A steamy Canadian television series about a secret romance between two rival ice hockey players has taken audiences by storm, becoming an unexpected global hit. Heated Rivalry is now available for UK viewers to stream, following intense demand from fans of the original book series.
Where and How to Watch in the UK
After weeks of speculation and requests on social media, the show finally landed for British audiences. Heated Rivalry became available to stream in the UK on January 10, 2026. The series, which consists of six episodes in its first season, is being distributed through Sky and its streaming service, NOW.
Sky TV announced the arrival with a playful statement, saying: "Your winter just got a steamy upgrade. You can thank us later." The news was met with immediate excitement from eager fans. One supporter exclaimed online: "I cannot wait for Heated Rivalry to be FINALLY shown in the UK in the next few weeks." Another reacted to the swift release by saying: "You guys move FAST!!!! I’m so happy right now, we have been begging for this."
From Page to Screen: A Surprise TV Sensation
The show's journey to becoming a phenomenon began when it first premiered on the Canadian streaming platform Crave in November 2025. Its popularity surged quickly, leading to it being acquired by the prestigious HBO Max in the United States. The series was such an instant success in multiple territories that it was renewed for a second season just one month after its initial debut.
Heated Rivalry is a sports romance drama created by Jacob Tierney. It is based on the popular Game Changers novel series by author Rachel Reid. The plot centres on two elite professional hockey players: Canadian Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams, and Russian Ilya Rozanov, portrayed by Connor Storrie.
Their fierce competition on the ice contrasts with a hidden, passionate romance they conduct away from the rink. The official synopsis captures the central conflict: “Torn between the sport they live for and the love they can’t ignore, Shane and Ilya must decide if there is room in their fiercely competitive world for something as fragile and as powerful as real love.”
What Does the Future Hold?
With Rachel Reid having written six books in the series so far, and the television adaptation currently only covering material from the first two novels, the potential for future seasons is significant. The rapid renewal for season two indicates strong confidence from the producers and distributors in the show's continuing appeal.
The combination of high-stakes sports drama, a forbidden love story, and its faithful adaptation from a beloved literary source has proven to be a winning formula. Its arrival on UK platforms satisfies a pent-up demand and introduces a new wave of viewers to the intense world of Shane and Ilya's heated rivalry.
