay bar for Kip's birthday, Kip leaves Scott's apartment and goes home to his father, where he breaks down crying. Scott watches from outside as Kip celebrates his birthday and admission to graduate school with his friends.
No.
Four months before the 2014 Winter Olympics, Scott stops into a smoothie shop and orders a smoothie recommended by an employee named Kip. That night, Scott finally breaks a scoring slump. Driven by superstition, Scott returns to the smoothie shop before each home game and orders the same thing while subtly flirting with Kip. While playing away, Scott loses games against the Raiders and the Metros. After the latter, Shane and Scott brawl when Scott compares him to Ilya. At a fundraiser where Kip serves food, Scott asks Kip back to his house. They have sex, after which Scott asks Kip to move in with him. After two months together, Kip's friend Elena warns him that Scott being closeted is demoralizing Kip. Scott speaks about being orphaned at age 12 and finding family in hockey. After Scott declines to join a hangout at a gay bar for Kip's birthday, Kip leaves Scott's apartment and goes home to his father, where he breaks down crying. Scott watches from outside as Kip celebrates his birthday and admission to graduate school with his friends.
4
4
No.
4
Title
"Rose"
Directed by
Jacob Tierney
Written by
Jacob Tierney
Original release date
December 12, 2025 (2025-12-12)
Ilya and Shane continue to hook up from 2014 to 2016. In 2015, the Metros win their first cup in sixteen years and defend their title in 2016. Both Shane and Ilya deny any serious relationship with the person they have been texting for years to their friends. In Boston, Shane meets Ilya at his house for sex. Shane accepts Ilya's invitation to sleep over, leading to a morning together where Ilya makes Shane a tuna melt, and they talk about their lives. Ilya worries about his father's worsening health. Shane and Ilya share an intimate moment while frotting when they call out each other's first names; this unsettles Shane, who leaves abruptly. Soon after, Shane meets movie star Rose Landry and begins a public romance with her, sparking Ilya's jealousy. After sharing a rough game in Montreal, Shane and Ilya go to the same nightclub with their friends, and they feed each other's envy by dancing and making out with women. The episode ends with the pair imagining each other while Ilya masturbates and Shane has sex with Rose.
Ilya and Shane continue to hook up from 2014 to 2016. In 2015, the Metros win their first cup in sixteen years and defend their title in 2016. Both Shane and Ilya deny any serious relationship with the person they have been texting for years to their friends. In Boston, Shane meets Ilya at his house for sex. Shane accepts Ilya's invitation to sleep over, leading to a morning together where Ilya makes Shane a tuna melt, and they talk about their lives. Ilya worries about his father's worsening health. Shane and Ilya share an intimate moment while frotting when they call out each other's first names; this unsettles Shane, who leaves abruptly. Soon after, Shane meets movie star Rose Landry and begins a public romance with her, sparking Ilya's jealousy. After sharing a rough game in Montreal, Shane and Ilya go to the same nightclub with their friends, and they feed each other's envy by dancing and making out with women. The episode ends with the pair imagining each other while Ilya masturbates and Shane has sex with Rose.
No.
Ilya and Shane continue to hook up from 2014 to 2016. In 2015, the Metros win their first cup in sixteen years and defend their title in 2016. Both Shane and Ilya deny any serious relationship with the person they have been texting for years to their friends. In Boston, Shane meets Ilya at his house for sex. Shane accepts Ilya's invitation to sleep over, leading to a morning together where Ilya makes Shane a tuna melt, and they talk about their lives. Ilya worries about his father's worsening health. Shane and Ilya share an intimate moment while frotting when they call out each other's first names; this unsettles Shane, who leaves abruptly. Soon after, Shane meets movie star Rose Landry and begins a public romance with her, sparking Ilya's jealousy. After sharing a rough game in Montreal, Shane and Ilya go to the same nightclub with their friends, and they feed each other's envy by dancing and making out with women. The episode ends with the pair imagining each other while Ilya masturbates and Shane has sex with Rose.
5
5
No.
5
Title
"I'll Believe in Anything"
Directed by
Jacob Tierney
Written by
Jacob Tierney
Original release date
December 19, 2025 (2025-12-19)
At dinner with Rose, Shane confirms her suspicions and admits he is gay, but they agree to remain friends. At the 2017 All-Star Game, Ilya and Shane reconnect and play on the same team for the first time. When Shane suggests their relationship has deepened beyond casual sex, Ilya insists that Russia and his family would not accept them as a couple and breaks down in Shane's arms. Ilya later learns of his father's passing and returns to Moscow for the funeral, where he cuts off his brother following a confrontation at the reception. Distraught, Ilya calls Shane and follows Shane's suggestion to express his complicated emotions in Russian, which includes confessing his love for Shane. After Shane is injured at a Boston versus Montreal game, Ilya visits him in the hospital, where a delirious Shane asks Ilya to spend the summer at his cottage. While Shane recovers at his parents' cottage, he and Ilya watch on TV as Scott wins the MLH Cup with the New York Admirals. To their shock, Scott comes out by inviting Kip onto the ice and kissing him publicly. Inspired, Ilya calls Shane to accept the invitation to his cottage.
At dinner with Rose, Shane confirms her suspicions and admits he is gay, but they agree to remain friends. At the 2017 All-Star Game, Ilya and Shane reconnect and play on the same team for the first time. When Shane suggests their relationship has deepened beyond casual sex, Ilya insists that Russia and his family would not accept them as a couple and breaks down in Shane's arms. Ilya later learns of his father's passing and returns to Moscow for the funeral, where he cuts off his brother following a confrontation at the reception. Distraught, Ilya calls Shane and follows Shane's suggestion to express his complicated emotions in Russian, which includes confessing his love for Shane. After Shane is injured at a Boston versus Montreal game, Ilya visits him in the hospital, where a delirious Shane asks Ilya to spend the summer at his cottage. While Shane recovers at his parents' cottage, he and Ilya watch on TV as Scott wins the MLH Cup with the New York Admirals. To their shock, Scott comes out by inviting Kip onto the ice and kissing him publicly. Inspired, Ilya calls Shane to accept the invitation to his cottage.
No.
At dinner with Rose, Shane confirms her suspicions and admits he is gay, but they agree to remain friends. At the 2017 All-Star Game, Ilya and Shane reconnect and play on the same team for the first time. When Shane suggests their relationship has deepened beyond casual sex, Ilya insists that Russia and his family would not accept them as a couple and breaks down in Shane's arms. Ilya later learns of his father's passing and returns to Moscow for the funeral, where he cuts off his brother following a confrontation at the reception. Distraught, Ilya calls Shane and follows Shane's suggestion to express his complicated emotions in Russian, which includes confessing his love for Shane. After Shane is injured at a Boston versus Montreal game, Ilya visits him in the hospital, where a delirious Shane asks Ilya to spend the summer at his cottage. While Shane recovers at his parents' cottage, he and Ilya watch on TV as Scott wins the MLH Cup with the New York Admirals. To their shock, Scott comes out by inviting Kip onto the ice and kissing him publicly. Inspired, Ilya calls Shane to accept the invitation to his cottage.
6
6
No.
6
Title
"The Cottage"
Directed by
Jacob Tierney
Written by
Jacob Tierney
Original release date
December 26, 2025 (2025-12-26)
Kip and his friends watch on TV as Scott discusses his public coming out while accepting the MVP award. Shane drives Ilya to Shane's cottage, where Ilya reveals his exclusivity and later shares the trauma of his mother's death by suicide. Ilya proposes marrying Svetlana for American citizenship, but Shane objects and instead suggests a different plan: they publicly turn their rivalry into friendship, start a suicide prevention charity, and have Ilya move closer by joining a Canadian team. The two finally confess their love. After Shane's father arrives unannounced and sees them together, Ilya accompanies Shane while he comes out to his parents and explains their relationship, leading to an apology from his mother and a discussion of future plans over dinner. After Ilya calls himself Shane's boyfriend for the first time, Shane and Ilya drive back to the cottage as a couple.
Kip and his friends watch on TV as Scott discusses his public coming out while accepting the MVP award. Shane drives Ilya to Shane's cottage, where Ilya reveals his exclusivity and later shares the trauma of his mother's death by suicide. Ilya proposes marrying Svetlana for American citizenship, but Shane objects and instead suggests a different plan: they publicly turn their rivalry into friendship, start a suicide prevention charity, and have Ilya move closer by joining a Canadian team. The two finally confess their love. After Shane's father arrives unannounced and sees them together, Ilya accompanies Shane while he comes out to his parents and explains their relationship, leading to an apology from his mother and a discussion of future plans over dinner. After Ilya calls himself Shane's boyfriend for the first time, Shane and Ilya drive back to the cottage as a couple.
No.
Kip and his friends watch on TV as Scott discusses his public coming out while accepting the MVP award. Shane drives Ilya to Shane's cottage, where Ilya reveals his exclusivity and later shares the trauma of his mother's death by suicide. Ilya proposes marrying Svetlana for American citizenship, but Shane objects and instead suggests a different plan: they publicly turn their rivalry into friendship, start a suicide prevention charity, and have Ilya move closer by joining a Canadian team. The two finally confess their love. After Shane's father arrives unannounced and sees them together, Ilya accompanies Shane while he comes out to his parents and explains their relationship, leading to an apology from his mother and a discussion of future plans over dinner. After Ilya calls himself Shane's boyfriend for the first time, Shane and Ilya drive back to the cottage as a couple.
No.
Title
Directed by
Written by
Original release date
1
"Rookies"
Jacob Tierney
Jacob Tierney
November 28, 2025 (2025-11-28)
In December 2008, young hockey players Shane Hollander of Canada and Ilya Rozanov of Russia meet before the International Prospect Cup final, which Russia wins. Six months later, Ilya is picked first at the Major League Hockey (MLH) draft by the Boston Raiders, and Shane is picked second by the Montreal Metros. The two have a chance encounter at the hotel gym later that night. Canada beats Russia at the following year's Prospect Cup final. After filming a commercial together in summer 2010, Shane and Ilya become aroused while showering side-by-side, leading them to meet clandestinely at their hotel and have oral sex. The MLH stokes a perceived rivalry between them during their rookie season, including at an All-Star Game in February 2011. There, Ilya tells Shane his hotel room number, prompting another tryst. After exchanging numbers, plans to have sex in Montreal fall through when their game there is cancelled. Four months later, Shane wins Rookie of the Year at the MLH Awards. At the after-party, the pair argue on a balcony when Shane perceives Ilya as a sore loser. Ilya kisses Shane, but Shane fears they will be seen and hastily leaves.
2
"Olympians"
Jacob Tierney
Jacob Tierney
November 28, 2025 (2025-11-28)
Shane and Ilya begin sexting over the course of two years, including before their game in fall 2013, after which they meet at Shane's apartment and finally have sex for the first time. During the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Ilya begins ignoring Shane's texts after his Russian hockey team performs poorly. Following a discussion with his friends Scott Hunter and Carter Vaughn, where the latter commends the bravery of presumably gay figure skaters performing in conservative Russia, Shane attempts to support Ilya in person, but is met with hostility. At a gala, Ilya's friend Svetlana saves him from speaking with both of their overbearing fathers. She leaves Ilya alone with his past sexual partner Sasha, but Ilya rejects Sasha's proposition to hook up. As Ilya continues to ignore Shane, Ilya's team goes on to win the MLH championship. In the summer of 2014, while backstage at the MLH awards, Shane expresses frustration with Ilya for being distant. Ilya proposes a meeting that night, during which the two have sex again. Afterward, Ilya shuts down when Shane asks about his comfort in Russia, causing Shane to leave feeling dejected.
3
"Hunter"
Jacob Tierney
Jacob Tierney
December 5, 2025 (2025-12-05)
Four months before the 2014 Winter Olympics, Scott stops into a smoothie shop and orders a smoothie recommended by an employee named Kip. That night, Scott finally breaks a scoring slump. Driven by superstition, Scott returns to the smoothie shop before each home game and orders the same thing while subtly flirting with Kip. While playing away, Scott loses games against the Raiders and the Metros. After the latter, Shane and Scott brawl when Scott compares him to Ilya. At a fundraiser where Kip serves food, Scott asks Kip back to his house. They have sex, after which Scott asks Kip to move in with him. After two months together, Kip's friend Elena warns him that Scott being closeted is demoralizing Kip. Scott speaks about being orphaned at age 12 and finding family in hockey. After Scott declines to join a hangout at a gay bar for Kip's birthday, Kip leaves Scott's apartment and goes home to his father, where he breaks down crying. Scott watches from outside as Kip celebrates his birthday and admission to graduate school with his friends.
4
"Rose"
Jacob Tierney
Jacob Tierney
December 12, 2025 (2025-12-12)
Ilya and Shane continue to hook up from 2014 to 2016. In 2015, the Metros win their first cup in sixteen years and defend their title in 2016. Both Shane and Ilya deny any serious relationship with the person they have been texting for years to their friends. In Boston, Shane meets Ilya at his house for sex. Shane accepts Ilya's invitation to sleep over, leading to a morning together where Ilya makes Shane a tuna melt, and they talk about their lives. Ilya worries about his father's worsening health. Shane and Ilya share an intimate moment while frotting when they call out each other's first names; this unsettles Shane, who leaves abruptly. Soon after, Shane meets movie star Rose Landry and begins a public romance with her, sparking Ilya's jealousy. After sharing a rough game in Montreal, Shane and Ilya go to the same nightclub with their friends, and they feed each other's envy by dancing and making out with women. The episode ends with the pair imagining each other while Ilya masturbates and Shane has sex with Rose.
5
"I'll Believe in Anything"
Jacob Tierney
Jacob Tierney
December 19, 2025 (2025-12-19)
At dinner with Rose, Shane confirms her suspicions and admits he is gay, but they agree to remain friends. At the 2017 All-Star Game, Ilya and Shane reconnect and play on the same team for the first time. When Shane suggests their relationship has deepened beyond casual sex, Ilya insists that Russia and his family would not accept them as a couple and breaks down in Shane's arms. Ilya later learns of his father's passing and returns to Moscow for the funeral, where he cuts off his brother following a confrontation at the reception. Distraught, Ilya calls Shane and follows Shane's suggestion to express his complicated emotions in Russian, which includes confessing his love for Shane. After Shane is injured at a Boston versus Montreal game, Ilya visits him in the hospital, where a delirious Shane asks Ilya to spend the summer at his cottage. While Shane recovers at his parents' cottage, he and Ilya watch on TV as Scott wins the MLH Cup with the New York Admirals. To their shock, Scott comes out by inviting Kip onto the ice and kissing him publicly. Inspired, Ilya calls Shane to accept the invitation to his cottage.
6
"The Cottage"
Jacob Tierney
Jacob Tierney
December 26, 2025 (2025-12-26)
Kip and his friends watch on TV as Scott discusses his public coming out while accepting the MVP award. Shane drives Ilya to Shane's cottage, where Ilya reveals his exclusivity and later shares the trauma of his mother's death by suicide. Ilya proposes marrying Svetlana for American citizenship, but Shane objects and instead suggests a different plan: they publicly turn their rivalry into friendship, start a suicide prevention charity, and have Ilya move closer by joining a Canadian team. The two finally confess their love. After Shane's father arrives unannounced and sees them together, Ilya accompanies Shane while he comes out to his parents and explains their relationship, leading to an apology from his mother and a discussion of future plans over dinner. After Ilya calls himself Shane's boyfriend for the first time, Shane and Ilya drive back to the cottage as a couple.

References

  1. Slate
    https://slate.com/culture/2025/12/heated-rivalry-show-book-hbo-max-shane-ilya-hockey.html
  2. "The dates are locked in and the episode names are here... well, most of them. 😉 Watch the two-episode premiere of #HeatedRivalry Nov 28 only on @CraveCanada"
    https://www.instagram.com/p/DQrqo1ZifOw/
  3. Heated Rivalry
    https://variety.com/2025/tv/global/hockey-romance-series-heated-rivalry-sells-hbo-max-us-australia-1236585535/
  4. Rachel Reid Writes Romance
    https://www.rachelreidwrites.com/news/2025/9/14
  5. The Washington Post
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/2025/12/06/heated-rivalry-hbo-series-rachel-reid/
  6. Episodic Medium
    https://www.episodicmedium.tv/week-to-week-the-mm-hockey-romance-revolution-will-be-televised-in-canada/
  7. The Cinemaholic
    https://thecinemaholic.com/heated-rivalry-crave/
  8. theankler.com
    https://theankler.com/p/why-bell-media-execs-went-all-in
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  10. The Hollywood Reporter
    https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/heated-rivalry-jacob-tierney-finale-season-2-plans-1236458914/
  11. Heated Rivalry
    https://deadline.com/2025/12/heated-rivalry-season-2-crave-hbo-max-1236646802/
  12. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a69711400/heated-rivalry-season-2-news-date-cast/
  13. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/tv/a69697648/heated-rivalry-season-2-release-date-plot-cast/
  14. Variety
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  15. GQ
    https://www.gq.com/story/heated-rivalry-gq-hype
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    https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/heated-rivalry-hudson-williams-interview-1236449733/
  17. Variety
    https://variety.com/2025/tv/columns/heated-rivalry-connor-storrie-shirtless-audition-unscripted-kissing-hudson-williams-season-2-1236607626/
  18. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.out.com/gay-tv-shows/heated-rivalry-connor-storrie-hudson-williams-interview
  19. Heated Rivalry
    https://ew.com/heated-rivalry-cut-sex-scenes-episode-3-11862248
  20. Variety
    https://variety.com/2025/tv/columns/shane-hollanders-mom-heated-rivalry-christina-parenting-queer-children-scripts-soft-core-porn-1236616521/
  21. The Hamilton Spectator
    https://www.thespec.com/entertainment/movies/3-lgbtq-movies-filmed-in-hamilton/article_1b2a04fe-2025-5cba-ad31-905f28d735e9.html
  22. GuelphToday.com
    https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/crave-show-filming-at-sleeman-centre-10721058
  23. Entertainment Weekly
    https://ew.com/heated-rivalry-finale-the-cottage-connor-storrie-hudson-williams-creator-break-down-book-screen-changes-ending-toe-touching-11875850
  24. Cosmopolitan
    https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/tv/a69607342/heated-rivalry-filming-locations/
  25. Primetimer
    https://www.primetimer.com/features/where-was-heated-rivalry-season-1-filmed-all-filming-locations-revealed
  26. Playback
    https://playbackonline.ca/2025/11/27/craves-heated-rivalry-hit-the-ice-at-breakneck-speed/
  27. Elle
    https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a69638125/heated-rivalry-sex-scenes-intimacy-coordinator-interview/
  28. Vulture
    https://www.vulture.com/article/heated-rivalry-sex-scenes-filming-book-adaptation-comparison.html
  29. GQ
    https://www.gq.com/story/heated-rivalry-gq-hype
  30. Variety
    https://variety.com/2025/tv/columns/heated-rivalry-hudson-williams-spooning-connor-storrie-1236609815/
  31. Vulture
    https://www.vulture.com/article/heated-rivalry-connor-storrie-ilya-actor-russian-interview.html
  32. Variety
    https://variety.com/2025/tv/columns/hudson-williams-heated-rivalry-finale-sex-scene-improvised-1236617813/
  33. Billboard
    https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/heated-rivalry-soundtrack-wet-leg-feist-streaming-gains-1236133983/
  34. Billboard
    https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/jon-hamm-kato-turn-off-the-lights-trending-up-1236140720/
  35. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.slashfilm.com/2050452/heated-rivalry-destroyed-generation-needle-drop-all-the-things-she-said/
  36. Billboard
    https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/heated-rivalry-episode-four-music-all-things-she-said-tatu-1236141882/
  37. www.soapcentral.com
    https://www.soapcentral.com/shows/heated-rivalry-episodes-1-2-soundtrack-a-complete-list-music-series-premiere
  38. Billboard Canada
    https://ca.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/heated-rivalry-i-ll-believe-in-anything-wolf-parade
  39. The Hollywood Reporter
    https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/film-tv-music-news/tatu-all-the-things-she-said-spotify-streams-heated-rivalry-1236454443/
  40. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.queerty.com/watch-hockey-jocks-sizzle-off-the-ice-in-steamy-gay-romance-series-heated-rivalry-20251009/
  41. Episodic Medium
    https://www.episodicmedium.tv/week-to-week-tiktoks-take-gay-hockey-romance-transnational/
  42. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/heated-rivalry-social-media-popularity-crave-hbo-max-1236432001/
  43. Variety
    https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/heated-rivalry-hbo-biggest-tv-show-surprise-hit-1236614905/
  44. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/crave-breaks-the-ice-with-trailer-and-debut-date-for-its-new-original-series-heated-rivalry-premiering-november-28/
  45. Heated Rivalry
    https://playbackonline.ca/2025/11/05/craves-heated-rivalry-to-premiere-at-montreal-lgbtq-festival
  46. GMA News
    https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/969737/heated-rivalry-is-coming-to-philippine-screens-this-december/story/
  47. The Hollywood Reporter
    https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/heated-rivalry-sky-uk-ireland-stream-1236453680/
  48. TheWrap
    https://www.thewrap.com/heated-rivalry-episode-4-connor-storrie-hudson-williams-interview/
  49. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/heated_rivalry/s01
  50. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.metacritic.com/tv/heated-rivalry/season-1
  51. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/film-and-tv/article-craves-heated-rivalry-is-hot-as-h-e-double-hockey-sticks-canadian/
  52. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/heated-rivalry-review-hbo-max-gay-hockey-drama-1236435495/
  53. TVLine
    https://www.tvline.com/2061308/connor-storrie-hudson-williams-performance-heated-rivalry-season-1-finale/
  54. /Film
    https://www.slashfilm.com/2060948/heated-rivalry-season-1-ending-emotional-barnburner/
  55. Heated Rivalry
    https://collider.com/heated-rivalry-review-hbo-max/
  56. Heated Rivalry
    https://www.rogerebert.com/streaming/heated-rivalry-tv-review
  57. Will & Grace
    https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/g44360919/best-lgbtq-shows/
  58. Cosmopolitan
    https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/tv/g69785465/best-tv-shows-of-2025/
  59. New York Post
    https://nypost.com/2025/12/26/entertainment/the-10-best-tv-shows-of-2025-all-her-fault-the-pitt-and-more/
  60. Refinery29
    https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2025/12/11952253/best-tv-shows-2025
  61. The Seattle Times
    https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/tv/heated-rivalry-the-pitt-and-more-among-our-favorite-2025-tv-shows/
  62. Toronto Star
    https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/best-tv-2025/article_aed15d57-1c44-4be5-8d40-532b40c2b6b1.html
  63. InsideHook
    https://web.archive.org/web/20251229232441/https://www.insidehook.com/television/straight-hockey-bros-obsessed-heated-rivalry
  64. Vogue Adria
    https://web.archive.org/web/20251229232450/https://vogueadria.com/heated-rivalry-serija/
  65. Vulture
    https://www.vulture.com/article/heated-rivalry-episode-5-recap-ill-believe-in-anything.html
  66. Tell-Tale TV
    https://telltaletv.com/2025/12/heated-rivalry-season-1-episode-5-review-ill-believe-in-anything/
  67. Show Snob
    https://showsnob.com/heated-rivalry-achieved-something-no-show-managed-last-12-years
  68. TV Fanatic
    https://www.tvfanatic.com/heated-rivalry-season-1-episode-5-is-the-quietest-hour-yet-and-the-most-devastating/
  69. Fangirlish
    https://fangirlish.com/2025/12/18/heated-rivalry-episode-5-ill-believe-in-anything/
  70. Fangirlish
    https://fangirlish.com/2025/12/20/heated-rivalry-episode-5-is-a-masterclass-in-intimacy/
  71. /Film
    https://www.slashfilm.com/2056398/heated-rivarly-episode-5-best-yet-shut-down-haters/
  72. Screen Rant
    https://screenrant.com/heated-rivalry-season-1-episode-5-highest-rated-imdb-charts/
  73. IMDb
    https://www.imdb.com/chart/toptv/
  74. Media Play News
    https://www.mediaplaynews.com/justwatch-george-clooneys-jay-kelly-apple-tvs-pluribus-top-weekly-streaming-through-dec-7/
  75. Media Play News
    https://www.mediaplaynews.com/stranger-things-again-takes-top-spot-on-weekly-whip-us-streaming-originals-chart-through-dec-7/
  76. Media Play News
    https://www.mediaplaynews.com/pluribus-takes-top-spot-on-weekly-whip-us-streaming-originals-chart-through-dec-14/
  77. Screen Rant
    https://screenrant.com/heated-rivalry-hbo-max-viewership-success-streaming-chart/
  78. TheWrap
    https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/tv-shows/heated-rivalry-success-hbo-max-crave-analysis/
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