'Heated Rivalry' Special Episode Could Be Released but Here's Why It Might Not Happen

Heated Rivalry has become one of the most talked-about series worldwide, turning Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie into breakout names for many viewers. The show's success has been driven by its distinctive premise and the central chemistry between its two leads.

Crave Canada and HBO Max renewed Heated Rivalry for Season 2 early, before the scale of the show's popularity became clear. The next instalments will continue to follow Ilya (Storrie) and Shane (Williams), and the question of how far their relationship can go in public.

Will a Special Episode be Released?

The creators have already said Season 2 will arrive sometime in 2027, which means a long wait for new episodes. That timeline is common for series with major demand, especially when schedules, writing, and production have to align.

The bigger talking point now is a rumour that a special episode could drop this year, bridging the gap between seasons. Fans have seized on the idea because it would bring Ilya and Shane back sooner, even if only for one standalone chapter.

Speaking to the Toronto Sun, Crave Canada executive Justin Stockman said a bonus special episode is being discussed, but stopped short of confirming it is in production. He also suggested the decision would depend on creator Jacob Tierney's ability to make the material work without forcing the process.

'If Jacob Tierney can find a way to make the source material work in a way that gets us something sooner or something special, I'm sure he will. I would love to have this back for the holidays next year, but that likely is not going to happen. We can't rush the process. We won't be able to repeat the magic if we push him,' Stockman said.

Why a Special Episode May Not Happen

If Heated Rivalry did release a special ahead of Season 2, it would likely follow the template used by Euphoria, which ran character-focused specials centred on Rue (Zendaya) and Jules (Hunter Schafer). It is an appealing concept, but it can also highlight the pressure points in a hit show's pipeline.

Stockman made it clear there are no guarantees, even if the idea is on the table. Season 1 landed so strongly that expectations for Season 2 will be higher, and Tierney may not want to put out anything that feels rushed or unfinished just to meet demand.

Cartermatt has echoed that argument, framing the priority as getting the upcoming storylines right rather than pushing out material quickly. A special that exists mainly to fill the calendar might keep the show trending, but it could also disappoint viewers if it feels like a placeholder instead of a meaningful addition.

For now, fans may have to stay patient. Updates on the next run are expected in the coming weeks, particularly around the summer, when filming is set to resume.

Winter Olympics Outing

In the meantime, Storrie and Williams have stayed visible through joint appearances and separate engagements. The co-stars held the Olympic torch in Italy ahead of the Milan Cortina Games, smiling for cameras and greeting fans who turned out to see them.

Both actors have also continued to make guest appearances on television while they remain on a break from filming Heated Rivalry.