Heated Rivalry Season 2: Release date, cast, plot and everything we know

Heated Rivalry Season 2 is in development following the success of the first season, with the hockey romance series expected to return in spring 2027.

The second season of the Crave adaptation of Rachel Reid’s Game Changers books is expected to begin production in August 2026, according to creator Jacob Tierney. The new season is likely to premiere around April 2027.

Season 2 will primarily adapt The Long Game, Reid’s sixth book and the sequel to Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov’s story. The plot follows the couple after they have spent 10 years keeping their relationship private. While Ilya wants to make their relationship public, Shane worries that doing so could affect his hockey career.

Tierney has indicated that the second season will take a more mature and emotionally serious approach to Shane and Ilya’s relationship. He has also suggested that the story could potentially be divided into two parts because of the amount of material in the novel.

The season will also introduce Harris Drover and Troy Barrett, the central couple from Reid’s fifth book, Role Model. Justice Smith has been cast as Harris, while Charlie Gillespie will play Troy.

Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie are expected to return as Shane and Ilya. Robbie G.K. has also expressed interest in exploring more of Kip and Scott Hunter’s relationship in the upcoming season.

Heated Rivalry Season 2 will stream on HBO Max, with Lionsgate Play carrying the series in India and Sky airing it in the UK.

Meanwhile, Reid’s seventh Game Changers novel, Unrivaled, has been delayed from September 2026 to June 2027. The book will continue Shane and Ilya’s story after they go public, marry and become teammates.

Williams and Storrie are also pursuing other acting projects while awaiting the return of Heated Rivalry.