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Heated Rivalry TV Show Ignites Global Fan Frenzy
Still thinking about Heated Rivalry? Here’s where to listen and read the sequel. There are currently six books in Rachel Reid’s Game Changer series, with Daisy Lester, senior shopping writer, reporting on Friday 13 February 2026 at 16:08 GMT.
Jacob Tierney’s adaptation has become the most talked-about show of 2026, according to AP. Heated Rivalry is undoubtedly the most discussed TV series of the year so far. Based on Rachel Reid’s book series, Game Changers, the TV adaptation follows the decade-long, slow-burning relationship between two NHL hockey players.
Blend of Sports Drama and Gay Romance Captivates Millions
Its unique mix of sports drama and gay romance makes it an unlikely contender for 2026’s biggest show – but this formula has drawn in millions of viewers worldwide and turned its two lead actors, Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, into overnight sensations. Spanning six episodes, the series tracks Shane (played by Williams) and Ilya (Storrie) as they clash on the ice as rivals on opposing teams.
Off the rink, the tension shifts dramatically: beneath the pressures of fame and family expectations, their emotional and physical bond deepens with each hockey season. The show is irresistibly charming, refreshing familiar romance tropes – such as enemies-to-lovers, secret affairs, and opposites-attract – with surprising tenderness and depth.
Praise for Representation and Emotional Intimacy
Much of Heated Rivalry’s success stems from discarding certain archetypes – there’s no toxic masculinity or misogyny, and the LGBT+ community has widely praised its authentic representation of queer love. Women, in particular, have become obsessed with the show, drawn to its vulnerability, yearning, and emotional intimacy – all crafted to appeal to the female gaze.
In part, thanks to Emerald Fennell’s "bodice-ripping" Wuthering Heights adaptation, "yearning" has become the internet’s current buzzword – and it perfectly captures the intense emotional core of Heated Rivalry.
Season Two Confirmed but Delayed Until 2027
No doubt you binged all six episodes of Heated Rivalry in record time – and if you can’t stop thinking about Ilya and Shane, the good news is that showrunner Jacob Tierney has already confirmed a second season. The bad news is that fans might have to wait until 2027 for its release.
"I don’t want to put out a rushed, shitty second season just because the show is very popular," he told Variety. While the first series was based on book two of Reid’s Game Changer series, the second series will likely follow the events of book six, The Long Game.
Complete Guide to the Game Changer Book Series
There are four other titles in the series – Game Changer, Tough Guy, Common Goal, and Role Model – which all focus on the romantic lives of different characters from the hockey league. Here’s how to read the Game Changers series in order, plus everything you need to know about the seventh book, Unrivalled, set for release in September.
How to Read or Listen to the 'Game Changer' Books in Order
For those obsessed with audiobooks, these are my 22 all-time favourite listens, but the Game Changer series offers a compelling alternative. To fully immerse in the world of Heated Rivalry, start with the books in sequence: Game Changer, Heated Rivalry, Tough Guy, Common Goal, Role Model, and The Long Game. Each volume delves into the intricate relationships and dramatic twists that have made the TV adaptation a global phenomenon.
