On January 16, 2026, Rachel Reid—as in, the Rachel Reid, acclaimed author of the beloved, blistering “Heated Rivalry”—announced her wedding. She shared the news of the show’s upcoming second season renewal while on stage at “Good Morning America.” The series instantly captivated audiences, growing into a worldwide pop-culture phenomenon. It features compelling narratives that center on closeted male players in the NHL.
The young lead actors, Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, play the outcast crime boss and his devoted hit man in the six-episode series. Plus, Robbie G.K. brings a magnetic new energy to the cast as smoothie-barista-to-the-stars, adding even more depth to the show’s ensemble-driven narrative. Heated Rivalry though born out of Reid’s own novels, the web series exploded across platforms after it wasn’t afraid to dive into themes of sexuality and acceptance – transcending audiences outside the world of sports.
The influence of “Heated Rivalry” reaches far past fiction. Jesse Kortuem, an actor on the series, came out publicly on Facebook. He indeed attributed his courage to the show’s impactful portrayal. He recalled how the series inspired him to come out publicly, stating, “Heated rivalry helped me realize that visibility matters.” Kortuem emphasized that sharing his truth was a way to honor those who fought for inclusion in hockey before him.
Whether it’s the show’s frank portrayal of passionate relationships or the raw and emotional struggles of its characters, Euphoria has resonated with young viewers deeply. Robbie G.K. expressed how the series provides comfort and inspiration, saying, “It’s almost like a bit of a haven that it creates within the storyline for people to find comfort in.” He commended the creators for being very strategic and sensitive in their approach. It’s the team behind “Heated Rivalry” that truly found the magic by authentically telling their stories and avoiding all the cheesy tropes.
Reid expressed her enthusiasm for the forthcoming third season, teasing big changes to the relationship between characters Shane and Ilya. We’re going to all be living all the time with Shane and Ilya together which is new to them and strange for them. So it’s fun to explore,” she said. We’re looking forward to her upcoming book as well, which will take these characters and their journeys even further.
The overwhelming success of “Heated Rivalry” has proven to be just the beginning, inspiring ongoing discussions around representation in sports and entertainment. Reid expressed her hope that audiences can find relatability in her stories: “And this was a way for me to get a lot of those feelings out on paper.”
Coming in hot as the series prepares for its second season, there is no mistaking the intent of Working in America. Heated Rivalry Continuing podcast, “Heated Rivalry” is about more than just being an entertaining show.
