Heated Rivalry executives reveal plans for bonus episode before series two release
"It’s the kind of noise that I have to drown out to make the next two seasons," says Jacob Tierney
By Aaron Sugg
Crave executives have revealed that an extra Heated Rivalry special episode might be released to bridge the gap while fans await season two.
After the gay hockey series starring Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams proved such a success, it was renewed for a second season late last year, inspired by Rachel Reid’s The Long Game.
The show has been approved by Crave Canada, Bell Media (responsible for Crave), author Reid, and showrunner Jacob Tierney, but it may not premiere until 2027.
“We’re going to see what’s feasible” – Justin Stockman, Bell Media, on Heated Rivalry series 2
“We’re going to see what’s feasible,” Justin Stockman, vice-president of content development and programming at Bell Media, told the Toronto Star.
“If Jacob Tierney can find a way to make the source material work in a way that gets us something sooner or something special, I’m sure he will,” Stockman continued.
“I would love to have this back for the holidays next year, but that likely is not going to happen. We can’t rush the process. We won’t be able to repeat the magic if we push him.”
“I’m endlessly grateful” – Jacob Tierney on Heated Rivalry’s popularity
The bonus episode would sit between seasons one and two, and Crave/Bell Media have described it as having a similar layout to Euphoria’s standalone specials – more character-focused rather than a full season.
Bell Media says they are exploring what is feasible, but timelines and creative logistics are still up in the air. “This isn’t what any of us expected, and I’m endlessly grateful for it,” Tierney said.
“But it’s the kind of noise that I have to drown out to make the next two seasons,” he added. As of late December, Tierney confirmed that filming had not yet begun, nor had he started writing future episodes.
“I have to keep doing what I did in the first place” – Tierney on creating series 2
“I have to keep trusting myself. I have to keep doing what I did in the first place. That’s the way you’re going to get a good season two. It’s important for me to go back to what I love about this and remember the story I’m telling,” the showrunner continued.
Continuing to focus on professional rivals Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, Heated Rivalry season two will also introduce a new gay couple inspired by Reid’s romance novel.
According to the book’s official synopsis, viewers can expect to revisit Shane and Ilya after ten years of navigating a secret long-term relationship.
Heated Rivalry is available to stream in the UK via Sky and Now.
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