Heated Rivalry fans are one step closer to Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov’s return. While cameras have not officially rolled just yet, the past month has brought several important updates about the show’s long awaited second season, including a more specific filming timeline and additional production details.
The biggest development is that Season 2 is now expected to begin filming on August 10, 2026, according to recent production reports. Principal photography is scheduled to continue until early December, giving the series a significantly longer production schedule than its first season. Filming will once again take place primarily in Toronto, with additional scenes expected to be shot in Montreal.
Although fans have been hoping for news that filming is already underway, neither Bell Media nor showrunner Jacob Tierney has officially announced that production has started. Instead, all recent reporting continues to point to an early August start date.
Season 2 will adapt Rachel Reid’s bestselling novel The Long Game, continuing Shane and Ilya’s story several years after the events of Season 1. The new episodes will explore the challenges of maintaining their secret relationship while navigating the pressures of professional hockey, with Ilya’s mental health expected to become a major focus of the season.
Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie are both expected to return in their starring roles as Shane and Ilya. François Arnaud and Robbie G.K. are also expected to reprise their Season 1 roles, although Bell Media has yet to announce any additional casting beyond the returning principal cast.
A spring 2027 premiere remains the target. Earlier this year, Jacob Tierney confirmed that the production team had already been deep into writing and pre production, and every update since has continued to point toward a 2027 release. While some reports suggest April as a likely window, no official premiere date has been announced.
The series has also remained in the spotlight this month despite not receiving Emmy nominations. Several entertainment outlets explained that Heated Rivalry was never eligible for the Primetime Emmy Awards because it is a fully Canadian production for Crave, even though it streams internationally on HBO Max. The show remains eligible for the International Emmy Awards instead.
For now, the biggest confirmed news is that production is imminent. If filming begins on schedule in early August, fans can likely expect the first behind the scenes photos, official production stills, and additional casting announcements in the coming weeks as Season 2 moves into full production.