The boys are back, the cameras are rolling, and expectations are hotter than ever! But as Heated Rivalry prepares for its highly anticipated second season, producer Brendan Brady says keeping the magic alive means protecting the atmosphere that made the first season so special.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams as everyone’s favourite hockey rivals-turned-lovers, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander.
But behind the scenes, the team responsible for the queer romance phenomenon is making sure the show’s extraordinary success doesn’t change what made it work in the first place.
In a new interview with the Canada Media Fund, executive producer Brendan Brady opened up about the pressures of returning to a series that has become an international LGBTQ+ sensation.
And apparently, keeping the chemistry alive involves more than just the stars!
Keeping That Season One Magic Alive
With filming for season two already underway, Brady says the production team is working hard to recreate the relaxed, supportive environment of the original shoot.
The first season became an unexpected global hit, turning its relatively unknown leading men into international stars and attracting a devoted LGBTQ+ fanbase.
Brady acknowledged that the attention surrounding the production is now impossible to ignore.
“There are eyes on us that we can’t help but feel,” he told the Canada Media Fund.
But rather than allowing that pressure to transform the working environment, the team is trying to preserve the camaraderie that defined season one.
He recalled a recent filming day outside the city, when the cast and crew gathered for a barbecue.
According to Brady, those relaxed moments were an important part of the original production, which had an atmosphere he compared to summer camp.
Now, the team is determined to hold on to that feeling despite the show’s enormous success.
‘We’re A Sports Team, Not A Family’
Brady also shared an interesting perspective on managing the cast and crew.
While the entertainment industry frequently describes production teams as families, Brady isn’t particularly fond of that comparison.
Instead, he prefers to think of the Heated Rivalry team as a sporting squad.
“I think it’s way better to think of it more like we’re a sports team,” he explained.
His reasoning? Sometimes the team needs to change to ensure everyone is working towards the same creative goal.
Brady acknowledged that some people involved in the production hadn’t been the right fit and that adjustments had been made.
However, he stressed that such decisions weren’t necessarily reflections on people’s character or personal relationships.
The producer did not identify anyone who had left the production or provide details about specific staffing changes.
So while the sports-team analogy might have fans wondering what’s happening behind the scenes, there’s no confirmed indication that the show’s leading actors are being replaced.
New Faces Join Shane And Ilya
In fact, season two is welcoming an impressive collection of new talent.
Alongside returning stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, the expanded cast includes several familiar faces from LGBTQ+ television and entertainment.
Among the confirmed newcomers are:
- Edvin Ryding, best known for the queer Netflix drama Young Royals, as Luca Haas.
- Emily Hampshire, from Schitt’s Creek, as Vanessa.
- Drag Race royalty Priyanka as Tarek.
- Justice Smith, from I Saw the TV Glow, as Harris Drover.
- Charlie Gillespie, from Julie and the Phantoms, as Troy Barrett.
- Daniel Diemer as Ryan Price and Shaheen Jafargholi as Fabian Salah.
The new additions promise to expand the world of the beloved hockey romance, with fresh relationships and storylines joining the central love story.
Things Are Getting Serious For Shane And Ilya
Season two will draw inspiration from Rachel Reid’s bestselling novel The Long Game, which continues the relationship between Shane and Ilya.
While season one explored their secret romance over several years, the next instalment is expected to examine the challenges of sustaining a committed relationship while navigating the pressures of professional sport.
Series creator Jacob Tierney has previously explained that the new season explores more emotionally complex territory.
The story will delve further into the couple’s relationship, including the impact of secrecy, career pressures and mental health.
For fans who fell in love with the characters’ chemistry, vulnerability and occasionally very steamy encounters, there’s plenty to look forward to.
Turning Queer Fandom Into Real-World Support
The show’s influence has also extended beyond television.
Earlier this year, Brady and Tierney launched the Irina Foundation, a charitable initiative inspired by the fictional foundation associated with Shane and Ilya’s story.
The real-world organisation supports initiatives that promote inclusion, wellbeing and community connection through sport and the arts, with a particular focus on LGBTQIA2S+ and underserved communities.
An update published in late October reported that the foundation had already raised more than $150,000 globally.
The initiative reflects the show’s wider cultural impact, turning enthusiasm for a queer love story into support for communities beyond the screen.
When Is Heated Rivalry Season Two Coming To New Zealand?
Good news for fans in Aotearoa!
Season two is currently targeting a Northern Hemisphere spring 2027 release, which means approximately March to May — autumn here in New Zealand.
An exact premiere date has not yet been confirmed.
The new season is expected to stream on Neon in New Zealand, following the platform’s acquisition of the second-season rights.
For now, fans will have to make do with production updates and the occasional behind-the-scenes glimpse.
But with the original creative team determined to preserve the show’s special chemistry, there’s every reason for audiences to be curious about what comes next.
Shane and Ilya are returning to the ice, the romance is far from over, and Heated Rivalry’s second season is already shaping up to be one of 2027’s most anticipated queer television events. 🏳️🌈🏒
