If a 10-year secret relationship isn’t enough to draw you in, we’re not sure what is. “Heated Rivalry” is both an action-packed and slow-burning romance series that keeps viewers hooked episode after episode, adapted from Rachel Reid’s second book, “Heated Rivalry,” in “The Game Changers” series. Throughout our watching experience, we couldn’t wait for the main characters, Ilya Rosanov and Shane Hollander, to confess their feelings for each other over the grueling passage of time. Despite the hype and obvious devotion we had for the characters—both seen on social media and in conversations around campus—the show hits and misses in equal measure.
Having premiered its first two episodes on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, and releasing episodes weekly until concluding on Dec. 26, “Heated Rivalry” continues to draw attention as much as it did from day one. The show was an immediate success, earning a 96% average on Rotten Tomatoes—a rating that has held steady for over three months. And there’s a reason for that rating: it’s an intense, emotionally charged relationship. Part of the appeal is that the show likely features more scenes of intimacy than hockey plays, and while these moments heighten the drama of Rosanov and Hollander’s secret romance, they occasionally feel over the top. Hockey, after all, is the base of their story, yet sometimes it gets lost amid the romantic scenes.
On the other hand, the show succeeds in portraying a sweet relationship that provides queer representation. Sophomore Kylie Cameron noted, “I like that since the main relationship is between two guys, their relationship has a more equal power dynamic in terms of gender roles—something I usually don’t see that much in relationships between men and women on TV or in real life.”
That said, some elements of the show left us confused. Aside from our admitted lack of hockey knowledge, the time skips were tricky to follow. The series spans a 10-year relationship, with hockey games sprinkled in between the spicy hook-up scenes in hotels. Even with the quick year markers during transitional scenes, it wasn’t always clear when certain pivotal moments were happening. What tournament were they playing in? Why were Rosanov and Hollander on the same team at one point? The show leaves gaps in the storyline that are noticeably perplexing—even for viewers who understand hockey seasons.
Despite this lack of explanation, the show has still received significant attention, averaging 10.6 million views in the United States per episode. The actors, Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, have also gotten a fair share of attention, presenting awards at the 2026 Golden Globes and Actor Awards. While they as individuals did not win any awards, their commitment to their roles and outstanding performances are one of the reasons why the show has gotten so many views. Considering that both Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie had only had much smaller roles prior to the show, their recent popularity shows just how impactful “Heated Rivalry” has been.
Before the season even finished airing, on Dec. 12, the development of “Heated Rivalry” season 2 was announced. Filming has been scheduled to take place in August 2026, and an expected premiere in April 2027. With the new season being announced, we wonder if the success from the first season will carry over.
