The ‘smuttiest’ show on TV right now is filmed in Ontario. A riveting tale of romance on ice, Heated Rivalry, has been making international waves, thanks to HBO Max. This queer series, originally aired on Crave, revolves around a blossoming relationship between two rival hockey players. With only four episodes released so far, the series has already garnered a wave of rave reviews, including one from Rolling Stone, which called it a “smutty” hit.

Plot and Characters

Heated Rivalry, adapted from a book by Nova Scotian author Rachel Reid, centres around Asian-Canadian Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams, and Russian Ilya Rozanov, portrayed by Connor Storrie. These characters, both top hockey players, are arch enemies on the ice. However, behind the scenes, they start secretly hooking up, giving life to the popular enemies-to-lovers trope that many romance viewers adore.

Filming Locations

The series, largely shot in Ontario and Quebec, has showcased several identifiable locations. Fans have been quick to point out that many of the skating scenes were filmed at the Sleeman Centre in Guelph, Ontario. The first meeting between the main characters took place in front of the Burridge Gymnasium at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. Furthermore, in a scene from the second episode, Ilya, played by Storrie, can be seen jogging past the historic Dundurn Castle, also in Hamilton.

Other Notable Scenes

Other notable scenes include the party scene in the inaugural episode, filmed inside Joni Restaurant at the Park Hyatt in Toronto. Some viewers also suspect that the condo where team captain Scott Hunter, played by François Arnaud, lives is near Bloor St. and Avenue Rd in Yorkville. Other featured sites include Lavelle on King St. W. in Toronto and Le Tambour Tavern on James St. N. in Hamilton. As the series progresses, more filming locations are expected to be revealed.

Series Renewal

Heated Rivalry is set to conclude its first season on December 26. However, fans can look forward to more drama and romance on ice as it has been officially confirmed that the series has been renewed for a second season. With the combination of its unique storyline and the allure of its filming locations, this series has undoubtedly captured the hearts of viewers worldwide.

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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