Prior to becoming a worldwide phenomenon, Heated Rivalry was a small Canadian production filmed on a shoestring budget with mostly no-name stars who didn't have fans or paparazzi watching their every move.
However, things have changed since the now-popular gay hockey romance premiered at the end of 2025. The stars have all graced magazine covers, walked the red carpet, and are now regularly followed by overeager paparazzi and their somewhat rabid fan base.
Times have clearly changed, and now fans are being asked to back off by Heated Rivalry creator Jacob Tierney.
“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,” Tierney wrote in an Aug. 4 statement shared on the official Heated Rivalry Instagram account. “As we gear up for more Heated Rivalry, please help us in making it the best it can be.”
Tierney urged fans to give the stars space while they film the second season of the steamy show.
“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,” the statement continued. “We promise it’ll be worth the wait!”
This request is coming on the heels of stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams being followed around from the moment they landed in Toronto ahead of filming for season 2.
Every walk they’ve taken, cigarette they’ve smoked, and errand they’ve run has been documented by fans, who have quickly spread the photos and video across social media.
As much as fans are dying for a glimpse of the actors who play hockey rivals-turned secret lovers Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander up close, the message from Tierney is clear: back off and wait until season 2 is released next year.
