Fans of Heated Rivalry have fresh reasons to stay engaged: the franchise just expanded into collectibles, physical media and music, while the show moves toward a second season and new tie-in books. These releases underline how the series has become a multimedia property — and why its next phase matters for viewers and the entertainment market alike.
Merch, media and music arrive together
Funko has rolled out official vinyl-figure versions of the series’ two leads, offering individual figures alongside a two-pack. At the same time, pre-orders opened for special edition Blu-ray and DVD sets of season one, and the show’s soundtrack arrived in several physical formats, including multiple vinyl variants.
The soundtrack’s commercial performance has been notable: it landed high on several Billboard charts, reflecting how the program’s music is resonating beyond the screen. That crossover success helps sustain interest between seasons and bolsters ancillary sales for collectors and casual listeners alike.
What’s available — at a glance
- Funko figures: Single character Pops and a Shane & Ilya two-pack (prices range around $14.99 for singles, $29.99 for the set). Estimated ship date listed by the retailer is December 15, 2026.
- Blu-ray and DVD: Season one special editions available to pre-order now; packaging tied to newly released production materials.
- Soundtrack: Multiple vinyl pressings and special editions released physically; strong placement on Billboard’s soundtrack and vinyl charts.
- Books and scripts: A behind-the-scenes memoir by the showrunner and a volume of annotated scripts are slated for later releases; the author’s next novel in the series is due in mid-2027.
Why this matters now
These rollouts come as the show transitions from a breakout season into an established franchise. Physical product drops and tie-in publishing keep the audience engaged while the production prepares for new episodes, and they create multiple revenue streams beyond streaming viewership.
For fans, the wave of merchandise and collectibles turns on-screen moments into tangible items. For the industry, the soundtrack’s strong sales and vinyl performance are signals that music-driven marketing can extend a show’s cultural footprint.
Show status and timelines
Produced for Canadian streamer Crave and distributed in the U.S. via HBO Max, the series — created, written and directed by the showrunner — dramatizes a pro-hockey rivalry that evolves into a central romantic storyline. The leads, played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, have seen their profiles rise markedly since the series premiere.
Season two was greenlit early in the run. Filming is scheduled for the summer, with the production targeting a spring 2027 return. The new season will adapt the next installments of the source novels, continuing the arc established in season one.
Publishing and archival releases
The franchise’s publishing plan is unfolding in parallel: the showrunner’s inside account on making the series recently revealed its cover art, and a companion book from the original author — the next entry in the novels — is set for publication in June 2027. Annotated scripts from the series are also planned for release in October, offering a deeper look at the television adaptation process.
These releases give readers and researchers material to study the show’s development and offer collectors more reasons to remain invested.
What to watch next
Expect periodic merchandise drops and promotional events ahead of the new season. Fans tracking production should look for casting updates, filming notices this summer, and formal release timing from the networks once post-production is underway.
Longer term, the combination of strong soundtrack sales, physical media releases and high-profile appearances by the cast suggests the property will remain visible in awards seasons, festivals and pop-culture events — a signal that Heated Rivalry is shaping into a stable franchise rather than a one-off hit.
Bottom line: the latest announcements keep the series active in multiple markets — collectibles, physical media, music and publishing — and they set the stage for a busy 2027 when new episodes and books arrive.
