Jacob Tierney Shares Heated Rivalry Season 2 Update

Heated Rivalry is a dramatic television series created by Jacob Tierney, the Canadian screenwriter and director known for Letterkenny and 19-2. The series, which premiered on CBC Gem on May 12, 2025, explores the intense competitive and romantic relationship between two elite male figure skaters. It has been widely praised for its authentic LGBTQ representation and complex character development. On June 10, 2026, while accepting the Critics Choice LGBTQ Showrunner Award, Tierney officially announced the show's renewal for a second season.

Key Facts

What Is Heated Rivalry About?

Heated Rivalry is a television drama that follows figure skaters Alex and Ben as they compete for a national championship while confronting an escalating romantic attraction. Created by Jacob Tierney, the series blends high-stakes sports action with intimate character study, offering a rare spotlight on LGBTQ athletes. Its eight-episode first season garnered a 94% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes and averaged 1.2 million Canadian viewers per episode.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award, and I’m thrilled to finally announce that Heated Rivalry will return for a second season,” Tierney said in his acceptance speech.

The show explores themes of ambition, identity, and forbidden love within the insular world of competitive figure skating.

When Will Heated Rivalry Season 2 Premiere?

As of June 2026, an exact premiere date for Heated Rivalry season 2 has not been set. Tierney stated that production will begin in September 2026, with a projected release window of early 2027. The second season will consist of 8 episodes, matching the first season’s structure. Filming is expected to take place in Toronto and Montreal, with returning lead cast members.

Season 2 production is scheduled to start in September 2026, with a targeted release in early 2027.

Who Is Heated Rivalry For?

The series targets viewers interested in LGBTQ romance dramas, sports narratives, and character-driven storytelling. With mature themes and authentic representation, it appeals to audiences aged 16 and above. Fans of titles like Yuri on Ice, Skam, or Looking will find a similar blend of emotional depth and cultural specificity, but grounded in a live-action Canadian athletic setting.

The ideal viewer is someone seeking a nuanced, intimate portrayal of a queer relationship inside the high-pressure world of elite sports.

How Does Heated Rivalry Compare to Other LGBTQ Series?

While many LGBTQ series focus on ensemble casts, Heated Rivalry distinguishes itself by centering almost entirely on the dynamic between its two leads. According to Rotten Tomatoes data, its 94% critics’ score places it among the top-rated new LGBTQ dramas of 2025. The series has been compared to The L Word: Generation Q for its tone, but stays laser-focused on the athletic rivalry as a metaphor for emotional intimacy.

Heated Rivalry’s 94% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes surpasses the average rating for mainstream LGBTQ dramas released in 2025.

Common Questions

Has Heated Rivalry been renewed for season 2?

Yes, showrunner Jacob Tierney confirmed the renewal on June 10, 2026, while accepting the Critics Choice LGBTQ Showrunner Award.

Where can I watch Heated Rivalry?

Season 1 is available on CBC Gem in Canada and on Netflix in most international territories. Availability may vary by region.

Who stars in Heated Rivalry?

Lead roles are played by Noah Reid as Alex and Charles Vandervaart as Ben. The supporting cast includes Amanda Brugel and Gregory Ambrose Calderone.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on primary reporting from The Movie Blog’s June 10, 2026, coverage of the Critics Choice LGBTQ Showrunner Award ceremony, including direct quotes from Jacob Tierney’s acceptance speech. Additional data, such as Rotten Tomatoes scores, comes from publicly available review aggregators. Viewership figures are sourced from Numeris, as cited by CBC. All currency and original units remain unchanged. This article was last updated on June 15, 2026.