“Heated Rivalry”: The Global Phenomenon Hockey Romance Series Sweeping the World

Prepare for a captivating new series that’s already generating immense buzz across continents! “Heated Rivalry,” the highly anticipated Canadian hockey romance drama, is set to make its grand debut, promising a story of love, ambition, and fierce competition on and off the ice. With major international sales locked in, this show is poised to be your next obsession.

From Crave to HBO Max: A Global Release

Originally a Crave Original in Canada, “Heated Rivalry” has quickly become a global commodity. Sphere Abacus, handling international distribution, has secured major deals:

• United States & Australia: Catch it on HBO Max, premiering November 28th.
• New Zealand: Available via Sky, starting November 30th.
• Spain: Movistar Plus+ will bring the series to Spanish audiences, with a release date to be announced soon.

This widespread availability highlights the universal appeal of a compelling hockey romance series, proving that passionate storytelling transcends borders.

The Heart of the Ice: A Story of Forbidden Love and Self-Discovery

Based on the immensely popular “Game Changers” book series by bestselling author Rachel Reid, “Heated Rivalry” brings to life the intricate love story of rival hockey players Shane Hollander (portrayed by Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (played by Connor Storrie). The series is a creation of “Letterkenny” writer-director-producer Jacob Tierney, ensuring a blend of wit, drama, and authentic character development.

The six-episode series delves deep into the lives of two of major league hockey’s biggest stars. Bound by intense ambition and an undeniable magnetic pull, Shane and Ilya navigate a secret fling that evolves into a years-long journey of profound love, denial, and self-discovery. As they chase glory on the ice, their struggles to manage their feelings off it become increasingly challenging. The central question remains: can such a powerful and fragile love survive in their fiercely competitive world?

The diverse and talented cast also includes François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Sophie Nélisse, and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, promising rich performances that will bring this sports drama to vibrant life.

Bell Media’s Vision for Global Content

The international success of “Heated Rivalry” is a significant win for Bell Media, following their recent acquisition of a majority stake in Sphere Abacus. This strategic move positions Sphere Abacus as the primary international distributor for Bell Media’s content, underscoring their ambition to create and distribute “premium, high-caliber content that resonates with global audiences.”

Justin Stockman, VP of Content Development and Programming at Bell Media, emphasized that these international sales are a “testament to Accent Aigu Entertainment’s vision for Rachel Reid’s story and underscore the strength of our partnership with Sphere Abacus.” Jonathan Ford, Managing Director of Sphere Abacus, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the series’ “powerful and unique narrative” and the strong performances of its lead actors.

Why “Heated Rivalry” is a Must-Watch

“Heated Rivalry” is not just another romance; it’s a story woven with the high stakes of professional sports, the complexities of personal identity, and the timeless struggle of balancing love with career. Its early global reach signals a production of quality and universal appeal. Fans of LGBTQ+ stories, sports dramas, and heartfelt romances will find themselves deeply invested in Shane and Ilya’s journey.

Mark your calendars for November 28th and prepare to be swept away by the passion, drama, and unforgettable love story of “Heated Rivalry.” This is one series you won’t want to miss!