Heated Rivalry is returning, but not with the faces that made viewers fall in love the first time. The Rachel Reid adaptation became a global hit on Crave and HBO Max, driven by record viewership and the electric chemistry of Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. Now, Heated Rivalry 2 brings confirmation and disappointment in equal measure.

Jacob Tierney addressed Season 2 with candor, pointing squarely at money and nationality. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times on February 3, 2026, he credited Crave for latitude. The same freedom, however, quietly sets the borders of ambition.

"We need Canadian talent, and we love Canadian talent," he said. Tierney noted that financing demands loyalty to domestic performers. Without the lure of imported celebrities, casting directors audition broadly. The mandate becomes necessity, then philosophy, then branding.

Jacob Tierney’s motivation is to keep Canadian creators anchored to their cultural and creative roots. By prioritizing domestic talent, he aims to strengthen Canada’s filmmaking ecosystem rather than exporting its voices elsewhere.

Tierney’s announcement landed with mixed feelings, because of how well-loved the OG cast of Heated Rivalry is. Although the director confirmed “diversions” to other characters, the main leads are still expected to reprise their roles.

The heart of the series remains intact

Fans adore Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie for their electric on-screen chemistry, which turns the enemies-to-lovers hockey trope into an unforgettable spectacle. Their nuanced performances, conveyed through micro-expressions and subtle gestures, have made Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov one of the most talked-about pairings in recent television.

Away from the rink, their personalities charm with equal intensity. Hudson Williams’s reckless allure and Connor Storrie’s loyal warmth complement their characters, while the latter’s mastery of Russian for authenticity stands as proof that devotion to craft can be just as intoxicating as romance.

What do you think of Jacob Tierney's announcement? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Iffat Siddiqui

Edited by

Hriddhi Maitra