Justice Smith Moved by ‘Heated Rivalry’ Season 2 Love, Excitement Builds Around New Cast

Justice Smith is embracing the strong fan response to his casting in Season 2 of the hit LGBTQ+ hockey romance series Heated Rivalry. The actor will play Harris Drover, a new character who will enter the show’s expanding world.

Smith thanked fans for their enthusiastic reaction to the casting news. “I am moved by the support and love,” he said, acknowledging the excitement surrounding his addition to the series.

Smith will share the screen with Charlie Gillespie, who will play Troy Barrett. Together, their characters will introduce a new romance as Heated Rivalry moves beyond the central relationship established in its first season.

The casting announcement has already fueled plenty of discussion among viewers. Fans are particularly eager to see how Harris and Troy will shape the show’s next chapter.

Smith will portray Harris, an openly gay social media manager who works for the Ottawa Centaurs. Gillespie’s Troy, meanwhile, is a hockey player dealing with personal struggles and a complicated past. Their relationship will form a key part of the Season 2 storyline.

The new season will also bring back Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie as Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Their characters will continue their story as the series expands its focus to new relationships and conflicts.

Season 2 will draw from Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novels The Long Game and Role Model. The adaptation will allow the series to explore more stories within the world of professional hockey while maintaining its focus on romance, identity and personal growth.

However, the new casting choices have also sparked some criticism online. Some fans questioned the selections, prompting Reid to defend the casting process and push back against the backlash.

Despite the controversy, anticipation for Season 2 continues to grow. The first season became a breakout success, winning praise for its emotional storytelling, queer representation and the chemistry between Williams and Storrie.

With production now underway, Heated Rivalry plans to expand its story with new characters and another queer romance. The series is expected to return in spring 2027.

For Smith, the role adds another major television project to his growing career. The actor, known for acclaimed performances including I Saw the TV Glow, now joins one of television’s most closely watched queer dramas as its story enters a new chapter.