Heated Rivalry (2025) is a Canadian romantic drama limited series. It is created and directed by Jacob Tierney and adapted from a novel by Rachel Reid. The main cast includes Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, François Arnaud, Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Sophie Nélisse, and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova.
The narrative centres on Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, two of the Major League Hockey’s biggest stars who are framed as fierce rivals both by the league and the media. Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams) is an Asian-Canadian player, known as a dedicated, genius athlete with a spotless reputation who becomes the captain of the Montreal Metros.
In stark contrast is Ilya Rozanov (played by Connor Storrie), a cocky Russian “bad boy” and captain of the Boston Raiders. While their public rivalry rages on the ice, they share a passionate and highly clandestine sexual relationship behind the scenes. What begins as a series of secret encounters between two fresh-faced rookies evolves into a complicated, years-long journey of love, denial, and self-discovery.
The core tension of the series lies in their struggle to reconcile the sport they live for and the authentic, fragile love they feel for each other, as exposing their relationship could potentially jeopardize both of their high-profile careers.
Heated Rivalry Age Rating
Heated Rivalry is rated TV-MA for explicit sexual content, graphic intimate scenes, frequent strong language, and mature thematic material. The TV-MA designation signals the series is intended for adults and mature viewers only, due to repeated explicit sexual scenes tied to emotional arcs and recurring mature topics.
Violence & Peril
Physical violence is minimal in the series. Most on-screen conflict arises from tense sports rivalry, verbal confrontations, and career consequences. There are a few tense backstage confrontations and short sequences of rough play, but these are not the focus. Overall, the show emphasizes emotional risk and reputational peril rather than gore or sustained physical danger.
Language
The series uses frequent strong profanity, including repeated uses of the f-word. Characters also use harsh, insulting language in heated public and private exchanges. There are no reported prominent racial slurs as a repeated theme, but coarse sexual dialogue is common. Expect adult, explicit dialogue in both intimate and conflict scenes.
Mature Themes
Heated Rivalry centers on long-term secrecy, identity, and the emotional costs of remaining closeted in a hyper-masculine sport. Themes include sexual identity conflict, public reputation versus private life, infidelity of a different sort (secrecy from the public), substance use in locker-room culture (briefly implied), and the mental strain of hiding a relationship. Intimacy scenes are explicit, often softcore-adjacent, and presented as emotionally charged rather than gratuitous. Parental caution is strongly advised.
Is Heated Rivalry Suitable for Teens?
Ages 12 and under: No. The explicit sexual content and mature themes are inappropriate for preteens. The TV-MA label makes the series unsuitable for this age group.
Ages 13–15: With guidance, no. Early teens should not watch the full series. Graphic intimacy and adult sexual dialogue exceed what most guardians consider appropriate.
Ages 16–17: With strong guidance. Mature older teens may understand the emotional themes, but parents should pre-screen episodes. Discuss consent, identity, and the social pressures shown.
Final age recommendation: Not suitable for viewers under 16; recommended viewing only for 16–17 year-olds after parental review and discussion. Adults 18+ are the intended audience.
What Parents Can Do
- Watch first and decide: Pre-screen one or two episodes to judge tone. Note the mix of explicit intimacy and emotional storytelling.
- Prepare to discuss identity and consent: Use scenes as conversation starters about sexual identity, consent, and the cost of secrecy.
- Frame sports culture context: Explain locker-room pressures and media scrutiny. Help teens separate on-ice persona from private life.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the official age rating for Heated Rivalry?
A: Heated Rivalry is rated TV-MA for explicit sexual content, strong language, and mature themes.
Q: Is Heated Rivalry appropriate for teens?
A: Generally no for younger teens. Older teens (16–17) may watch with parental guidance and discussion.
Q: Are there violent or scary scenes?
A: No major violence or horror elements. The series contains tense confrontations and reputational danger, not physical gore.
Q: How strong is the language?
A: Language is frequent and strong. Expect repeated profanity, including the f-word.
Q: How explicit is the sexual content?
A: Sexual content is explicit and recurring. Scenes are often softcore-adjacent and emotionally intimate.
Q: Where can I watch Heated Rivalry?
A: The first season premiered on November 28, 2025, on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the United States.