Feb 10, 2026 4:58pm IST
‘Heated Rivalry’ Starring Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams Finally Gets a February Release Date in India – Find Out
In the streaming ecosystem right now, few shows have generated the kind of online frenzy that "Heated Rivalry" has. From viral fan edits to endlessly circulating reels, the series has taken over social media timelines across the world. Lead actors Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams have emerged as breakout stars, trending consistently as their on-screen chemistry continues to fuel fan obsession. Despite this global buzz, Indian audiences remained on the sidelines, as the show had not yet been made available in the country.
This gap has finally been addressed. Lionsgate Play has secured the Indian streaming rights for the HBO Max series, bringing the much-in-demand show to local audiences. After weeks of speculation and rumors, the release was confirmed through a now-deleted story by OTTplay, which revealed that the show will hit Lionsgate Play in India on February 20, 2026.
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Originally released in late 2025, "Heated Rivalry" premiered on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the United States, quickly establishing itself as a runaway hit. The show’s absence from the Indian streaming space was largely attributed to licensing issues, which only heightened anticipation among fans. According to Variety (U.S.), the series has drawn 10.6 million viewers in the U.S., with viewership reportedly increasing by over 100 percent following its finale.
"Heated Rivalry" is adapted from Rachel Reid’s bestselling eponymous 2019 novel, part of her popular "Game Changers" book series. The screen adaptation and direction is by Jacob Tierney, known for his work on "Letterkenny" and "Shoresy". The series follows the secret relationship between rival ice hockey superstars Ilya Rozanov, played by Storrie, and Shane Hollander, portrayed by Williams.
Both critically acclaimed and widely loved by audiences, "Heated Rivalry" is now poised to find a strong following in India as it finally lands on Lionsgate Play this February.
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