Heated Rivalry TV Show UK: How to Watch, Cast Guide, and Season 2 News
The ice has officially melted. Today, 10 January 2026, marks the moment UK romance fans have been waiting for: the Heated Rivalry TV show is finally available on British screens.
For years, Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series has dominated “BookTok” with its addictive mix of high-stakes hockey and even higher-stakes romance. Now, showrunner Jacob Tierney (Letterkenny) has brought the legendary rivalry between Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov to life. But does the adaptation live up to the “spicy” reputation of the books? And more importantly, how can you binge all six episodes right now?
Here is your complete guide to the Heated Rivalry TV series adaptation, from streaming details to the casting choices that have the fandom screaming.
Where to Watch the Heated Rivalry TV Show in the UK
As of this morning, the wait is over. The series, which originally premiered on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the US late last year, has landed exclusively on Sky and NOW.
1. Sky Atlantic (Linear TV)
If you prefer the traditional weekly experience, tune into Sky Atlantic tonight at 9:00 pm. Sky is kicking things off with a double-bill premiere of Episode 1 (“Rookies”) and Episode 2 (“Olympians”).
2. NOW (Streaming)
For the binge-watchers (and let’s be honest, you aren’t going to stop after one episode), the entire box set is available right now. All six episodes dropped on the NOW Entertainment Membership at 2:00 am GMT this morning.
Money-Saving Pro-Tip: If you don’t have a full Sky subscription, you don’t need to sign a long contract. A NOW Entertainment Membership costs significantly less (often around £9.99/month) and gives you instant access to the full season. Just be sure to check for any “7-Day Free Trial” offers if you’re a new customer.
Meet the Heated Rivalry Cast: Ilya, Shane, and the “Skip” Subplot
The biggest question on every reader’s mind has been: Did they get the casting right? According to the rave reviews flooding social media today, the answer is a resounding yes.
Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander
Hudson Williams plays Shane, the “Golden Boy” of Canadian hockey. Williams perfectly captures Shane’s publicly polished, polite exterior that hides a chaotic storm of repressed desire. Fans of the book will appreciate how he nails Shane’s internal struggle, balancing his image as the face of the league with his secret life.
Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov
Fresh off his role in Joker: Folie à deux, Connor Storrie is the breakout star as the villainous, charismatic Russian, Ilya Rozanov. Storrie brings that crucial “smirk” to the screen, arrogant on the ice, but devastatingly vulnerable when he’s alone with Shane.
The Surprise Treat: “Skip” (Scott & Kip)
One major “content gap” in early reports was how the show would handle the timeline. Experienced readers know that Heated Rivalry overlaps with the first book, Game Changer. Our Verdict: The show brilliantly weaves in the story of Scott Hunter (played by François Arnaud) and Kip Grady (Robbie G.K.). Episode 3, titled “Hunter,” is essentially a mini-adaptation of Book 1, giving us the backstory of the league’s first open secret. This context makes Shane and Ilya’s fear of being outed feel even more real.
Heated Rivalry Season 1: Episode Guide & Age Rating
Season 1 is a tight, fast-paced run of six episodes, taking us from the boys’ first meeting as teenagers to the emotional climax at “The Cottage.”
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Ep 1: Rookies – The Draft and the first secret hookup.
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Ep 2: Olympians – The rivalry goes global on the Olympic stage.
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Ep 3: Hunter – A detour into Scott and Kip’s world.
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Ep 4: Rose – Enter the “fake dating” complications.
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Ep 5: I’ll Believe in Anything – The breaking point.
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Ep 6: The Cottage – That rain scene. (Bring tissues).
⚠️ A Note on the Age Rating
In the UK, Heated Rivalry carries a 15 rating. Parental Guide: This is faithful to Rachel Reid’s “steamy” romance genre. While it isn’t graphic pornography, the show features extensive partial nudity, simulated sex scenes, and strong language. It is not a family sports drama like Ted Lasso. It is a romance for adults, dealing with themes of closeted sexuality and intense physical intimacy.
Is There a Heated Rivalry Season 2?
Yes! You can binge without fear of cancellation. On 12 December 2025, Crave and HBO Max officially confirmed that Heated Rivalry Season 2 is happening.
What will it cover? Showrunner Jacob Tierney has confirmed Season 2 will adapt The Long Game (Book 6 in the series). This is huge news because The Long Game is the direct sequel to Shane and Ilya’s story, taking place years later.
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The Timeline: Reports suggest filming begins this summer, pointing to a potential late 2026 or early 2027 release.
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The Contract: In a recent GQ Hype interview, stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie revealed they are signed on for three seasons, suggesting the show might eventually expand to cover other couples from the Game Changers universe, like Troy Barrett (Role Model).
Why UK “BookTok” is Obsessed with Ilya and Shane
Why has a show about ice hockey, a niche sport in the UK, exploded here? It’s the “Rivals-to-Lovers” trope executed to perfection.
Unlike shows like Heartstopper which focus on sweet, high-school discovery, Heated Rivalry is about two elite professionals at the top of their game who are “work enemies” by day and lovers by night. It explores the loneliness of fame and the specific toxicity of sports culture, something British viewers of football dramas understand well.
Reader Pro-Tip: If you can’t wait for Season 2, we highly recommend reading Role Model (Book 5) next. It introduces Troy Barrett, a character who appears briefly in the show and is a fan-favourite for future seasons.
FAQs
Is Heated Rivalry on Netflix UK?
No. The show is an HBO/Crave production, meaning the exclusive UK rights are held by Sky Atlantic and NOW. It is unlikely to come to Netflix anytime soon.
How many episodes are in Heated Rivalry Season 1?
There are 6 episodes in total. Each runs for approximately 45–50 minutes.
Who plays Ilya in Heated Rivalry?
Ilya Rozanov is played by Canadian actor Connor Storrie.
Is the show based on a true story?
No, but author Rachel Reid has stated she was inspired by the real-life on-ice rivalry between NHL superstars Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin, though the romance part is purely fictional!
Is the Heated Rivalry TV show explicit?
Yes. It retains the “spicy” nature of the romance novels, earning a 15 rating in the UK for sex scenes and language.
When did Heated Rivalry release in the UK?
The official UK release date was Saturday, 10 January 2026.
Will there be more Game Changers books adapted?
Season 1 covers Game Changer and Heated Rivalry. Season 2 will cover The Long Game. It is currently unknown if Tough Guy or Common Goal will get their own standalone seasons.
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Heated Rivalry proves that the romance novel adaptation boom is just getting started. It treats its source material with respect, understanding that the sex is just as important as the skating. Whether you are a die-hard Rachel Reid fan or just missing the tension of Red, White & Royal Blue, this is your TV obsession for January.
Are you binging all 6 episodes today? Let us know your thoughts on the Ilya/Shane chemistry in the comments below!
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