‘Heated Rivalry’ May Release a Bonus Episode Before Season 2

Fans of Heated Rivalry may not have to wait until 2027 to see Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov again. While the second season of the hit series is officially in development, Crave executives have confirmed that a standalone episode set between seasons is being actively discussed.

The proposed episode would offer additional time with Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie’s characters while the creative team continues work on season 2, which showrunner Jacob Tierney has cautioned may still be some time away.

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Crave Canada and Bell Media previously confirmed that Heated Rivalry season 2 has been approved, alongside author Rachel Reid and Tierney. However, Tierney has been clear that the next chapter of the series is likely not to arrive until 2027. That gap has fueled interest in whether an interim episode could help bridge the wait, though executives stress that nothing has been finalized. Crave Weighs a Bonus Episode for 2026

Justin Stockman, vice-president of content development and programming at Bell Media, explained that the idea remains under consideration.

“We’re going to see what’s feasible,” Stockman told the Toronto Star. “If [Jacob Tierney] can find a way to make the source material work in a way that gets us something sooner or something special, I’m sure he will. I would love to have this back for the holidays next year, but that likely is not going to happen. We can’t rush the process. We won’t be able to repeat the magic if we push him.”

Even the possibility opens the door for fans to speculate about where a potential bonus episode could fit within the narrative. Tierney Stays Focused on the Story

Despite fan enthusiasm, Tierney remains grounded about the road ahead. In the same interview, he emphasized the importance of staying true to the creative instincts that shaped the first season.

“This isn’t what any of us expected and I’m endlessly grateful for it,” he said. “But it’s the kind of noise that I have to drown out to make the next two seasons. I have to keep trusting myself. I have to keep doing what I did in the first place. That’s the way you’re going to get a good season two. It’s important for me to go back to what I love about this and remember the story I’m telling.”

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Season 1 of Heated Rivalry is currently streaming on HBO Max, with season 2 in active development and a potential special episode being discussed for 2026.

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