Particle.news
Download on the App Store

‘Heated Rivalry’ Rolls Out in UK, With Fans Noticing Faster Playback on Sky/NOW

Season 2 is confirmed, with filming targeted for mid‑2026, pointing to an early‑2027 return.

Overview

  • The Canadian series has surged from Crave’s top‑performing original to a U.S. HBO Max hit, drawing near‑perfect Rotten Tomatoes scores and exceptional IMDb marks for episode five.
  • UK viewers report slightly shorter, higher‑pitched episodes on Sky/NOW, a change consistent with 24fps‑to‑25fps conversion, and Sky has told fans there were no cuts or edits.
  • The show was officially renewed in December, with creators indicating production is planned for July–August 2026 and the story likely to follow Rachel Reid’s The Long Game.
  • Fan‑made TikTok edits have racked up millions of views and amplified the series’ reach, illustrating how studios increasingly watch and harness organic online fandom.
  • Critics and creators say the romance set in pro hockey is prompting wider discussion of homophobia and masculinity in men’s sports, with LGBTQ athletes sharing their experiences.