Crave’s popular hockey romance Heated Rivalry may have more projects in the works than previously announced. According to Deadline, the series is reportedly filming its second and third seasons back-to-back, with a standalone holiday movie also in development.
Deadline notes the sources claim both upcoming seasons will consist of six episodes each. Production is expected to conclude by late November or early December, with filming for the holiday movie reportedly beginning afterward.
The proposed film is described as a Christmas special planned for theatrical release in December 2027. Rather than focusing on Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, played by Hudson Williams (Tracker, Allegiance) and Connor Storrie (Joker: Folie à Deux, Riley), the project is expected to center on Scott and Kip, portrayed by François Arnaud (The Borgias, Midnight, Texas) and Robbie G.K. (The Next Step, Overcompensating).
The holiday project may draw inspiration from Rachel Reid’s short story Merry Christmas, Scott and Kip!, which follows the couple’s first Christmas together. However, specific plot details remain unclear, and a Crave representative said there are no projects to confirm.
Speculation about additional episodes began after recurring actor Dylan Walsh (Nip/Tuck, Unforgettable) suggested that production would involve twelve episodes. Series creator Jacob Tierney later clarified that season two would contain six episodes, although a third season has not been officially announced.
The confirmed second season is expected to premiere in spring 2027, potentially in April. It will likely adapt Reid’s The Long Game, continuing Shane and Ilya’s relationship while introducing characters from her novel Role Model.
Justice Smith (Detective Pikachu, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves) and Charlie Gillespie (Julie and the Phantoms, Charmed) will portray Harris Drover and Troy Barrett, respectively. Additional cast members announced for season two include Emily Hampshire (Schitt’s Creek, 12 Monkeys), Brendan Morgan (The Handmaid’s Tale, F** Marry Kill*) and David Tomlinson (Fellow Travelers, Silent Night, Deadly Night). Lauren Chan (The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Traitors Canada) will also join the cast, portraying Gen.
Meanwhile, Heated Rivalry has expanded into theaters through limited screenings of its first season. The theatrical run reportedly earned $420,000 on Friday across 880 theaters, with an estimated $1.3 million opening weekend.
For now, Crave has only confirmed season two, leaving reports of a third season and a holiday movie unverified.