Sphere Abacus has secured theatrical screenings of the award-winning Crave Original series Heated Rivalry, with marathon events featuring all six episodes beginning in November.
Heated Rivalry is heading to the big screen. Sphere Abacus, the international distribution arm of Bell Media, has secured theatrical screenings of the hit Crave Original series across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, giving fans the chance to watch the entire first season in special marathon events.
The screenings will begin on 6 November in North America and the UK, as part of a global celebration marking the first anniversary of the series. In the US, Regal Cinemas will lead the rollout, with screenings at more than 275 locations and distribution reaching over 650 theatres, including AMC and Cinemark. Canadian audiences can catch the series at Cineplex Cinemas, while UK screenings will take place at Cineworld and Picturehouse Cinemas.
In Australia and New Zealand, Madman has acquired the series for theatrical and home video release, with cinema screenings set to begin on 5 December.
Heated Rivalry Brings Its Hockey Romance to the Big Screen
Created by award-winning writer, director and producer Jacob Tierney, Heated Rivalry is based on Rachel Reid’s bestselling Game Changers book series. The six-episode romantic drama follows Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams, and Ilya Rozanov, portrayed by Connor Storrie, two rival professional hockey players whose competitive relationship develops into a complicated love story.
Both are rising stars in Major League Hockey, driven by ambition and a fierce desire to win. What begins as a secret relationship between two rookies unfolds over eight years, as Shane and Ilya struggle to reconcile their feelings with the demands of their careers. The series explores the tension between public expectations, personal identity and a relationship neither man can easily ignore.
The first season also features François Arnaud as Scott Hunter, Robbie G.K. as Kip Grady, Christina Chang and Dylan Walsh as Yuna and David Hollander, Sophie Nélisse as Rose Landry, and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova as Svetlana.
Heated Rivalry is produced by Accent Aigu Entertainment in association with Bell Media’s Crave, with support from the Canada Media Fund and the Bell Fund.
Award Success and Global Reach
The series has made a significant impact since its debut. Earlier this year, Heated Rivalry set a new record at the Canadian Screen Awards with 16 wins, including Best Drama Series, Best Lead Performer for Hudson Williams, Best Directing for a Drama Series and Best Writing for a Drama Series.
The show also delivered a record-breaking series debut for Crave and reached the number-one position on HBO Max in the United States and Australia, Sky and NOW in the UK, and NEON in New Zealand.
Commenting on the theatrical expansion, Hana Palmer, Executive Director of Global Distribution and Partnerships at Sphere Abacus, said: “Heated Rivalry is a global phenomenon creating a rush of social media and press activity wherever it lands. We’re very excited to give audiences the opportunity to watch the drama unfold on big screens in North America, the UK, Australia & New Zealand.”
Sphere Abacus distributes the series internationally, with Heated Rivalry available in more than 130 countries.
Season 2 Set for 2027
Following the success of the first season, Heated Rivalry is scheduled to return in 2027. Season 2 is set to premiere on Crave in Canada, HBO Max in the United States and Australia, Sky and NOW in the UK, and NEON in New Zealand.
The upcoming theatrical events will offer audiences an opportunity to revisit the first season in full ahead of the series’ next chapter.
