'Heated Rivalry' Season 2 Predictions: What Will Happen to Shane, Ilya in the Upcoming Episodes?

Fans of 'Heated Rivalry' are struggling with the wait for the next six episodes of the hit Max series. This week, it was confirmed that Heated Rivalry Season 2 will premiere sometime in the spring of 2027. The second instalment will consist of six episodes, which may not feel like enough for avid fans of Shane (Hudson Williams) and Ilya (Connor Storrie).

Ahead of 'Heated Rivalry' Season 2, series creator Jacob Tierney teased what fans could expect to see in the series. During a recent interview, Tierney said that Season 2 will have more suspense and will most likely end with a cliffhanger. Upon hearing this, fans could not help but speculate on how the series would end.

A Near-Death Experience

There are various ways to end 'Heated Rivalry' Season 2, but one popular theory suggests it would close with the controversial plane scene. In the 'Game Changer' series' second instalment, 'The Long Game', Ilya's plane makes an emergency landing due to technical or mechanical issues, resulting in a possible near-death experience that forces both characters to confront what they stand to lose.

It is unlikely that Storrie's character will be killed off. However, since 'Heated Rivalry' is adapted from Rachel Reid's books, it is possible that this scene could serve as the Season 2 finale.

Fan Reaction

Fans are not pleased to learn that 'Heated Rivalry' Season 2 will only have six episodes. On X, several said this is not enough. Others said they hope the second season will focus more on Williams' and Storrie's characters rather than the minor ones—the view being that six episodes could suffice if they centre primarily on Shane and Ilya and the evolution of their relationship.

No More Hiding

In 'The Long Game', Shane and Ilya finally make their relationship public, marking a significant turning point for both characters. Their decision stemmed from the fact that they were almost separated by an incident, which made them realise their desire to be with each other for as long as possible. For fans of the series, this arc represents the emotional core of the second book and the storyline they are most eager to see adapted on screen.

A Marriage Storyline

Fans are also speculating about the possibility of Shane and Ilya tying the knot in 'Heated Rivalry' Season 2. The discussion was sparked after Tierney indicated in an interview that the upcoming episodes will continue to showcase the characters' intimate relationship, with a focus on long-lasting love.

It is unclear whether the wedding will take place in Season 2, but it does feature in The Long Game. Shane and Ilya tied the knot in their backyard after making their relationship public and joining the same hockey team. The aftermath of their married life is explored in the third instalment in the series, 'Unrivaled'.

If Tierney follows the direction of the source material, fans can expect these key scenes to feature in the upcoming episodes, though changes to the storylines remain possible. In the meantime, Williams and Storrie share regular updates on their social media pages.