Lionsgate Play Aim For Heated Rivalry Season 2

Following Lionsgate Play’s transformation to focusing on more Hollywood material and theatrical models, the India-based streaming site is striving for the second season of Heated Rivalry, the smash-hit ice hockey romantic drama centred on two ice hockey players who are rivals on the ice but engage in a romantic relationship off it. The series debuted on HBO Max, based on the second installment in the Rachel Reid novel series Game Changers and stars Hudson Williams and Connor Strorrie. 

This 2027 release on the platform is part of 100 more scheduled premieres timed for 2026, as well as Lionsgate Play aiming to achieve a “screen agnostic model” through 10 and 12 features seeing a theatrical release in India before becoming available for streaming. September will reportedly see the theatrical release of Billion Dollar Spy, Empire City, Primetime, By Any Means and lastly Titan.

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“Our move into theatrical-first releases marks an important step, giving films the cinematic scale they deserve while ensuring a seamless journey to streaming,” Rohit Jain, Lionsgate Play Asia founder, shared as reported in Deadline. “As the industry evolves, we’re embracing a more integrated approach across theatrical and digital windows.”

“This next phase is about backing stronger stories, collaborating with compelling talent, and building a platform audiences keep coming back to,” he added. “From big screen experiences to premium streaming, this is our most ambitious chapter yet.”

Jain also affirmed the vision of “‘building’ “Lionsgate Play into a destination for bold, high-impact storytelling.”

Heated Rivalry saw itself appear fourth on the streaming chart beginning on the 7th December, 2025, and reportedly was watched by over 25 million users between 7th and 14th December. It also took the silver spot on the US-based HBO Max’s Top 10 most-watched series rank. The second season was announced on the 12th December, which will adapt the seventh book in Reid’s novel series. Additional cast members include François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, Sophie Nélisse, and Dylan Walsh.

Heated Rivalry is now streaming on Lionsgate Play.

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About the Author

Ros Tibbs

Editor

Ros is a film and lit graduate writing news and reviews at The People's Magazine. She also writes long-form film theory, film history, analytical or curated recommendations pieces on other platforms.

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