Heated Rivalry could be preparing a much larger return than fans anticipated. The hit hockey romance starring Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams is reportedly filming its second and third seasons back-to-back, with plans for a standalone holiday movie to follow. Each season will consist of six episodes, while the proposed film could bring another couple from the series to cinemas in December 2027.
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Created by Jacob Tierney and based on Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novels, the Canadian series follows professional hockey players Shane Hollander, played by Williams, and Ilya Rozanov, portrayed by Storrie. Their rivalry on the ice conceals a romantic relationship that develops over several years, placing their personal lives in conflict with the expectations surrounding professional sports.
The first season established the relationship between Shane and Ilya as the centre of the story, attracting a passionate international audience and considerable attention across social media. With production now reportedly extending beyond the previously announced second season, the series could be preparing to explore its characters across a longer period.
Production on the upcoming episodes began in August 2026, with filming taking place in Ontario and other Canadian locations. Sources indicate that the production team is working on twelve episodes across Seasons 2 and 3, with filming expected to conclude in late November or early December.
Tierney previously confirmed that Season 2 would follow the first season’s six-episode format. The new episodes are expected in late spring 2027, although the production has yet to announce an exact premiere date.
Despite the reports, Crave has not officially confirmed a third season. A representative for the streaming service declined to verify any additional projects, leaving the reported production plans awaiting a formal announcement.
The reported holiday film introduces another possibility for the Heated Rivalry universe. Rather than continuing Shane and Ilya’s story, the standalone project would reportedly centre on Scott Hunter, played by François Arnaud, and Kip Grady, portrayed by Robbie G.K.
Their relationship became an important part of the first season, offering another perspective on romance within professional hockey. According to the report, Storrie and Williams are not expected to appear in the film, although other characters from the series could return.
The proposed Christmas storyline also has a potential literary connection. Rachel Reid previously wrote Merry Christmas, Scott and Kip!, a short story exploring the couple’s first Christmas together. The film’s relationship to that material remains unconfirmed.
Filming could begin in December 2026, shortly after production concludes on the two television seasons, with a theatrical release reportedly planned for December 2027.
The series has already demonstrated its theatrical potential through special screenings of its first season. Regal, AMC, and Cinemark recently presented paired episodes in US cinemas, generating a reported $1.4 million in ticket sales.
Regal is also preparing 4DX screenings of the final two episodes beginning November 14, introducing motion effects and other sensory elements to the viewing experience.
These screenings reflect the growing audience interest in experiencing Heated Rivalry collectively, extending the show’s popularity beyond streaming and online discussions.
For now, Season 2 remains the only officially confirmed continuation, with a release expected in spring 2027. The reported third season and holiday film suggest that Tierney and the production team may have considerably more planned for the characters, although fans will have to await confirmation from Crave.
