Heated Rivalry author cites Season 1 precedent in response to Season 2 casting backlash

Rachel Reid addressed negative online reactions to Heated Rivalry Season 2's casting of Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie, writing on Instagram: "Thinking about all the people last summer who told me the casting for Ilya and Shane was wrong and bad…" Season 1 faced similar skepticism before becoming the show's breakout hit. Season 2 began production in Canada in August 2026, a Crave Original premiering spring 2027.