Jacob Tierney, the creator, writer, and director of the hit HBO Max show Heated Rivalry, talks about the emotional Season 1 finale “The Cottage” and hints at big plans for Season 2. The ending of Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov’s (Connor Storrie) story is very emotional and focuses on queer joy instead of trauma.
Breakdown of the Finale
Tierney talks about why Shane and Ilya drive off together at the end instead of going to the book’s press conference. This is a more emotional, sunset-like ending that shows how happy they are. He didn’t go into too much detail about the logistics of their charity foundation, saving it for later episodes so that the story could focus on the heart of the matter. Finding the cottage was hard because it was chosen for its cozy feel, which fits Shane’s character—a small home for family visits—despite the fact that trucks had trouble getting there.
Important Changes from the Book
Tierney changed Shane’s coming-out scene with his mother Yuna (Christina Chang) to include lines like Shane saying he “tried not to be gay.” This shows how parents can misunderstand and love their kids in hockey-obsessed families. The end credits roll over the couple’s silent moment with music to honor the cast and crew. This keeps viewers from skipping ahead and adds to the magic. Tierney praises Chang’s nuanced performance despite criticism online, saying that she is a key player in the show’s future.
A Sneak Peek at Season 2
The Long Game is the basis for Season 2, which looks at Shane and Ilya’s secret relationship ten years in, with tensions over going public because of career pressures. There are also side stories from the Game Changers universe. Production hopes to start in late 2026, with a premiere on HBO Max and Crave in 2027, which is later than Season 1 because Tierney has to write. The core of the story is still Shane and Ilya, but Tierney wants to end it at some point so there isn’t any more “will they or won’t they” drama.
