World news and discussion on TalkFuse.
‘Heated Rivalry’ To Fans: Don’t Crowd Us
The producers of HBO Max/Crave series Heated Rivalry have asked fans to give the show's cast and crew space while filming its second season, after photos of stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie began circulating on social media. The plea, issued jointly by the show's official Instagram account and Jacob Tierney's production company Accent Aigu Entertainment, thanks fans for their enthusiasm but urges them not to crowd filming locations, promising the results will be "worth the wait."
Filming is taking place in and around Toronto through the summer and autumn, with the series set to begin its second season this month. The new episodes will adapt "The Long Game", the sixth book in Rachel Reid's source novel series, continuing the story of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov a decade into their relationship. Season two is scheduled for release in spring 2027.
In short
- Heated Rivalry producers ask fans not to crowd filming locations
- Season two filming underway in Toronto this summer and autumn
- New season adapts book six, "The Long Game"; out spring 2027
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Film production requires controlled, focused environments to maintain schedules, safety, and professionalism. Unmanaged crowds disrupt expensive production work, create security challenges, and subject cast and crew to unwanted observation whilst they work. Crew and performers deserve autonomy and privacy during their labour—they didn't agree to constant surveillance. Fan enthusiasm can be expressed through official releases and sanctioned events rather than through on-set intrusions.
The case against
Fans gathering in public spaces represent legitimate enthusiasm that sustains the entertainment industry. These individuals have invested in the show and cast, and witnessing the creative process is a natural expression of fandom. Public figures who benefit substantially from fan devotion arguably accept visibility as part of their profession, and direct creator-audience connection has genuine cultural value. Whilst safety concerns warrant proper management, such measures can typically address them without requiring fans to absent themselves entirely.
Explained simply
Heated Rivalry is a television drama based on Rachel Reid’s novels about Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, two professional ice hockey players whose relationship develops over several years. The first season introduced their story; the next is based on The Long Game, the sixth book in Reid’s series.
The show is made for HBO Max and Crave, and filmed in and around Toronto. Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie play Shane and Ilya, while Jacob Tierney is among the people behind the production. The series has drawn an active fan following, with cast and crew privacy around filming locations a concern for productions filmed in public.
Americas Business Celebrity Companies Entertainment Film TV World