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‘Heated Rivalry’ Drives Record Interest as Season 2 Targets Spring 2027

A creator-led Canadian model preserved creative control, helping a niche romance become a mainstream hit.

Overview

  • Google reports all-time highs for searches like “Boy aquarium” and “are there any gay hockey players,” with “hockey players” at a 10-year peak as the show’s popularity rolls into the Olympic season.
  • London’s Streatham RedHawks say they sold out the past three weekends and estimate a 15 percent boost in ticket sales since the series began airing in the U.K.
  • Crave has renewed the series with HBO Max continuing as U.S. distributor, Jacob Tierney will direct season two, and he plans to keep seasons to six episodes.
  • Tierney and producer Brendan Brady say season two is not expected until spring 2027 as writing continues and the team prioritizes quality over speed.
  • Financing combined personal reinvestment and Canadian tax credits with Bell Media’s Sphere Abacus covering the remainder, keeping budgets well below CA$5 million per episode and protecting the show’s original tone.