Hbo Max'S 'Heated Rivalry': The Sizzling Hockey Romance You Can'T Miss

Heated Rivalry: A Must-Watch for Hockey Romance Fans

If your guilty pleasure involves hockey-themed romances, then HBO Max’s latest show, Heated Rivalry, is about to become your new obsession. Drawing inspiration from Rachel Reid’s beloved Game Changers series, this sultry drama centers on two professional hockey players whose intense attraction is matched only by their need to keep their relationship under wraps. Think Off Campus meets Red, White, and Royal Blue – a tantalizing mix of sports and secret love.

The storyline, with its push and pull of rivals turned lovers, has BookTok buzzing. As the series unfolds, viewers are invited to delve into the clandestine world of passionate rivalry, making it a must-watch for fans of steamy narratives and compelling character dynamics.

Where and When to Catch the Passionate Drama

Heated Rivalry premiered on HBO Max on November 28, 2025, and is currently rolling out new episodes every Friday, concluding its first season on December 26, 2025. With only six episodes, each installment is packed with tension and romance that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Here’s the release schedule to plan your binge-watching:

Episode 1, "Rookies" – November 28, 2025
Episode 2, "Olympians" – November 28, 2025
Episode 3, "Hunter" – December 5, 2025
Episode 4, "Rose" – December 12, 2025
Episode 5, "I'll Believe In Anything" – December 19, 2025
Episode 6, "The Cottage" – December 26, 2025

A Star-Studded Cast to Steal Your Heart

The series boasts an impressive lineup of talent bringing this heated tale to life. Hudson Williams leads as Shane Hollander, with Connor Storrie as Ilya Grigoryevich Rozanov. They are joined by François Arnaud, Sophie Nélisse, and a host of others, including Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova and Callan Potter, each adding depth and intrigue to the narrative.

“I never directly base my characters on any real people," says author Rachel Reid. "One of my inspirations was the extremely entertaining rivalry between [Sidney] Crosby and [Alexander] Ovechkin.”

The Essence of Heated Rivalry

While not based on real events, Heated Rivalry taps into the universal allure of enemies-to-lovers and forbidden romances, layered with the competitive thrill of professional sports. It’s rated TV-MA, promising plenty of steamy scenes, nudity, and colorful language, ensuring it delivers on both drama and heat.

Stay tuned for more updates on Heated Rivalry and make sure to subscribe to our Weekend Watch email newsletter to never miss out on the latest buzzworthy shows!