Scott Hunter and Kip Grady provided Heated Rivalry‘s first season with one of its most celebrated romantic moments. Now, as the show prepares for its second season, actor François Arnaud is sharing his hopes to see the fan-favorite couple navigate the complex realities of life after a public coming-out.
Following a renewal announcement on December 12, 2025, the hit Crave and HBO Max series is confirmed to return. While the core love story will continue to center on Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, with Season 2 adapting the events of the sequel novel The Long Game, fan demand for more of Scott and Kip’s relationship is shaping the plans for new episodes. Actor François Arnaud, who plays NHL captain Scott Hunter, has specific ideas for their journey, wanting their story to move beyond a simple romance into more challenging territory.
Actor Advocates for Authentic Relationship Challenges
In an interview with Variety, Arnaud expressed his desire to see Scott and Kip grapple with the lasting consequences of their public relationship. The central tension, from his perspective, lies in the stark contrast between their lives. Scott is a globally famous athlete who chose a life in the spotlight, while Kip, a barista, had his private life thrust into public view unexpectedly.
“I would want them to face the continuing challenges of someone uber-famous being with someone who didn’t choose that for his life at all and is forced into it,” Arnaud stated.
The actor believes exploring these pressures—Scott balancing his career with his personal life, and Kip learning to navigate a world of fame he never sought—would add a compelling layer of realism to the show. He suggests these challenges could lead to positive growth for Scott, helping him become more grounded and responsible. In a lighter moment, Arnaud also joked about his co-star’s physique, asking, “Why does he have the best body out of all of us?”.
The Catalyst for Shane and Ilya’s Leap of Faith
The story of Scott and Kip in Season 1 was pivotal, not just for their own characters, but for the entire series. Their romance, which unfolded primarily in the season’s third episode, served as a direct inspiration and catalyst for the central couple, Shane and Ilya.
The emotional peak arrived in the penultimate episode. Immediately after leading his team to a Stanley Cup victory, Scott Hunter made a grand, unscripted romantic gesture by publicly kissing his boyfriend, Kip, in front of a global television audience. This brave act of visibility had a profound ripple effect. Witnessing it gave Ilya Rozanov the courage to finally commit fully to his secret relationship with Shane, setting the stage for the season finale where the two men openly confessed their love.
Robbie G.K., who plays Kip, described their Season 1 arc as a “rollercoaster” that had successfully “peaked at the top”.
What’s Next in The Game Changers Universe
Heated Rivalry Season 2 will primarily follow the plot of The Long Game, the sixth book in Rachel Reid’s series, which picks up the story of Shane and Ilya over a decade into their secret relationship. Showrunner Jacob Tierney has confirmed the series will always center on Shane and Ilya, but the production team is actively discussing how to expand the television universe, driven in part by the audience’s strong response to side characters like Scott and Kip.
Also Read:
Author Rachel Reid has also commented on the popularity of Scott and Kip, expressing surprise at its intensity. She has shared hopes for a longer second season of 8 to 12 episodes, which would allow more screen time to develop storylines for fan favorites while still focusing on the main couple. She suggested a potential narrative structure where Season 2 adapts The Long Game while also weaving in elements from another book in the series, Role Model, allowing multiple stories to unfold simultaneously.
While specific plot details for Scott and Kip are under wraps, the books provide a roadmap. Their story continues in the fourth novel, Common Goal, which features significant milestones for the couple, including their engagement and wedding. With François Arnaud and Robbie G.K. expected to return, these beloved moments could very well be part of Season 2.
When to Expect More Hockey Romance
Fans will need to exercise some patience for the next season. While an exact premiere date is not set, production is not expected to begin until the summer of 2026 at the earliest. Lead actor Hudson Williams indicated filming could start in “July or August”. This timeline suggests a potential release in late 2026 or, more likely, early 2027. All episodes of the first season remain available to stream on HBO Max and Crave for those needing to revisit the story.
Also Read: The Bear Season 5: Jeremy Allen White Confirms Filming Start and Show’s Future
