Greta CrossUSA TODAY
Aug. 4, 2026, 2:17 p.m. ET
The creators of “Heated Rivalry” are asking eager fans to respect the privacy and work of the cast during Season 2 production.
In a social media statement on Tuesday, Aug. 4, the official “Heated Rivalry” Instagram account and production company Accent Aigu Entertainment asked fans to respect the cast and crew amid Season 2 production. Series creator and director Jacob Tierney also shared the statement on his Instagram account.
“To our incredible fans and everyone who’s been sharing in the excitement for the show: Your support, enthusiasm and kindness have meant the world to us. As we gear up for more ‘Heated Rivalry,’ please help us in making it the best it can be,” the statement says. “If you happen to come across one of our filming locations, please give our cast and crew the space they need to do what they do best. We promise it’ll be worth the wait!”
Season 2 of the hit queer hockey romance, which dominated televisions and social media earlier this year, is expected to be released in spring 2027. The season will be based on “The Long Game” – the sixth book in Rachel Reid’s bestselling “Game Changers” series, from which the TV show is adapted – set after Montreal hockey player Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Boston player Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) move to Ottawa together.
Privacy concerns remain an ongoing issue
Williams made headlines in July after confronting autograph seekers in Paris. Footage obtained by news.com.au appears to show the 25-year-old attempting to burn a photo someone asked him to sign after he exited a vehicle. Williams was visibly upset during the interaction.
“Guys, you just followed me to my residence,” Williams said in the video. “You guys aren’t fans. You’re being really creepy, and you just followed me. You don’t do this.”
Other productions ask for similar respect
“Heated Rivalry” isn’t the only mainstream series that has asked for fans to respect the work of cast and crew. In May, the official “The Summer I Turned Pretty” social media account posted a statement asking fans to refrain from sharing filming locations and disrupting production of the finale movie, expected to release this summer.
“We’re working hard to create a protected bubble to make the best movie possible. Please help us protect the magic of Cousins (Beach) until it’s ready to be shared,” the statement says.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
