The hit show Heated Rivalry is back for season two, with filming set to commence this August. Showrunner Jacob Tierney confirmed the schedule in an interview on CBS Mornings, this Thursday, February 2026. Tierney commented that “there will be more Heated Rivalry on your TVs, like, truly as soon as humanly possible”. We love to hear it!
The queer ice hockey romance has taken the world by storm over the past few months, hitting Irish screens in January. Not only has it been a huge success in an entertainment context, but it has had a real impact on queer viewers, particularly those in the sports industry, as it shines a light on the need for representation and support for LGBTQ+ athletes.
Season two will continue the story of fictional ice hockey stars Ilya Rosanov and Shane Hollander, played by Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, respectively. It will adapt Rachel Reid’s novel The Long Game, part of the Gamechangers series and a follow-on to the Heated Rivalry book.
The anticipated release date for season two is April 2027, so Shane and Ilya will be back on our screens sooner than we think! Executive Producer Brendan Brady advised fans that “like the best parts of the show, enjoy the yearn” of waiting for season two. Filming for season two of Heated Rivalry took place mostly in Ontario, Canada, which is expected for the new season as well.
Tierney went on to talk about the widespread draw of the show: “It has the hallmarks and trappings of a real classic romance, years of longing and yearning and trying to get together and do the right thing for each other and not being able to, and then eventually a happy ending,” he said.
The show’s leads, Williams and Storrie, have shot to stardom as a result of this phenomenal show. From presenting at the Golden Globes to torchbearing at the Winter Olympics, fans have been thrilled to see the pair get the recognition they deserve. With Connor Storrie making his host debut on SNL this Saturday Feburary 28, we’ll be excited to see what surprises are in store!
As season two release is set for 2027, there is plenty of time to catch up on the novels and rewatch episode 6 over and over!
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