Connor Storrie, who plays Ilya Rozanov in the hit series Heated Rivalry, has shared a new update on the show’s second season. The actor confirmed that filming is expected to begin soon, likely in the summer of 2026. The show was renewed for a second season after the first became a major success on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the United States.
Storrie gave this information during an appearance on the TODAY show on January 14, 2026. He stated that while the scripts are still being written, the cast and crew are preparing to start production.
“I think Jacob’s still writing it. I think we’re going to be filming, I don’t know when, exactly,” Storrie said. When asked if production could start by summer, he added, “Yeah, I think about then.”
What We Know About Season 2 Production
The show’s creator and writer, Jacob Tierney, is currently writing the scripts for the new season. In a previous statement, Tierney explained that the writing process had not yet started, making a 2026 release unlikely. However, Storrie’s recent comments suggest the project is now moving forward actively.
The first season of Heated Rivalry was filmed in April 2025 in Ontario and Quebec. It premiered in late November of that year. If Season 2 follows a similar production schedule with a summer 2026 start, a potential release could be in late 2026 or early 2027.
Christina Chang, who plays Shane’s mother Yuna Hollander, also talked about the upcoming season. She mentioned that filming is planned for “between summer and fall,” though nothing is officially confirmed. Chang expressed her full trust in Tierney and excitement to reunite with the cast.
The Season 2 Storyline and Source Material
The second season will be based on Rachel Reid’s novel The Long Game. This book is the direct sequel to Heated Rivalry in Reid’s Game Changers series. Connor Storrie himself hinted at this connection on social media, telling fans, “Start reading ‘The Long Game’ if you want spoilers.”
The Long Game continues the story of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov as they navigate a committed but secret relationship. Key story points from the book that may appear in the season include:
- Ilya moves to Ottawa to be closer to Shane.
- The couple starts a joint charity called the Irina Foundation, named for Ilya’s late mother.
- They face significant pressures, including Shane’s fear that coming out could hurt his career and Ilya’s struggles with his past in Russia.
Co-star Hudson Williams, who plays Shane, offered a hint about the season’s tone. He said that while the first season focused on internal conflict, the next chapter will involve more external challenges.
“There are some big baddies,” Williams told Jimmy Fallon. “If Season 1 is like an internal battle, Season 2 is more of an external battle.”
Cast and Crew Readiness for Season 2
The main cast is eager to return. Hudson Williams spoke about the instant chemistry he had with Connor Storrie, though they worked hard to distinguish their own personalities from their characters.
Christina Chang shared her positive experience filming the first season. She described the set as having a fantastic, close-knit feel similar to an independent film. She is especially looking forward to her character having more interactions with Ilya in the new season.
“I would love to see her interact more with Connor – Ilya, and I think that will happen,” Chang said. “She has gained two sons now. So, she is going to be double the trouble.”
Chang also praised the work ethic of Storrie and Williams, noting the intense preparation they undertook for the first season, which included skating lessons, language coaching, and physical training.
Also Read:
A Growing Universe and Fan Excitement
The success of Heated Rivalry has sparked conversations about expanding the show’s universe. Jacob Tierney has mentioned that while the series will always center on Shane and Ilya, the world of the books offers many other stories to explore.
Actor François Arnaud, who plays Scott Hunter, has teased that Tierney discussed a potential side project focused on his character. In the books, Scott buys a sports bar, which could serve as a setting for new stories.
The first season continues to attract new viewers, especially after its recent launch on Sky and NOW in the United Kingdom, where it quickly became a top trending show. The series holds an impressive 99% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its fun and heartfelt storytelling.
Also Read: James Ulster Meets His End in a Tense ‘Will Trent’ Showdown
