'Heated Rivalry' Season 1 Finale: Release Time and Why It's HBO Max's Latest Hit

The show everyone is talking about this holiday season is about to drop its finale—for now. Heated Rivalry, the gay hockey series on HBO Max that has captured a massive online following, is wrapping up its first season tonight.

How a Canadian Import Became a Streaming Sensation

Originally a Canadian import from streamer Crave, the series is based on the queer romance novels by Rachel Reid. It burst onto screens in late November and quickly earned cult obsession status thanks to the scorching chemistry between stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, its polished production, and refreshingly honest depictions of LGBTQ+ athletes.

The obsession isn't just anecdotal. According to Mashable, Heated Rivalry had climbed to become the third most-watched series on HBO Max by the second week of December, proving just how hard viewers have fallen for this rink-side romance.

How to Watch the Season 1 Finale

The final episode of Heated Rivalry's first season drops at midnight tonight—Friday, Dec. 26, 2025 (12:00 a.m. EST). For those on the West Coast, that's 9:00 p.m. PT on Thursday, Dec. 25. Consider it a holiday miracle—or, as many fans are calling it, the Christmas present we all deserved. And don't worry, there are reportedly at least two more seasons to look forward to.