“Heated Rivalry” Creator Dishes on Favorite Finale Scenes, Hints at Future Focused on Shane & Ilya

WARNING: This article contains spoilers from the Season 1 finale of Heated Rivalry, ‘The Cottage’.

Jacob Tierney, the mastermind behind the breakout LGBTQ hockey drama Heated Rivalry, is pausing to reflect after wrapping up the show’s first season.

Before the premiere of the much-anticipated Season 1 finale, ‘The Cottage’, now streaming on Crave and HBO Max, Tierney hinted that although the finale wraps up neatly, the future seasons will continue to focus on the romantic saga between Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), inspired by Rachel Reid’s book The Long Game.

“Now that we’ve established a fanbase, there’s so much more we want to delve into within this universe,” Tierney shared following the announcement of the show’s renewal for a second season.

Taking the LGBTQ and female demographics by storm, Tierney expressed his preference for the intimate scenes in the finale.

“I’m committed to developing their relationship through these scenes. It’s not just about creating steamy content; it’s about evolution and intimacy that matter, not just repetitive explicit scenes,” he commented.

Tierney remarked, “The mix of sweetness and humor in the final episode’s sex scenes is what makes Shane and Ilya’s relationship feel genuine, like any real couple dealing with the quirks of intimacy.”

Read on for more insights on the Season 1 finale’s portrayal of LGBTQ relationships, the fan reactions, and what to expect in Season 2.

DEADLINE: Did you anticipate the international success of the show?

JACOB TIERNEY: Absolutely not; the global response has been overwhelming and incredibly rewarding.

DEADLINE: The reaction to the kiss between Scott [François Arnaud] and Kip [Robbie GK] was phenomenal. Thoughts?

TIERNEY: It was profoundly touching to witness such a positive reception.

DEADLINE: The anticipation for ‘The Cottage’ has been immense. Did you feel pressured to meet expectations?

TIERNEY: There was internal pressure to ensure the episode did justice to the story and the characters’ journey.

DEADLINE: The scene with Shane’s parents was remarkably handled. How important was it to show this?

TIERNEY: It’s crucial. The support Shane receives contrasts with Ilya’s experience, highlighting the importance of acceptance and understanding in their narratives.

DEADLINE: The secrecy surrounding Shane and Ilya’s relationship adds a layer of realism. Was this intentional?

TIERNEY: Yes, it reflects the real challenges faced by public figures in maintaining privacy and dealing with societal expectations.

DEADLINE: Any compromises made during the production of Heated Rivalry?

TIERNEY: While there were minor adjustments, the core vision for the show remained intact, thanks to supportive executives at Crave.

DEADLINE: With the current state of LGBTQ representation in media, how does it feel to contribute positively with Heated Rivalry?

TIERNEY: It’s fulfilling to add meaningful representation and to resonate with such a diverse audience. The show’s success underscores the demand for authentic queer storytelling.

DEADLINE: What’s next for Heated Rivalry?

TIERNEY: Season 2 will expand on their story and explore new dimensions within the established universe, ensuring the central narrative remains focused on Shane and Ilya’s evolving relationship.