Heated Rivalry fans could get special episode ahead of season 2

Official from Bell Media says the idea for a special episode has “come up” as a way to keep momentum high

Fans of the hit LGBTQ+ sports drama Heated Rivalry may not have to wait until 2027 for new content from the beloved series, as producers and network executives tease plans for a special standalone episode ahead of the highly anticipated second season.

Since its debut in late 2025, Heated Rivalry — the Canadian hockey romance drama based on Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novels — has become a cultural phenomenon. The story, following rival hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov whose on-ice antagonism masks a secret romance, quickly garnered critical acclaim and inspired social conversation around queer representation in sports.

Though Season 2 is already green-lit, production timelines suggest it may not be ready until early 2027. In the meantime, executives at Bell Media and Crave are exploring a special bonus episode that could bridge the gap between seasons, offering fans more of Shane and Ilya’s story sooner.

In an interview with The Toronto Star, Justin Stockman, Vice-President of Content Development and Programming at Bell Media, confirmed discussions about a standalone installment, noting the idea has “come up” as a way to keep momentum high while the creative team works on Season 2. Stockman emphasized that any special episode would need to uphold the show’s high narrative quality and couldn’t be rushed.

Showrunner Jacob Tierney has echoed the need for careful development, previously stating he’s focused on preserving the storytelling integrity that made the first season such a hit and that writing for Season 2 was still in early stages.

Details on the content of the proposed special are still under wraps, but industry speculation suggests it could focus on character arcs that weren’t fully explored in the first season — potentially including more intimate moments between lead characters or spotlighting supporting storylines.

The possibility of bonus content has excited fans, especially as the show continues to gain traction internationally across platforms like HBO Max, Sky, and Now, where it expanded its global audience earlier this year.

For now, Heated Rivalry devotees are waiting for official announcements on production timelines and release plans. Whether the special episode materializes or not, it signals strong network confidence in the series and its passionate fanbase ahead of the next full season.