Heated Rivalry OTT release date details in India: Where and when to watch the sports romance based on a popular novel

Fans in India who have been waiting for Heated Rivalry can now mark their calendars. The Canadian sports romance series, created, written, and directed by Jacob Tierney, is all set to premiere in India this month. The show, adapted from Rachel Reid’s popular queer hockey romance novels from the Game Changers series, has already gained a global fanbase, but Indian viewers had only been able to watch clips and fan edits till now.

For viewers in India, Lionsgate Play will stream the full first season starting February 20. The subscription can also be purchased as an add-on via Prime Video. Fans who have been following the show on social media and Reddit threads can finally watch it officially, without relying on spoilers or fan edits.

What the Show Is About

At its core, Heated Rivalry follows two professional ice hockey players, Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), who are on opposing teams but secretly share a long-term romantic relationship. On the ice, they are fierce competitors known for “bone-crushing hits” and intense rivalries, but off the rink, their hatred slowly turns into desire.



According to the creators and critics, the show does not shy away from “triggering realism” and captures the “clandestine” nature of queer life in professional sports. In a recent discussion, former hockey player Brock McGillis, who is openly gay, commented on how well the show portrays the pressures and secrecy that queer athletes often experience.

The series also explores themes of identity, obsession, vulnerability, and trust. As the story progresses, late-night hotel confessions, stolen moments, and the constant risk of being exposed turn their secret romance into a tense but tender drama.

Cast and Production

Apart from Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, the show features François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, Sophie Nélisse, and Dylan Walsh. The six-episode first season premiered globally on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the US and Australia in late 2025.