Heated Rivalry season 2: Everything we know about the cast, plot and release timeline

The breakout hockey romance Heated Rivalry is officially returning for Season 2, and fans are buzzing about what’s ahead after the series became a global phenomenon following its late‑November debut.

The steamy adaptation has dominated social media conversations and awards buzz, solidifying its place as one of the most talked‑about scripted shows of the past year.

Returning to lead the season will be Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov, the rival hockey captains whose secret romance captured audiences’ hearts.

At the Critics Choice Awards, Heated Rivalry star Francois Arnaud, who portrays New York Admirals captain Scott Hunter, hinted at the emotional challenges awaiting the central couple.

He said, “I think for Season 2, if we are in it… I would want them to face the continuing challenges of bringing [their relationship] into real life, for someone who’s uber‑famous to be with someone who didn’t choose that for his life and is forced into it.”

Creator Jacob Tierney has teased that the new season will broaden its focus beyond the two leads to explore other characters and dynamics within the hockey world.

Tierney noted that audiences will get to know more about the Ottawa team Ilya joins, as well as deeper looks at characters like Shane’s teammate Hayden, his wife Jackie, and Shane’s parents, Yuna and David.

“We will get to enrich the stuff you already know and how those threads began, and then pull on them and really get into it,” he explained, suggesting a richer, more layered narrative.

While Heated Rivalry Season 2 is confirmed, the exact premiere date has not been announced. As of late 2025, Tierney had not yet begun writing scripts for the new season but expressed confidence that fans wouldn’t have to wait too long to return.

Industry commentary and reporting suggest that production is likely to begin sometime in 2026, with hopes that balancing quality with timely delivery will result in a strong follow‑up to the first season’s success.

The first season’s surprise success, hitting top rankings on streaming platforms and generating widespread fan engagement, has raised expectations for what’s next.