BookTok smash hit Heated Rivalry is headed to theaters–a year after its finale aired

Heated Rivalry‘s horny hockey players are headed to the silver screen.

The m/m romance series–based on Rachel Reid‘s hit books and written/directed by Jacob Tierney for Canadian streaming service Crave–will reprise its first season with a limited run in more than 650 Regal theaters in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.

“When a series connects with audiences the way Heated Rivalry has, we look for ways to bring it to the big screen and give fans a reason to experience it together,” Brooks LeBoeuf, Regal’s SVP of of U.S. content, said in a statement. “Nearly a year after its premiere, we’re proud to work with our partners to turn a season fans have watched again and again into a true theatrical event. It’s a chance to celebrate the story, its creators and its performances before Season 2 arrives in 2027.”

For those who somehow missed the fandom juggernaut, Heated Rivalry follows anxious, ambitious Montreal team captain Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and suave, pressured Russian captain Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie).

Both identified young as the NHL’s next all-stars, Shane and Ilya’s fierce competition on the ice is, of course, only matched by their intense attraction everywhere else. What starts as cautious flirtation turns into years of clandestine texts and post-game hookups, and it’s supposed to be just sex, no feelings.

But, well, you know how these things go.

When the series debuted in November 2025, it became an instant hit. By the time Season One’s finale aired in late December, Heated Rivalry was averaging 10.6 million U.S. viewers per episode, and the finale itself saw a 300% audience increase over the show’s premiere.

Heated Rivalry‘s popularity also caught the NHL‘s attention and propelled Reid’s books top of TikTok‘s first-ever official bestseller list.

Regal (the same chain that brought out Iron Lung‘s popcorn bucket) is partnering with Canadian distributor Sphere Abacus to air Season One in two-episode screenings. Theatergoers will pay $9.99 each to see episodes 1+2, 3+4, and 5+6.

“Heated Rivalry is a global phenomenon creating a rush of social media and press activity wherever it lands,” Hana Palmer, Sphere Abacus’s EVP of Global Distribution and Partnerships, said. “We’re very excited to give audiences the opportunity to watch the drama unfold on big screens in North America, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.”

What’s interesting about this event is that Heated Rivalry is still available for streaming, and has been for nearly a year. Folks in the U.S. can catch all six episodes on HBO, for example.

Usually when we see premieres like this–consider the aforementioned Iron Lung–theaters want first dibs and a period of exclusivity. In this case, Regal is bending the rules and betting fandom enthusiasm will drive a return.

We’re pretty sure they’re right.

Heated Rivalry‘s theater run stretches from Nov. 6-30.

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