How the 'Heated Rivalry' transitioned from the page to the screen

Last week, Heated Rivalry made its debut on streaming platforms and quickly became a major topic of conversation online. Audiences were captivated by the intense chemistry between the lead characters, Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) and Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams), two professional hockey players from competing national teams who share a passionate romance.

The series, available on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the United States, currently ranks fifth among U.S. series on HBO Max, following titles like It: Welcome to Derry, Smiling Friends, and Mad Men. Before its adaptation, the show drew inspiration from Rachel Reid's Game Changer series, with Heated Rivalry being the second book in the collection, originally published in 2019.

Jacob Tierney, the shows creator, discovered Reids work and reached out to her on Instagram in 2023, expressing interest in adapting the novels just as she received a Parkinsons disease diagnosis. Reid recounted on her blog how quickly they connected, discussing the project over a Zoom call. She was impressed by how deeply Tierney understood her characters and the world she created. When I read an early draft of the first episode, I felt a mix of emotions, but what struck me most was the respect shown for my writing. It was faithful yet thoughtful, Reid wrote.

Throughout production, Reid was involved in updates but entrusted the creative decisions to Tierney and the production team. She expressed excitement over the casting, particularly the chemistry between Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, and praised the actors for authentically embodying her characters.

Visiting the set, Reid described her encounters with the actors. Meeting Williams was memorable, though she admits she barely recalls the conversation. Meeting Storrie, who portrayed Ilya, was more overwhelming because he embodied the character so convincingly, complete with a Russian accent and costume. Despite the intensity of the moment, she appreciated his enthusiasm and thoughtful engagement.

After filming concluded, Reid reflected on the emotional challenge of letting go of her characters, knowing they were in capable hands. The premiere brought relief and joy as fans responded positively, sharing content online that highlighted the actors performances.

Since its release, Heated Rivalry has quickly garnered a dedicated audience, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Reid, Tierney, Williams, and Storrie. Fans can look forward to new episodes every Friday, building anticipation toward the season finale on December 26.

Author: Maya Henderson