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‘Heated Rivalry’ Adds Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie for Season 2, Spring 2027 Debut Set
The Apex Times

THE APEX TIMES

Culture/The Apex Times/Aug 7, 1:08 PM EDT

‘Heated Rivalry’ Adds Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie for Season 2, Spring 2027 Debut Set

Crave’s Canadian series returns with returning leads Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, joined by Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie as a new on-screen pairing.

2 min readEditor-approved Apex article

Crave’s Original series “Heated Rivalry” is moving toward a second season with two new leads and a confirmed release window, the streamer announced through casting coverage on Aug. 7.

Justice Smith (“I Saw the TV Glow” and “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t”) and Charlie Gillespie (“One Night Only,” “Splitsville” and “Suze”) have been cast in Season 2 as the characters Harris and Troy. The new pairing joins previously announced returning stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, who are set to reprise their roles in the continuing story.

The casting announcement frames the Season 2 dynamic around a relationship that is described as “heated,” with Harris and Troy positioned as the newest couple for the series’ next chapter. Deadline’s report also characterizes the show as a “hugely popular” Crave Original, placing the new cast in the middle of the series’ ongoing fan attention as it prepares to extend its run beyond the first season.

Deadline further ties the new additions to the actors’ recent film and television credits, citing Smith’s work across film and franchise storytelling and Gillespie’s presence in prior series and feature projects. Williams and Storrie’s continued involvement indicates the continuation of the established ensemble rather than a full reboot.

The report confirms that Season 2 is scheduled to debut in spring 2027, giving the production a multi-year runway after the first season’s initial release cycle. The timeline places the show in the typical post-production and development window associated with streaming series renewals, including casting, filming, and post workflows before a next-season launch.

No other Season 2 plot details, episode counts, or production start dates were specified in the reporting. The announcement also does not list additional cast members beyond the four named performers.

With the Season 2 release timing now set for spring 2027, Crave and the show’s production team will be expected to follow up with additional casting, production updates, and promotional materials closer to filming and release. The new cast joins the series as it prepares to sustain its audience through a longer lead time between seasons.

Why It Matters

  • The spring 2027 debut confirmation establishes a longer planning window for viewers and for Crave’s programming calendar.
  • The addition of Smith and Gillespie expands the show’s star power while maintaining continuity through returning leads Williams and Storrie.
  • Casting announcements like this typically precede filming and promotion, indicating when audiences may expect further production and marketing updates.
  • A multi-year gap between seasons can affect viewer retention strategies for streaming services and drives emphasis on release pacing and publicity planning.

Sources

Key Facts

  • Crave’s Original series “Heated Rivalry” has added Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie for Season 2.
  • Smith will play Harris, and Gillespie will play Troy in the next season.
  • Returning stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie are set to reprise their roles in Season 2.
  • Deadline reports Season 2 is confirmed to debut in spring 2027.
  • Deadline’s casting coverage links Smith to “I Saw the TV Glow” and “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,” and Gillespie to “One Night Only,” “Splitsville,” and “Suze.”
‘Heated Rivalry’ Adds Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie for Season 2, Spring 2027 Debut Set | The Apex Times