Virgin River still featuring Mel Monroe and Jack Sheridan.MovieStillsDB
By
Cher Thompson
Published 45 minutes ago
Cher Thompson is a Senior Staff Writer at Screen Rant, where she covers everything from explosive reality TV moments to cast interviews about the twists and turns of scripted dramas. With a background in creative writing, marketing, and teaching, Cher knows how to spot both the storytelling genius and the guilty pleasures in pop culture. Her work blends wit with insight, making readers feel like they’re chatting with a friend who just happens to know way too much about TV.
Sign in to your ScreenRant account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recapVirgin River has consistently been captivating Netflix audiences throughout its impressive run, and fans of the series can now indulge in HBO's own version of the saucy romance. Thanks to its grounded storytelling and sweeping, charming romance, Virgin River has been able to find viewers all over the world. Fans gravitate toward the story because of its slow burning romance, which has become a comfort for some.
Viewers have also come to love the escapist quality that lives within Virgin River's seasons. The show balances an interesting level of romance and drama, but it's the romance that wins out season after season to keep viewers invested. As Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson) have grown closer and found love, Virgin River fans have swooned.
Considering the style of programming that HBO tends towards, the network's new streaming series that offers viewers its own Virgin River replacement is definitely somewhat spicier than the Netflix hit. With Virgin River tending toward cozy escapism, HBO's newest offering is a flashier series that allows its viewers to escape into a world of fame, fortune, and a romance hidden within professional sports.
Heated Rivalry Is Now Streaming On HBO Max
The Series Is Based On Rachel Reid's Game Changers Series
A still from the first episode of Heated Rivalry featuring Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov in suits on a rooftop.MovieStillsDB
Heated Rivalry, the newest series streaming on HBO Max, is perfect for Virgin River fans who are looking for another romance series to add to their roster. Following the romance between two professional hockey players, Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie). Both drafted into the fictional MHL in the top spots, the players share a professional rivalry that turns into a steamy romance.
Led by Letterkenny creator Jacob Tierney, Heated Rivalry's first two episodes are now airing on HBO Max, and offer an incredible look into the budding romance between the rivals. While Hollander, a Canadian-born player who's trying to keep up with his squeaky-clean reputation, and Rozanov, a Russian-born phenom who's a bit more free-living, are a fun match, their romance is rocky.
Why Virgin River Fans Need To Watch Heated Rivalry
The Romantic Escapism Is Strong On HBO Max's Series
The leads of Heated Rivalry staring each other down on the ice
Although Heated Rivalry is a far steamier series than Virgin River, it's got a lot of the same components as the Netflix series. Viewers of Virgin River enjoy the escapist nature of the series, and while Heated Rivalry isn't the same by way of being a small-town cozy series, it's a show that allows viewers to fall into its story quickly and stick around.
Heated Rivalry is definitely a more mature offering than its Netflix competitor, but the show's intensity is what makes it so fun. Watching Hollander and Rozanov play a game of cat and mouse that spans years over just the first two episodes makes it clear that their trajectory, whatever it may be, is going to be well worth the wait.
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Like Follow Followed Heated Rivalry Drama Romance Sports Release Date November 28, 2025 Network CraveCast
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Connor Storrie
Ilya Rozanov
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Hudson Williams
Shane Hollander
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François Arnaud
Scott Hunter
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Robbie Graham-Kuntz
Kip Grady
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Like Follow Followed Virgin River TV-14 Drama Romance
6/10
196
9.2/10
Release Date
December 6, 2019
Network
Netflix
Cast
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Alexandra Breckenridge
Melinda Monroe
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Martin Henderson
Jack Sheridan
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Heated Rivalry
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Virgin River
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