"We’re getting back to work!" - Jacob Tierney gives a tentative timeline for Heated Rivalry season 2

Jacob Tierney confirms that development on Heated Rivalry season 2 is moving forward, but not on an accelerated schedule.

“We’re getting back to work!,” he tells Variety.

Additionally, he clarifies that the second season will arrive later than the first-year cycle. Writing has not yet reached the same stage as it did at this point last year, which directly affects the timeline. Tierney explains that the priority remains preparation rather than speed.

As a result, Heated Rivalry season 2 does not target a same-time return next year, but it remains firmly in active development with creative work restarting now.

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What Jacob Tierney says about the timeline for Heated Rivalry season 2

Heated Rivalry (Image via HBO Max)

Jacob Tierney addresses expectations clearly when discussing Heated Rivalry season 2. He explains that the series cannot return within the same annual window as season 1. At this stage last year, several scripts were already written.

This year, none are complete yet. That gap defines the timeline. Tierney emphasizes that production will begin only after the writing process reaches the necessary stage. He also notes that the team understands the demand for new episodes.

At the same time, the goal is to avoid rushing the creative work. Heated Rivalry season 2 therefore follows a measured path, balancing momentum with careful development.

Tierney also acknowledges industry pressure to shorten gaps between seasons. However, he reiterates that quality guides the schedule. The creative team restarts work with awareness of audience interest and partner enthusiasm.

"So it’s going to be a little bit later, but it’s still going to be soon,” Tierney says.

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How Heated Rivalry season 1 became a breakout success

The response to season 1 provides important context for Heated Rivalry season 2. The series originates from Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novels, which follow rival professional hockey players in a secret romance.

Jacob Tierney adapts the books during the COVID-19 pandemic after recognizing their growing popularity. He partners with Brendan Brady under Accent Aigu Entertainment to bring the project to screen.

Bell Media’s Crave streamer supports the project despite concerns about its explicit material. Executives respond positively to the scripts and remain committed to preserving the source material. The production avoids external co-financing to maintain creative control. That decision allows the series to stay close to its original tone and audience.

“I think we were looking at February,” executive producer Brendan Brady states.

The premiere schedule for season 1 accelerates rapidly. The series moves from a planned 2026 debut to a late-November 2025 release. This shift creates production pressure but also positions the show during a high-viewership holiday period. The strategy works.

In Canada, Heated Rivalry becomes Crave’s most-watched original series. In the United States, it ranks as HBO Max’s top non-animated acquired series since the platform launched.

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What is known so far about Heated Rivalry season 2

Still from the trailer of Heated Rivalry (Image via YouTube/Crave Canada)

Official news confirms that Heated Rivalry season 2 receives an early renewal announcement. HBO Max shares the update in December, signaling confidence in the series. Despite the renewal, HBO does not participate as a creative partner. Bell Media and Accent Aigu retain full creative control, a structure that remains unchanged from season 1.

Story details for the second season of Heated Rivalry remain limited. Cast comments suggest that the new season may draw from Rachel Reid’s later Game Changers novels, particularly The Long Game.

That storyline continues to follow Shane and Ilya as they navigate a long-term secret relationship within professional hockey. No official episode count or production start date is announced.

Tierney reiterates that the team is aware of the risk of extended delays. He also stresses that rushed production could undermine the series’ strengths. The development phase therefore continues with writing as the first priority. This careful approach defines the current status of Heated Rivalry season 2.

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Heated Rivalry season 1 is available for online streaming on HBO Max.

Edited by Bea Melisse Ibañez