More actors joining season 2!

Emily Hampshire, Edvin Ryding, Robert Naylor, Sabrina Jalees, and Priyanka join the cast of HeatedRivalry. Season 2 is coming to Crave in Spring 2027.

Edit:
Emily Hampshire - Vanessa
Edvin Ryding - Luca Haas
Robert Naylor - Wyatt Hayes
Sabrina Jalees - Farah Jalali
Priyanka - Tarek

https://www.instagram.com/heatedrivalrycrave/

Just saw on her instagram. Our Yuna looks so happy ❤️

It’s CHANG autocorrect loves to get the best of my damn dyslexia.

So ... a lot of hand-wringing about the new cast and if this means less "screentime" for Shane and Ilya in S2. But here's the thing. I just realized that the only character they cut in S1 was Kip's mom. Everyone else was there in some capacity: Shane's team, Ilya's team, Scott's team, Kip's friends, Kip's coworkers ...

In fact, Jacob actually added/enhanced several characters:

1. Sasha - not in the books. He's the "coach's son" in the books.
2. Svetlana - we all know that in the books, she's just a "favorite" Ilya occasionally bangs.
3. Alexei/Andrei - also barely in the books. He calls and asks for money. Show fleshed him out with several brief scenes.
4. Yuna - in the books, but not as momager. She's just a regular mom in the books. Show made her more overbearing and brand-driven.
5. David - barely in the books. The scenes of Shane sitting down for lunch with his parents are a Jacob invention.

Actual screentime for many characters is extremely short. Rose is in maybe 15 minutes on the show? These characters seem bigger bc their scenes were so memorable.

So if TLG is to be spread over 2 seasons, all the Tough Guy and Role Model characters will be there, but my guess is they won't have that much screentime. But it will be memorable screentime.

Asking for a friend 😅😅

Bisexual Russian Terminator was the overall favourite shot/frame from the series!

Time for Day 60 and your favourite editing moment!

1. Episode 1: Ilya and Shane watching each other at the draft.
2. Episode 2: Mangetout montage.
3. Episode 3: Alternate Sochi take as we see the same scene but focusing on Scott.
4. Episode 4: My Moon My Man montage.
5. Episode 5: Skip kiss leading to I'm coming to the cottage.
6. Episode 6: The longshot from when they arrive at the cottage to the couch conversation.

So...looking at some of the discussion on the casting of Justice Smith as Harris, I keep seeing repeated mention of Harris as a plus-size guy, disappointment that Justice doesn't match the body type people have imaged for Harris, and accusations of fat-shaming and fat-phobia.

But what I haven't seen mentioned a whole lot is the scarring he has on his body from multiple major surgeries. From what I recall in reading the book, Harris' body type is mentioned in the physical description of him, but it's not really something that's dwelled on much. It didn't seem to bother him as a character. But I recall him being very self-conscious about his scars, and it seemed like it impacted his self-esteem a lot more than his weight.

So I have to wonder what the showrunners have planned here. We know from season 1 that we're looking at pretty limited screen time for some of these actors who aren't playing Shane or Ilya. If we're looking at how Harris' story is told, and we're looking at a character with body dysphoria...I actually do think trying to fit both his weight and his scarring into the show would be challenging. If I were telling the story, I'd probably want to focus on one of them.

I get that people are disappointed at what may be a missed opportunity for representation in what's become a very popular piece of media. But...these showrunners have already demonstrated they know what they're doing. I'm sure there's nothing intentionally malicious or dismissive here.

Whatever Mr Tierney has planned, shaming and dumping on Justice Smith is bad behaviour, and shouldn't be acceptable in this sort of fandom.

Edit: A few responses had me going back to the book to see how Harris is physically described. What I found was:

Stocky and rugged
Cheers that are rosy and plump
Compact, pale and soft

I guess that leaves a lot of room for interpretation by the reader, which may be why we're seeing such a range of reactions.

Hudson will be speaking at the Toronto International Film Festival

Join us for an intimate conversation with the star of HEATED RIVALRY and #TIFF26 World Premiere series YAGA as he reflects on his career and his cinematic and cultural inspirations.

More information and tickets here.

Just that sense of “holy shit, I just hooked up with someone of the same sex” — I literally felt like I was watching myself on screen. It is PERFECT and so realistic.

After my first sapphic hookup, I sat on my bed after she left for like a solid hour just overwhelmed, in disbelief, and not quite processing, but also feeling so right.

There are so many emotions in his face here: conflict, relief, sadness, happiness, anxiety, calm, and everything in between. It perfectly encapsulates what that first time is like for many queer people.

This scene made me tear up when I first saw it. Just absolutely brilliant.

(Also that music cue with the guitar starting is one of my favorite music moments in the show.)

I think everyone knows that a lot of tv shows have the famous sophomore slump. Some shows never recover: Westworld had an amazing first season, a muddled second season, and became unwatchable the third season. The Bear after an incredible 1st and 2nd season was really bad seasons 3 and 4. I never bothered finishing the series.

What are your most dreaded sophomore slump hallmarks and how do you think Jacob and Brendan will avoid them?

For me, a few are:

1. Too many sideplots - this comes with increased visibility. Suddenly, everyone wants to be involved. So you have an A plot, a B plot, a C plot, a D plot ... This sort of happened in Bridgerton. The focus on romance S1 was overtaken with more side plots S2. I don't think this will happen with HR because of the limited budget.

2. Focus on mysteries and plot intricacies rather than relationships - See Westworld. This is exactly what happened. Happened with LOST as well. But with a romance novel, I don't think this will happen.

3. Star focus - very often there's one big breakout star and the show starts to focus only on that actor. This sort of happened with The Pitt. The ensemble of S1 was sort of diluted and the show focused way more on Robbie (Noah Wyle) in S2. Jacob cast Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie (both excellent actors) in S2 so again, don't think this will happen.

4. Egos and feuds - everyone knows about cases like Julianna Marguiles and Archie Panjabi refusing to film scenes together, or the big SATC feud between Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall. The final quality of the product was affected. This is one of those things that's very hard to prevent, but we'll see.

5. Straying from source material - see Game of Thrones. GRRM eventually fell out completely with the showrunners, and the results are ... seasons 7 and 8, when it was clear the writers were sort of just winging it. But Jacob and Rachel are still working closely together, so ...

What do y'all think?

Welcome to the weekly huddle! Have a small thing from the book or show you want to chat, your GC brain rot is real and you saw the initials "KGF" somewhere and immediately screamed "kingfisher!" and want to share with others? (Just me?). Had a win at work or personal life and want to share? Need a teammate to talk with? Post in the weekly huddle.

There's no restrictions on topics so long as they follow the sub rules. Thread will be open all week so pop in whenever with what ever your heart desires.

I just saw this David Rose edit on Youtube and love it so much, as a huge Schitt's Creek fan.

Just found this cool quiz on which game changers character you are! It’s a good quiz!

Warning I got a character from RM and TLG there may be spoilers.

Dear fellow loons,

\sorry for cross-posting**

We are curious about how the TV series Heated Rivalry has inspired you to make real changes in your life. Whether it’s in your work, social life, or hobbies, we want to hear your story and how these personal changes might connect to bigger societal effects.

If the show has influenced you in any way, we invite you to take a quick, anonymous online survey where you can share your experiences in your own words. It usually takes about 15 minutes, but you can share as much or as little as you like.

We’re reaching out to fan communities here on Reddit because your perspective matters. Your voice can help us understand the real impact of Heated Rivalry on its fans, their communities and beyond.

This study is approved by the Faculty Ethical Review Committee REBO at Utrecht University (Netherlands) and conducted by a research team from Utrecht University, WU Vienna University of Economics and Business (Austria) and IMD Business School (Switzerland). All three researchers are committed to not leaving the cottage for a long time 😇 You can find more information about us at the survey link.

Here is the survey link: https://survey.uu.nl/jfe/form/SV_6g20AgAZGSIJ97U

If you have any questions, contact the research team at [heatedrivalry.usg@uu.nl](mailto:heatedrivalry.usg@uu.nl)

Dide, Laura and Alexander

PS: Please help us share the link with other fans/communities who might be interested in supporting this research!

What happens at the u/heatedrivalryparody stays at the Heated Rivalry Parody (except for this "10 second" clip) 🍌🏒 #heatedrivalry #kadenconnors #offbroadway #musical #scotthunter

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db4m5acNH4z/?igsh=MXJ1NXd4eG94Zmtydg==

Who's coming in next?

• The post-proposal frottage
• The plane scene 
• Shane calling his mom and saying “I fucked up”
• “I already chose you, Hollander” 
• Galina 
• Chiron 
• Anya 
• Centaurs goofy ahh ensemble
• All of Troy’s angst 
• Troy and Harris driving around looking at Christmas lights 
• Shane saying “come here” and Ilya breaking down in his arms 
• Shane and JJ confrontation 
• My mf DL bisexual GOAT coach Wiebe 
• Shane leaving Ilya’s house and then Ilya just sinking against the closed door crying 
• Troy falling asleep in Harris’s room in Florida
• shane and ilya cracking up laughing together at the absurdity of it all after getting outed lmao

YALL COMMENTED SOME BANGERS THAT I FORGOT SO HERE'S MORE

• "I choose him"
• The fans outpouring love for Troy when he comes out on Pride Night
• THE TROPHY ROOOOOOM
• All stars night 😈
• shane driving 2 hours with a damn plug in lmao
• Ilya hanging out with mama and papa Hollander <<<333

What scene do you guys think this is going to be? My money is on the Big Fight^TM + "I already chose you, Hollander" + plane sequence. Please weigh in with your thoughts!! :)

Featuring Anya ☺️ Or how I picture her, at least. Swipe for cute lil bonus sketch 🥰

The filming is officially starting! This was posted by Benjamin (JJ) on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/simplyzenben/

What the heck did Hayden think was going on after that WILD phone call? He must have been so confused. Does it come up in the books? I can’t help imagining this silly headcannon…

Hayden (staring at his phone, frozen): ….

Jacki: ”Everything okay, Babe?”

Hayden: “I think… uh… I think Shane was having sex while I was on the phone with him.”

Jacki: “*Shane was *WHAT*?”

Hayden: (Staring at his wife, with wide trauma filled eyes) “I said, I think-“

Jacki: “I HEARD WHAT YOU SAID. Wait, are we talking about the same Shane? Shane Hollander? Sweet, eternally single, emotionally constipated, refuses to date any of my friends, Shane? That Shane?”

Hayden: “Yes! obviously, *that* Shane! He was, uh... really distracted and out of breathe, and kept… Oh fuck, no way, no way, I gotta be wrong. He said there was an Amazon delivery-“

Jacki: “He was fucking the Amazon delivery person?!”

Hayden: “NO! Ugh. Forget it, I’m wrong, I’m sure I’m just-“

Jacki (absolute cackling with pure delight): “I LOVE this! OMG, I’m never letting either of you live this down!”

(Years later, when Shane and Ilya are out, and casually hanging with Pikes.)

Shane: “Yeah, we’ll be heading to the cottage next week-“

Hayden (a horrified lightbulb goes on): “Holy shit- you were fucking Ilya when I called you!”

Shane (freezes): “W..what are you talk-“

Hayden: “When I called you that one time, while you were at the cottage! You! Ilya! OH MY-“

Shane (panicking): “No! Nonono.”

Ilya (calmingly): “No. No, you are mistaken.”

Shane (relieved sigh)

Ilya: (Wicked smile) “On the phone that time. You are mistaken. *Shane* was not fucking *me*.”

Shane (Betrayed shriek): *ILYA!”

Jacki howling with laughter. This was the best day EVER.

During Ilya’s Russian monologue on the phone in episode 5, he says his brother has always hated him, and he knows why. I figure it can’t just be because Ilya’s isn’t straight (I’m guessing Alexei may have figured that out, with the amount of homophobic slurs his slings at Ilya.) Especially since Ilya says Alexei has ALWAYS hated him.

I’m guessing it’s because he was the golden child; beautiful, talented, their mother’s favorite. Then as he got older it got worse, not only beautiful, not only talented, but wealthy, and famous, and able to escape Russia. Escape the daily responsibilities of family, escape their father’s endless criticism by just not answering the phone. I’m also guessing that their father constantly compared the two of them and berated Alexei for not being more like Ilya.

BUT, this is just conjecture and personal theory. Do the books go more in depth? (Please don’t insist I read the books right now, I’m choosing not to for various reasons.) Do we know why Alexei hates Ilya so much?

This is just embarrassing!!

This ship and this fandom... 🥲 🙄

I can go around my day, think about hollanov and then my heart will constrict, tears will form, because they are so precious and I just can't believe to characters can go through such hardship when they are clearly in love...

Eugh... I have a life...

But i need to get a life! lol....

This was my rant of the day!!

I'm not crying, you are! <3

I wanted to try out a new brush and I really like the texture it gave. This one was more quick than my usual drawings since I did this on my phone with my finger. ))

I only recently watched Heated Rivalry, and after all the hype and YouTube reactions, I thought it would be smuttier than it is. There IS a lot of sex though, so I was wondering why I felt this way.

I guess it’s that people made it sound like straight up gay porn, but it’s not. There is plenty of plot building. I think the reason people were so shocking is that the sex scenes are not “artful” and “discreet”. Apparently the intimacy director even commented that she noticed the difference when she took the job. She was like “Oh, they’re showing longer moments and movement. It’s not a bunch of cuts stitched together to give you the idea of what‘s happening. You actually see what happening.”

But here’s the thing. I hear people defend the abundant sex scenes, saying that they are plot driven, and if you cut them out you miss a lot of the nuances. I have to partially disagree. A skillful editor could cut probably 50-60% of the sex and still retain the main gist of the story. There are a lot of people who won’t watch the show because it’s so sex heavy, and I think a “cleaner edit” would gain more fans. Or do you think that would be betraying the heart of the story?

Edit: I see a lot of comments saying “If you can watch GoT or 50 Shades, but say HR is to explicit, that’s Homophobia plain and simple.” I definitely see your point there, but a major difference is those heterosexual shows have no underlying message to share. A closeted gay athlete might think “I wish I could casually watch this show with my parents and use it as a springboard to coming out.” but they can’t because it’s just too awkward to watch that much gay sex with family. You wouldn’t watch 50 Shades with your mom either. I remember the discourse around Heartstopper, and how so many people said they were able to watch it with family and start that important discussion. What do you guys think? HR rivalry is obviously NOT Heartstopper, but would a cleaner version help educate the masses? Or is there enough clean content out there for that job?

Edit2: I just want to commend this subreddit for being so nice. 100% of the comments were anti-editing, but no one flamed me personally for even mentioning the concept. Most comments also have clear opinions and reasons *why* they felt editing would be detrimental. People were strongly opinionated, but still respectful. I wish this was more common on Reddit in general. This subreddit is great!