10 February,2026 02:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Still from Heated Rivalry
The Canadian series Heated Rivalry has built a strong fan base in India. While the show was released globally last year, it did not initially secure a streaming platform in the country. Fans have been eagerly waiting for an Indian platform to acquire the rights, and the wait is now almost over, with Lionsgate Play stepping in. The first season of Heated Rivalry which has six epsiodes will stream soon on the platform.
The series has been a massive global hit and is widely discussed on social media. It premiered on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the USA in late 2025. However, licensing issues kept it away from Indian streaming platforms until now. According to a report by OTTPlat, the show's India release has been locked for February 20 on Lionsgate Play. You can buy a subscription to the platform as an add-on to your Prime Video.
The Canadian sports romance series is created, written, and directed by Jacob Tierney. It is a screen adaptation of Rachel Reid's Game Changers novel series. The show stars Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov - two professional hockey players who secretly maintain a long-term romantic relationship while playing for rival teams. The ensemble cast also includes François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, Sophie Nélisse, and Dylan Walsh.
What sets Heated Rivalry apart is its slow-burn storytelling. The narrative moves back and forth in time, tracing how a casual, anonymous hookup evolves into a deeply emotional and complex relationship. The series explores identity, vulnerability, trust, and the pressures of being queer in a professional sports environment where openness still comes with risks. Shane's unapologetic confidence contrasts with Ilya's emotional restraint, creating a dynamic that is both explosive and tender.
On December 12, 2025, it was announced that the series has been renewed for a second season by Crave, with HBO Max returning as a key distribution partner. The renewal follows strong viewer interest and streaming performance during the first season's rollout. The agreement also includes expanded distribution deals, with rights for season two secured across multiple international markets via Warner Bros. Discovery's distribution arm and other partners. It is set to adapt The Long Game, the sixth book of the Game Changers series, which serves as a sequel to Heated Rivalry.
