The engaging sports drama Heated Rivalry on HBO Max has got fans hooked with its innovative and exciting storyline. The story follows Ilya and Shane, who are rival players whose careers are closely intertwined, while their personal lives undergo major transformations.
The first episode premiered in November, hooking viewers from the start. The show has earned strong ratings across its five episodes to date. For viewers who check ratings before starting a show, IMDb provides a genuine rating for each episode, and this is also the case for Heated Rivalry.
The ratings reflect which storylines resonated most with viewers. From first encounters to life-altering choices, every episode builds on what stands out first while telling its own compelling story.
The IMDb ratings began with an impressive score of 9.2 out of 10 and nearly reached a perfect 10. This indicates that the season continues to capture the attention of viewers throughout. Heated Rivalry proves that sports drama can blend real emotion with action. Here is an overview of every episode's ratings, according to IMDb, and the storyline that drives the numbers.
Each Heated Rivalry episode ranking from lowest to highest according to IMDb
1) Heated Rivalry episode 1 - Rookies (9.2/10)
The starting episode of Heated Rivalry introduces the audience to the world of Ilya and Shane, two hockey players who are best at their game and suddenly feel an unlikely attraction towards each other. The storyline lays the groundwork for their complicated yet intense relationship while depicting the professional competition that represents the world's perception of them.
The IMDb rating of 9.2 suggests that fans appreciated the groundwork for the central plot, but the forthcoming episodes were expected to offer more emotional depth and additional subplots. The episode seamlessly blends sports action with character introductions. Some fans felt the pace was too long, which explains why it sits at the lowest of an otherwise successful season.
2) Heated Rivalry episode 3 - Hunter (9.3/10)

The third episode of Heated Rivalry explores the chaos in professional life that demands suppressing romantic feelings. An unexpected meeting brings back the chemistry between Ilya and Shane, creating conflict between career and love. The IMDb rating of 9.3 indicates audiences liked how the episode balanced personal and professional struggles. Viewers responded well to the high stakes.
However, the score suggests it did not hit quite as hard with some viewers. The character Hunter adds a layer to the story that is focused on the leads. This episode pushes the storyline while raising serious questions about what is more important in life for the leads, career or love?
3) Heated Rivalry episode 2 - Olympians (9.4/10)

Heated Rivalry picks up the pace with this episode as Shane and Ilya try to keep their relationship private while navigating career pressure from all sides. This episode builds on the chemistry of the leads from the first episode, adding nuance and depth while also introducing new conflicts into their path.
The IMDb rating of 9.4 indicates viewers were hooked to the uncertainty and chaos in the lives of the leads. Audiences praised the way romance grew along with real-world complexities. Additionally, the Olympic setting raises the stakes and makes everything feel more significant. It is an accurate backdrop that makes every moment crucial. This episode proves that the series is set to hook viewers at the edge of their seats while developing a strong liking for professional sports.
4) Heated Rivalry episode 4 - Rose (9.6/10)

The fourth episode of Heated Rivalry brings raw vulnerability and forbidden romance to center stage, creating huge trouble for Ilya and Shane.
The romantic entry of Rose in Shane's life shocks the audience, and they become more curious to see how the story unfolds. The IMDb rating of 9.6 indicates that fans appreciated the creators' decision to bring opposing characters into Shane's life, thereby raising the stakes.
The episode sets a resonating reality of inevitably facing the consequences of one's actions. Everything that has been building from the start takes off with no chance of turning back.
5) Heated Rivalry episode 5 - I'll Believe in Anything (10/10)

The last episode of Heated Rivalry earns an unbelievable IMDb score as Ilya, Shane, and Scott each face huge life decisions. This episode brings all the season's chaos and developing tensions to a breaking point while delivering a transformation to all three characters. The IMDb rating of 10 indicates fans had an immersive viewing experience with this episode.
The fans appreciated how the episode paid off emotional plots while setting up unexpected possibilities for the upcoming season. The finale wraps up with a cliffhanger that leaves viewers wanting more. It finds the sweet spot between the ending and start, making viewers hungry for what comes next in this gripping sports drama.
Heated Rivalry maintains a nearly consistent level of high-octane drama in its first season, with IMDb scores for each episode validating the appreciation fans have for this show.