Jacob Tierney Discusses Upcoming Season of ‘Heated Rivalry’

Jacob Tierney, creator of the HBO Max series Heated Rivalry, has provided a preview of what’s to come in Season 2. Speaking on CBS Mornings, Tierney announced that the anticipated new season will premiere in late spring. Though an official date is yet to be confirmed, Tierney emphasized transparency regarding the schedule.

The forthcoming season will delve into the evolving relationship between main characters Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, portrayed by actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. Tierney mentioned the narrative will draw heavily from ‘The Long Game’, the sixth book in Rachel Reid’s ‘Game Changers’ hockey romance series. He aims to highlight Shane and Ilya’s relationship amidst a broadened storyline featuring new couples and characters.

Season 2 will explore the lives of Shane and Ilya, post their ‘quiet happiness’ concluded in Season 1, illuminating how this joy impacts their future.

Tierney said, “My north star in this show, because there are a lot of books in this series, is I’m focusing on Shane and Ilya and we are tracking this relationship. There are new couples and characters that intersect with them. It’s a much more expanded universe. It’s a bigger show in that way.”

Intimacy as a Storytelling Device

Tierney provides an insider perspective on the show’s creation in his new book, I’ll Believe in Anything: The Making of Heated Rivalry Season 1. The series is noted for its intimate scenes, which Tierney ensured were purposefully narrative-driven.

He emphasized the importance of integrating character development with physical moments, noting, “I wanted to make sure that the sex was telling a story, that we’re learning things about these characters through the way that they relate to each other sexually.” This approach aimed to avoid gratuitous content.

Tierney remarked, “I was happy to make a show that was steamy, that was sexy, that was great. I think that’s fun. But I really wanted to make sure that we were tracking this relationship through some of those more physical and intimate moments because it’s about two guys that don’t speak to each other.”

Musical Choices in ‘Heated Rivalry’

Within his book, Tierney shared insights on the music selection for the series. He centered episode five around Wolf Parade’s track “I’ll Believe in Anything”—a song he connected with deeply in his youth. Tierney highlighted the powerful resonance of music discovered in one’s formative years, which endures as profoundly significant.

Tierney said, “I think the music you fall in love with when you are young is music that means so much to you.” He sought songs with substantial impact, ones he felt deserved greater recognition. “These are songs that have an enormous amount of meaning to me. In my head I’m like, ‘Why isn’t this a No. 1 hit?'”

The anticipation surrounding Season 2 of Heated Rivalry continues to grow as fans eagerly await its release.