Going from food service to the Golden Globes in less than a year is something many aspiring actors could only ever dream of. For “Heated Rivalry” stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, it was reality. The Canada Crave Original debuted just over six weeks ago, on November 28, 2025. Since then, they’ve experienced a remarkably rapid rise—success we haven’t even seen from many of today’s A-list actors.
Based on Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novel series, the erotic sports-romance story unfolds over eight years, following the convoluted but persistent relationship between star hockey players Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie). Despite “Heated Rivalry” being the first major role for both actors, they gave it their all, delivering outstanding performances that sincerely showcased their passion and dedication to acting. There is no doubt that everyone involved in the production so far has earned the spotlight and success. Many describe “Heated Rivalry” as a story that was simply meant for the screen.
Storrie talked a little bit about his newfound fame in a recent interview with Janelle James for ExtraTV: “You know what’s funny? I try not to sound like I’m full of myself, but I can believe it in a sense, just because I mean- I went after this for like 8 years. I’ve done countless auditions, I’ve done weird industrial films, student films, and like- so when you pray for something, and you put a lot of time and effort into it, I mean, it’s only kind of a matter of time before you’re like ‘Yeah, I believe it’.”
I think that raw LGBTQ+ representation is incredibly important, especially given the unsteady political climate that many cultures still face around the world. That a gay show has gone this mainstream is truly monumental. Storrie and Williams are two individuals who understand the weight of the characters they’re playing—they are not afraid to challenge divisive societal norms and uplift those facing the hardships highlighted within the show.
“Heated Rivalry” has already been renewed for another season, expected to be released in early to mid-2027, according to show creator Jacob Tierney. Millions around the world have been so infatuated with and inspired by this show, and we can’t wait to see how they continue to adapt the series into visual storytelling. Until then, “I’ll Believe In Anything” will be on repeat in all of our playlists.
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