Stormed through ‘Heated Rivalry‘ already and wondering what’s next for Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov already? Well, same here. The steamy hockey drama only just landed in the UK, but fans have already devoured all six episodes, and now there’s one big question on everyone’s mind: how soon can we get more of this rivals-to-lovers chaos?
The show didn’t just bring the heat; it brought the intimacy, too. It also delivered a surprisingly emotional romance that made viewers invest in Shane and Ilya far beyond the rink. And now, there’s finally some good news for everyone who’s been waiting for an update on the series’ future.
‘Heated Rivalry’ Season 2 Is Officially Underway
Season 1, ‘Heated Rivalry‘ dropped in the UK on Sky Atlantic and NOW on 10 January, and it didn’t take long for the HBO Max series to build serious momentum. Viewers raced through the first season, and the buzz only grew louder as people started demanding updates about the future of the show.
The Canadian series is about two gay ice hockey players whose fierce professional rivalry turns into something far more intimate without losing any of that intensity. Based on Rachel Reid’s ‘Game Changers‘ book series, the show pulled in a huge fanbase, especially with its multiple steamy scenes, but the emotional romance ended up becoming the real hook for many viewers.
What Season 2 ‘The Long Game’ Could Focus On Next
Season one focused on how Shane and Ilya first got together, and it ended on a major emotional high when they finally confessed they loved each other. But even with that big moment, the show hasn’t confirmed exactly what storyline season two will explore. Still, since ‘Heated Rivalry‘ is based on a full series of novels, it’s safe to assume the next season will continue pulling inspiration from the books.
In case you missed it: What Happens To Shane And Ilya In ‘Heated Rivalry’ Sequel ‘The Long Game’?
Connor Storrie, who plays Ilya, has already hinted at what direction things might go, telling fans to start reading ‘The Long Game‘, Rachel Reid’s sixth book in the Game Changers series. If that clue holds true, season two could jump forward a full decade after the events of season one.
In ‘The Long Game‘, Shane and Ilya are still together, but they’re keeping their relationship hidden from the world, and the pressure of staying secret starts to weigh on them both. The bigger problem is that going public could damage both of their careers, forcing them into an impossible choice: protect hockey at all costs or finally choose love without fear.
As for timing, reports suggest filming for season two will begin this summer. That said, the show’s popularity caught many people off guard, and Season 2 is expected to have a much bigger budget than season one. The first season was reportedly filmed in only 37 days, but a bigger production could mean a longer filming schedule this time around.
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