Draft:Rookies (Heated Rivalry): Difference between revisions

| director = [[Jacob Tierney]]

| director = [[Jacob Tierney]]

| writer = Jacob Tierney

| writer = Jacob Tierney

| music =

| music =

| photographer = Jackson Parell

| photographer = Jackson Parell

| editor = Arthur Tarnowski

| editor = Arthur Tarnowski

The exterior of the McMaster Burridge Gym was used for Shane and Ilya’s first meeting in the episode’s opening scene, while [[FirstOntario Concert Hall]] served as the location for the Los Angeles party sequence during the MLH draft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sumadia |first=Kinette |date=December 12, 2025 |title=Where was Heated Rivalry season 1 filmed? All filming locations revealed |url=https://www.primetimer.com/features/where-was-heated-rivalry-season-1-filmed-all-filming-locations-revealed |access-date=December 16, 2025 |website=Primetimer |language=en}}</ref> All hockey-related scenes, including locker rooms, ice surfaces, and spectator stands, were filmed at the [[Sleeman Centre]] in [[Guelph]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 3, 2025 |title=Crave show filming at Sleeman Centre |url=https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/crave-show-filming-at-sleeman-centre-10721058 |access-date=January 4, 2026 |website=Guelph Today |language=en}}</ref>

The exterior of the McMaster Burridge Gym was used for Shane and Ilya’s first meeting in the episode’s opening scene, while [[FirstOntario Concert Hall]] served as the location for the Los Angeles party sequence during the MLH draft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sumadia |first=Kinette |date=December 12, 2025 |title=Where was Heated Rivalry season 1 filmed? All filming locations revealed |url=https://www.primetimer.com/features/where-was-heated-rivalry-season-1-filmed-all-filming-locations-revealed |access-date=December 16, 2025 |website=Primetimer |language=en}}</ref> All hockey-related scenes, including locker rooms, ice surfaces, and spectator stands, were filmed at the [[Sleeman Centre]] in [[Guelph]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 3, 2025 |title=Crave show filming at Sleeman Centre |url=https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/crave-show-filming-at-sleeman-centre-10721058 |access-date=January 4, 2026 |website=Guelph Today |language=en}}</ref>

== Release ==

== ==

The series’ musical score was composed by [[Peter Peter (Canadian musician)|Peter Peter]].<ref name=”Kurzius4″>{{Cite news |last=Kurzius |first=Rachel |date=December 6, 2025 |title=What happens when your gay hockey smut becomes a global phenomenon? |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/2025/12/06/heated-rivalry-hbo-series-rachel-reid/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=January 4, 2026 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> In addition to its original score, the episode featured several needle drop tracks, most notably “[[The Reminder|Sealion]]” by Canadian musician [[Feist (singer)|Feist]].<ref name=”Billboard12″>{{Cite magazine |last1=Denis |first1=Kyle |last2=Lipshutz |first2=Jason |date=December 10, 2025 |title=”Heated Rivalry” Synchs Lead to Big Gains for Feist, Wolf Parade, Wet Leg & More Indie Favorites |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/heated-rivalry-soundtrack-wet-leg-feist-streaming-gains-1236133983/ |access-date=December 13, 2025 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |language=en-US}}</ref> According to ”[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]”, the song’ appearance in the episode had led to a surge in official on-demand streaming in the United States.<ref name=”Billboard12″>{{Cite magazine |last1=Denis |first1=Kyle |last2=Lipshutz |first2=Jason |date=December 10, 2025 |title=”Heated Rivalry” Synchs Lead to Big Gains for Feist, Wolf Parade, Wet Leg & More Indie Favorites |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/heated-rivalry-soundtrack-wet-leg-feist-streaming-gains-1236133983/ |access-date=December 13, 2025 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Release and reception ==

== Reception ==

=== Critical response ===

=== Critical response ===

“Rookies” was met positive reviews from critics. Writing for ”Fangirlish”, Lissete Lanuza Sáenz described the first episode as a strong introduction to Shane and Ilya’s story, noting that while the pacing and time jumps may feel abrupt for viewers unfamiliar with the source material, the emotional and physical chemistry between the characters carries the narrative. Sáenz also highlighted its depiction of queer intimacy as unusually vulnerable and communicative, arguing that the sexual content functions as an extension of character development rather than spectacle, and praised Williams and Storrie’s performances.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sáenz |first=Lissete Lanuza |date=November 28, 2025 |title=Heated Rivalry Episode 1 Review: Is It Love or Lust? |url=https://fangirlish.com/2025/11/27/heated-rivalry-episode-1-review-rookies/ |access-date=January 4, 2026 |website=Fangirlish |language=en-US}}</ref>

was met positive reviews from critics. Writing for ”Fangirlish”, Lissete Lanuza Sáenz described the first episode as a strong introduction to Shane and Ilya’s story, noting that while the pacing and time jumps may feel abrupt for viewers unfamiliar with the source material, the emotional and physical chemistry between the characters carries the narrative. Sáenz also highlighted its depiction of queer intimacy as unusually vulnerable and communicative, arguing that the sexual content functions as an extension of character development rather than spectacle, and praised Williams and Storrie’s performances.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sáenz |first=Lissete Lanuza |date=November 28, 2025 |title=Heated Rivalry Episode 1 Review: Is It Love or Lust? |url=https://fangirlish.com/2025/11/27/heated-rivalry-episode-1-review-rookies/ |access-date=January 4, 2026 |website=Fangirlish |language=en-US}}</ref>

Christine Kinori of ”The Review Geek” awarded the episode 4.5 out of 5 stars, commending the adaptation for delivering the intense chemistry expected by fans of the novel while also engaging with themes such as [[Homophobia in sports culture|homophobia in professional sports]], [[LGBTQ youth vulnerability|vulnerability]], and [[sexual identity]]. Kinori wrote that the series effectively balances its steamy romance with emotionally grounded storytelling.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kinori |first=Christine |date=December 1, 2025 |title=Heated Rivalry – Season 1 Episode 1 ‘Rookies’ Recap & Review |url=https://www.thereviewgeek.com/heatedrivalry-s1e1review/ |access-date=January 4, 2026 |website=The Review Geek |language=en-GB}}</ref> Mads Misasi of ”[[Tell-Tale TV]]” gave the episode a perfect 5 stars rating, singling out Williams and Storrie for their ability to convey the characters’ internal conflicts through subtle, wordless performances.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Misasi |first=Mads |date=November 28, 2025 |title=Heated Rivalry Season 1 Episode 1 Review: Rookies |url=https://telltaletv.com/2025/11/heated-rivalry-season-1-episode-1-review-rookies/ |access-date=January 4, 2026 |website=[[Tell-Tale TV]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

Christine Kinori of ”The Review Geek” awarded the episode 4.5 out of 5 stars, commending the adaptation for delivering the intense chemistry expected by fans of the novel while also engaging with themes such as [[Homophobia in sports culture|homophobia in professional sports]], [[LGBTQ youth vulnerability|vulnerability]], and [[sexual identity]]. Kinori wrote that the series effectively balances its steamy romance with emotionally grounded storytelling.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kinori |first=Christine |date=December 1, 2025 |title=Heated Rivalry – Season 1 Episode 1 ‘Rookies’ Recap & Review |url=https://www.thereviewgeek.com/heatedrivalry-s1e1review/ |access-date=January 4, 2026 |website=The Review Geek |language=en-GB}}</ref> Mads Misasi of ”[[Tell-Tale TV]]” gave the episode a perfect 5 stars rating, singling out Williams and Storrie for their ability to convey the characters’ internal conflicts through subtle, wordless performances.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Misasi |first=Mads |date=November 28, 2025 |title=Heated Rivalry Season 1 Episode 1 Review: Rookies |url=https://telltaletv.com/2025/11/heated-rivalry-season-1-episode-1-review-rookies/ |access-date=January 4, 2026 |website=[[Tell-Tale TV]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

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“Olympians” is the series premiere of the Canadian sports romance television series Heated Rivalry. Directed and written by series creator Jacob Tierney, the episode was released on Crave on November 28, 2025.

Based on Rachel Reid‘s novel of the same name, the series tells the story of two rival professional hockey players, Canadian Shane Hollander and Russian Ilya Rozanov, whose on-ice animosity conceals a passionate, secret romance.

The episode received positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for the performances and chemistry between Williams and Storrie, as well as its portrayal of intimacy.

Plot

In December 2008, Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) meet briefly before facing each other in the International Prospect Cup final, which Russia ultimately wins. Six months later at the Major League Hockey draft, Ilya is selected first overall by the Boston Raiders and Shane second by the Montreal Metros. Later that night, the two encounter one another at the hotel gym, engaging in a silent but competitive workout.

As their professional careers begin, both players face pressure from different directions. Shane is publicly celebrated by his parents and the league, while Ilya endures harsh criticism from his father and growing financial demands from his brother. Over the following year, the two continue to meet sporadically through international tournaments, commercial appearances, and league events, with the media increasingly framing them as rivals.

After filming a commercial together in summer 2010, Shane and Ilya become aroused while showering side-by-side, leading to a secret sexual encounter later that night at Shane’s hotel. The two agree to keep the incident private. Despite limited contact afterward, Shane finds himself increasingly preoccupied with Ilya as the league continues to promote their rivalry.

At the 2011 MLH All-Star Game in Nashville, Shane and Ilya are assigned to participate in a joint media appearance. Later, Ilya invites Shane to his hotel room, where they have another sexual encounter. The two agree to meet again during an upcoming game in Montreal and exchange phone numbers, saving each other under the aliases “Jane” (Shane) and “Lily” (Ilya). However, their plans fall through when the Montreal game is cancelled. Ilya then returns to his apartment, where he is visited by Svetlana (Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova), a close friend with whom he has a sexual relationship.

Four months later, Shane is named Rookie of the Year at the MLH Awards. At the after-party, Shane confronts Ilya on a balcony, believing him to be resentful over the loss. The argument escalates before Ilya impulsively kisses Shane. Startled and afraid of being seen, Shane pulls away and leaves.

Production

Development and writing

In January 2025, it was reported that Crave was developing a television adaptation of Rachel Reid‘s novel Heated Rivalry, the second book in her Game Changers series. The story follows two rival hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, whose fierce on-ice competition masks a growing secret attraction that complicates their personal lives and professional ambitions.^[1] The project was commissioned by Bell Media and produced by Accent Aigu Entertainment, run by Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady.^[2]

Tierney first approached Reid in 2023 to discuss adapting the novels as a limited television series,^[3][4] and later expressed initial doubts about translating the story’s sexually explicit material to television.^[5] He argued that intimacy was essential to the narrative, describing sex as a key form of character development rather than gratuitous content.^[6] During early development, Tierney and Brady said they resisted studio feedback calling for fundamental changes to the story or tone.^[6]

Tierney and Brady serve as executive producers, with Reid attached as a consulting producer, while Bell Media holds international distribution rights.^[2] Tierney also served as the sole writer for the first season.^[7]

Casting

The episode stars Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander, Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov, François Arnaud as Scott Hunter, Christina Chang and Dylan Walsh as Shane’s parents Yuna and David Hollander, and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova as Svetlana Vetrova. The supporting cast includes Callan Potter as Shane’s teammate Hayden Pike, Franco Lo Presti as Ilya’s teammate Cliff Marleau, Kamilla Kowal as Hayden’s wife Jackie, Yaroslav Poverlo and Slavic Rogozine as Ilya’s father and brother Grigori and Alexei Rozanov, and Trevor Hayes as the Boston General Manager.

The casting of Williams, Storrie, Arnaud, Chang, Walsh, and Kharlamova was announced in June 2025.^[2] Arnaud said Tierney personally contacted him about the role, expressing that although it was not written for him, he could not imagine anyone else performing it. Arnaud initially viewed the script as sexually explicit but later came to appreciate how the intimacy served the story.^[8] Chang expressed a similar reaction, noting her initial surprise at the explicit material before recognizing its narrative purpose.^[9]

Filming

Tierney served as the director for all six episodes of the first season.^[2][7] Principal photography began in April 2025 and took place over approximately 36 to 37 days across Ontario and Quebec.^[1][10]

The exterior of the McMaster Burridge Gym was used for Shane and Ilya’s first meeting in the episode’s opening scene, while FirstOntario Concert Hall served as the location for the Los Angeles party sequence during the MLH draft.^[11] All hockey-related scenes, including locker rooms, ice surfaces, and spectator stands, were filmed at the Sleeman Centre in Guelph.^[12]

Music

The series’ musical score was composed by Peter Peter.^[13] In addition to its original score, the episode featured several needle drop tracks, most notably “Sealion” by Canadian musician Feist.^[14] According to Billboard, the song’ appearance in the episode had led to a surge in official on-demand streaming in the United States.^[14]

Release and reception

“Rookies” was released on November 28, 2025, on Crave alongside the second episode “Olympians”. The premiere date was announced together with the release of the series’ official trailer on October 9.^[15][16]

Ahead of its premiere, the series secured multiple international distribution deals, including HBO Max in the United States and Australia, where it premiered simultaneously with Crave. The series is also streaming on Sky-owned Neon in New Zealand and Movistar Plus+ in Spain.^[17]

Critical response

The episode was met positive reviews from critics. Writing for Fangirlish, Lissete Lanuza Sáenz described the first episode as a strong introduction to Shane and Ilya’s story, noting that while the pacing and time jumps may feel abrupt for viewers unfamiliar with the source material, the emotional and physical chemistry between the characters carries the narrative. Sáenz also highlighted its depiction of queer intimacy as unusually vulnerable and communicative, arguing that the sexual content functions as an extension of character development rather than spectacle, and praised Williams and Storrie’s performances.^[18]

Christine Kinori of The Review Geek awarded the episode 4.5 out of 5 stars, commending the adaptation for delivering the intense chemistry expected by fans of the novel while also engaging with themes such as homophobia in professional sports, vulnerability, and sexual identity. Kinori wrote that the series effectively balances its steamy romance with emotionally grounded storytelling.^[19] Mads Misasi of Tell-Tale TV gave the episode a perfect 5 stars rating, singling out Williams and Storrie for their ability to convey the characters’ internal conflicts through subtle, wordless performances.^[20]

Audience viewership

Upon its premiere, Heated Rivalry ranked fourth on JustWatch‘s television streaming chart during the week of December 7, 2025.^[21] Meanwhile, Whip Media, drawing on data from its TV Time viewership tracking platform of more than 25 million users, reported that the series placed sixth during the same period.^[22] According to FlixPatrol, which aggregates streaming performance data, the series ranked second on HBO Max’s Top 10 most-watched series chart in the United States and Australia on November 29, behind It: Welcome to Derry.^[23]

References