A new rumor surrounding Heated Rivalry has sparked excitement among fans, with claims that the hit hockey romance could film its second and third seasons back-to-back. Heated Rivalry star François Arnaud allegedly revealed the ambitious production plans while appearing at a Pride event hosted by JP Morgan. A Threads user shared a screengrab from the livestream and claimed that Arnaud told attendees the series was preparing to return to production this summer and that seasons two and three would be shot consecutively.
No video of Arnaud making the remarks has surfaced publicly, meaning his exact words have not been independently verified. However, the alleged comments align with mounting speculation that the show's long-term future is already being mapped out behind the scenes. Even when Heated Rivalry was officially renewed for a second season, executives from Crave and Fremantle frequently mentioned season three while discussing the show's future, fueling speculation that another renewal is considered inevitable.
Showrunner Jacob Tierney has also previously expressed his desire to continue adapting Rachel Reid's bestselling hockey romance novels beyond the upcoming second season. Earlier reports suggested that season two would begin filming later this summer, with a potential spring 2027 premiere window. The new rumor raises the possibility that the cast and crew could remain in production for an extended period in order to complete two seasons at once, a strategy that could shorten the wait between future installments.
Season two is expected to adapt Reid's novel The Long Game, continuing the story of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov as they navigate the realities of maintaining a relationship while balancing the pressures of professional hockey. A third season would likely move further into Reid's Game Changers universe, although no official details have been announced.
Neither Crave nor Fremantle has publicly confirmed plans for a third season, and Arnaud's alleged comments remain unverified. Still, for fans eager to spend more time with the beloved characters, the latest rumor adds to growing optimism that Heated Rivalry could have a longer future than initially expected. Until an official announcement arrives, reports of back-to-back filming should be treated as speculation. But if the rumors prove true, the show's return to production this summer may mark the beginning of a much larger expansion for one of television's biggest breakout romances.
