Heated Rivalry, the little Canadian sports romance television series created, written and directed by Jacob Tierney, and based on Nova Scotia author Rachel Reid’s steamy Game Changers novel series has officially taken over the internet. The series premiered in Canada on November 28, 2025, on Crave, and simultaneously on HBO Max in the United States and Australia, and has already been renewed for a second season.
Heated Rivalry is an enemies-to-lovers romance about two superstar professional hockey players, Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (played by Connor Storrie) whose fierce on-ice rivalry turns into a secret, passionate, years-long affair, that forces the pair to balance their attraction with the pressures of the often homophobic sports world.
Heated Rivalry has become the most talked-about Canadian TV show of the year, if not the decade. In fact, Crave says that its steamy adaptation became its most-watched original series debut within the first seven days of streaming.
Fans and critics of the series have very vocal with their praise for how true the show has stayed to its source material, the performances, and the music. The musical score was composed by Peter Peter, but the series also features needle drop songs across all of its episodes. Something caught your ear and you’ve been left trying to track down a song that you heard in a specific episode? Read on for the full list of every song that was featured on every episode of season one of Heated Rivalry.
Season 1, episode 1: Rookies
(Released: Friday, November 28, 2025)
Two rival hockey stars at the peak of their careers face an unexpected emotional connection, challenging their professional paths and disrupting the sports world’s expectations.
“Sealion” by Feist
“Une journée parfaite” by Dumas
“No Feedback” by Dan Kanvis
Season 1, episode 2: Olympians
(Released: Friday, November 28, 2025)
Shane and Ilya keep their secret fling alive while their growing connection is tested by personal and professional pressures.
“mangetout” by Wet Leg
“Chelsea mon amour” by Philippe B
“Lost Time” by Koett
Season 1, episode 3: Hunter
(Released: Friday, December 5, 2025)
Episode 3 moves its focus from Shane and Ilya to Scott Hunter (François Arnaud), a star hockey player who has been struggling to play well. This all changes when he meets a charming barista, Kip (François Arnaud), who offers to make him a personalized smoothie.
“I’ll Believe in Anything” by Wolf Parade
“Never in a Million Years” by Alvin Stardust
“Tropicana” by Rose Marie Cameron
“Lovers Land” by Margaret Lewis
“Hungry Like a Tiger” by Jared Mees & The Grown Children
“Dream Of You” by Inside Cuts
“Your Body” by Night Lunch
“Half on a Co” by Nate Rose
“Stay up Late” by Jeff Cormack
“Luz” by Alfa Rococo
“Wall of Love” by Night Lunch
“Lips” by Baxter Dury
Season 1, episode 4: Rose
(Released: Friday, December 12, 2025)
As hockey seasons come and go, Ilya is up to his old antics on and off the ice, while Shane continues to thrive in his game and career. After a night together, Ilya lets his guard down, sending Shane into a panic. Meanwhile, Shane’s budding relationship with a movie star (Sophie Nélisse) only adds fuel and intensifies the turmoil between them.
“My Moon My Man” by Feist
“De la tête aux pieds” by Richy Jay
“Big Haiti” by Money Zoe
“Grenn pwonmennen” by The Bongo Hop
“Tu T’en Souviens – A COLORS SHOW” by Lou Phelps
“En dedans” by Richy Jay
“C’est toi” by Satine
“All The Things She Said” by t.A.T.u.
“All the Things She Said” by Harrison
Season 1, episode 5: I’ll Believe in Anything
(Will be released on: Friday, December 19, 2025)
Season 1, episode 6: The Cottage
(Will be released on: Friday, December 26, 2025)
