Michael Kutryk, owner of the cottage that served as a key setting in season one of the queer hockey romance Heated Rivalry, has revealed he weighed up carefully whether to let production return to film at the property for season two. Speaking to HGTV, Kutryk said he considered driving a hard bargain with producers but ultimately named a modest fee, despite being told he could ask for more. The cottage matters to the show because it was where lead characters Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov grew closer during a private stay and later decided to come out to Shane's parents, making it a significant location for fans of the HBO Max and Crave series.

Filming for season two began earlier this month, and Kutryk described being contacted by producers keen to secure the location again after the show's breakout success following its December 2025 release. He previously agreed to rent the cottage out via Airbnb from spring through autumn after receiving what he called "an offer too good to refuse", but he remains uncertain about allowing future visitors, calling himself a private person who built the property as a personal retreat shared already with local wildlife. Heated Rivalry season two is due for release in spring 2027, with returning stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie joined by new cast members including Charlie Gillespie, Justice Smith, Daniel Diemer and Shaheen Jafargholi.