Author Rachel Reid defends Heated Rivalry season two casting after fan backlash

Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie lead Crave-HBO Max's Heated Rivalry season two, now in production and targeting spring 2027. Fans noted Harris Drover is described as chubbier in Reid's novel; Reid defended the casting on Instagram. Showrunner Jacob Tierney and EP Brendan Brady praised the additions. Smith said he is moved by the support and love he is getting from fans in his DMs.