The Canadian streamer Crave has officially renewed its popular LGBTQ+ ice hockey drama, Heated Rivalry, for a second season, a move that underscores the show’s remarkable success since its launch. HBO Max will continue its partnership for rights in the U.S. and Australia, while also expanding its agreements with Sphere Abacus to cover additional territories.
The expanded deal grants HBO Max the rights for both seasons in various regions, including Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Notably, the agreement excludes the UK, Ireland, Spain, and Turkey. Furthermore, Neon/Sky New Zealand is set to return for the second season, with the HBO Max’s Asian reach encompassing multiple countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand.
Heated Rivalry quickly became a standout series for Crave, with critics acclaiming it as one of the most significant LGBTQ+ dramas on television. The show debuted to impressive viewership numbers, reportedly increasing its initial seven-day streams by nearly 400% since its launch on November 28, according to internal data from mParticle and Amazon Channels.
Social media buzz around the drama has intensified, making it a cultural sensation across Canada and beyond. Its premiere weekend saw Heated Rivalry trend among the top three topics on social media platform X, especially within hockey-loving circles.
As anticipation builds for more international deals, interest in Heated Rivalry remains high, even in markets where the show isn’t currently available. Reports indicate that multiple buyers in the UK are eager to secure rights to the series.
Created by Jacob Tierney, who is known for his work on Letterkenny and Shoresy, Heated Rivalry draws inspiration from Rachel Reid’s best-selling book series, Game Changers. The series follows the complex relationship between two rival hockey stars, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, portrayed by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, respectively. Their secret romance evolves over eight years, forcing them to confront the place of love amidst the challenges of their competitive careers.
The ensemble cast also includes notable performances from François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Sophie Nélisse, and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova.
Justin Stockman, Vice President of Content and Programming at Crave’s parent company, Bell Media, praised the show, noting its rich character development and compelling storylines. He lauded the series for its international appeal and the overwhelming response from audiences.
Creators Tierney and executive producer Brendan Brady expressed their gratitude for the show’s success and indicated their excitement for the upcoming season, affirming their commitment to delivering engaging content that resonates with viewers.
Heated Rivalry is produced by Tierney and Brady’s Accent Aigu Entertainment in association with Crave, benefitting from support from the Canada Media Fund and the Bell Fund. The series is distributed internationally by Sphere Abacus, reinforcing its growing global presence in the entertainment landscape.
