For weeks, the internet has been ablaze with talk of one show: Heated Rivalry. This steamy, slow-burn ice hockey romance, which charts the decade-spanning love story between Canadian player Shane Hollander and his Russian rival Ilya Rozanov, has been hailed as a cultural phenomenon. But does the Crave-produced series, which finally lands for UK viewers on January 10, 2026, live up to the immense social media hype?
A Global Sensation Lands in the UK
While audiences elsewhere have been watching, UK fans have had to wait patiently as Heated Rivalry exploded globally. The show's stars, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, have seen their Instagram followings skyrocket into the millions, graced international magazine covers, and comfortably secured a second season. In an oversaturated TV landscape, its breakthrough is undeniable.
Based on the novel by Rachel Reid and adapted by creator Jacob Tierney, the six-episode series begins as a clandestine 'rivals-with-benefits' arrangement before evolving into a sweeter romance. The buzz has been inescapable, often overshadowing even major releases like the final season of Stranger Things in certain online circles.
Strengths and Stumbles in the Adaptation
There is much to admire. On a modest budget compared to other 2025 heavy-hitters, the show possesses a bold voice. The much-discussed sex scenes, for the most part, serve the plot, offering insight into Shane and Ilya's evolving dynamic rather than feeling gratuitous. The chemistry between Storrie and Williams is palpable and engaging, and the series truly shines in its final episodes, delivering gorgeous moments of vulnerability and a thoughtful exploration of coming out.
However, the adaptation is not without its flaws. The show curiously underplays the 'rivalry' promised in its title, with hockey largely sidelined. The six-episode runtime forces huge, jarring time jumps, making it difficult to feel the weight of the passing years and somewhat cheapening the stakes of the central relationship. A subplot involving fellow player Scott Hunter (Francois Arnaud) feels strangely paced and disjointed.
The Verdict: Enjoy It For What It Is
Heated Rivalry is undoubtedly a binge-worthy romance. It's packed with solid performances, lovely romantic moments, and a fast-paced plot that will hook many viewers. The supporting women, including Ilya's friend Svetlana (Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova) and Shane's mother Yuna (Christina Chang), are welcome additions, though future seasons could flesh them out further.
The ultimate advice for eager UK viewers? Forget the hype. Enter with a clear mind and base-level expectations, and you'll likely enjoy this delightful, bite-sized rollercoaster for what it is—a charming, if slightly flawed, queer romance—rather than comparing it to an impossible, rose-tinted ideal. While the show stumbles with pacing and balance, its heart is in the right place, making the prospect of a second season, with hoped-for refinements, an enticing one.
All six episodes of Heated Rivalry will be available to stream on Sky and NOW from January 10, 2026.
