The electrifying world ofHeated Rivalry, the queer ice hockey series that’s captivated audiences, faces a delay in its highly anticipated second season. Despite the phenomenal success of its first installment, currently nearing its December 26th finale, fans will have to brace for a longer wait than initially hoped.
Director Jacob Tierney recently addressed the timeline, acknowledging the pressure to deliver a follow-up worthy of the original’s viral impact. He confessed that, unlike this time last year when scripts were already flowing, the writing for season two hasn’t yet begun, pushing the release date beyond 2026.
Tierney is acutely aware of the pitfalls that have plagued other acclaimed series likeEuphoriaandStranger Things– lengthy gaps that can age actors out of their roles. He’s determined to avoid a similar fate forHeated Rivalry, but refuses to compromise on quality.
The director emphasized a commitment to avoiding a “rushed, sh*y” second season, understanding the enthusiasm of both creative partners and a rapidly growing fanbase. The goal is a careful balance between timely continuation and meticulous craftsmanship.
The first season’s success is nothing short of astonishing. Starring Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie as rivals turned lovers, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, the series has become a late-year phenomenon, exceeding all expectations.
Episode five, “I’ll Believe in Anything,” featuring Ilya’s poignant confession of love in Russian, achieved a historic milestone. It now shares the top spot on IMDb’s all-time TV episode rankings, earning a perfect 10/10 score based on over 30,000 ratings – a feat matched only by the legendary “Ozymandias” fromBreaking Bad.
The final episode of season one will stream on December 26th, offering a conclusion to the initial arc for viewers in Canada and the US. For audiences in the UK and Ireland, the series will premiere on Sky beginning January 10, 2026.
Beyond its dedicated queer fanbase,Heated Rivalryhas attracted attention from a diverse array of high-profile admirers, including Pedro Pascal, Ayo Edebiri, Orville Peck, and drag icon Katya, solidifying its place in the cultural conversation.
