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‘Heated Rivalry’ Penultimate Episode Ties IMDb All-Time Record as Streaming Surge Secures Season 2

The Canadian hockey romance has become Crave’s most-watched original and a major driver of new viewers to HBO Max, with the creator addressing authenticity critiques in recent interviews.

Overview

  • Episode five holds a perfect 10/10 on IMDb, tying Breaking Bad’s “Ozymandias” as one of the site’s highest-rated TV episodes.
  • Internal data reported by The Wrap shows the series rivaling top HBO Max titles, boosting first-time sign-ups and sustaining a Top 10 placement since launch.
  • Crave has already renewed the show for a second season, and the Season 1 finale premieres Dec. 26 on HBO Max.
  • Creator Jacob Tierney publicly responded to criticism of the show’s portrayal of gay intimacy and said Jordan Firstman sent apology messages to the cast.
  • International rollout is widening, with a UK and Ireland debut on Sky and NOW set for Jan. 10, 2026, as the NHL welcomes the show’s ability to attract new hockey fans.