Heated Rivalry star Robbie G.K. is expressing optimism about the hit series’ potential to transform professional hockey culture, while pop icon Miley Cyrus has signaled her enthusiasm about contributing music to the show’s upcoming second season.
Speaking at The Pitt Season 2 premiere in Los Angeles on Wednesday (January 7, 2026), Robbie GK addressed the groundbreaking LGBTQ+ hockey drama’s broader implications for the NHL. “I certainly hope so,” he told Variety when asked about the show’s possible impact on professional hockey.
The actor pointed to similar cultural shifts in other major sports leagues. “I think that big organizations like that, sports organizations — we’ve seen things in the past, specifically in the NFL, where there’s been these types of movements or things that are trying to create change,” Robbie GK explained.
He expressed hopes that the NHL would go beyond surface-level support. “I hope as much as [the NHL is] using this as leverage and from a marketing standpoint, they’re also taking internal notes and changing the atmosphere in change rooms and from an organizational standpoint,” he said.
The show has already garnered attention from NHL teams themselves. Robbie G.K. revealed that multiple franchises have reached out to him personally. “The Vancouver Canucks reached out to me, which me and my roommates were losing our minds because we were talking about trying to get tickets. I think the New Jersey Devils reached out to me. It’s just insane, but I’m super stoked,” he shared.
Produced by Canadian streamer Crave and available in the U.S. on HBO Max, Heated Rivalry stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie as two professional hockey players engaged in a secret decade-long romance. Robbie GK plays Kip, a juice bar barista who becomes romantically involved with hockey player Scott Hunter, portrayed by François Arnaud.
The series became an overnight sensation following its Thanksgiving weekend premiere, with the third episode featuring a pivotal moment. Scott comes out publicly by kissing Kip on the ice after winning the Stanley Cup, a scene that resonated deeply with viewers worldwide.
Based on Rachel Reid‘s Game Changer series of queer hockey romance novels, the show has already secured renewal for Season 2. However, specific storylines remain under wraps. Series creator Jacob Tierney has reportedly isolated himself from fan feedback during the writing process. “I saw an interview with Jacob when he was talking about writing Season 2, and he said he’s going to turn his phone off, throw it away, because I’m sure everybody and their grandma has an opinion as to what should be in Season 2,” Robbie GK noted.
Author Rachel Reid has publicly expressed her desire to see more of Scott and Kip’s relationship in the upcoming season, given the couple’s popularity among fans. “I’m just sitting around. My fingers are crossed but I appreciate having Rachel in my corner because that’s exciting. I would love to be on it more,” Robbie GK said.
The actor also reacted enthusiastically to news that Miley Cyrus expressed interest in contributing music to Season 2. At the Palm Springs International Film Festival gala on Saturday, Cyrus told Variety she was “so in” to work on the show’s soundtrack, stating: “Oh, I’m so in. Book me. Get me booked!”
Despite not having watched the series yet, Cyrus acknowledged its cultural impact. “I have not watched yet, but this is on my to-do list now. It’s all I’ve heard about — every conversation I’ve had today has started with you, ‘You have to [watch it],'” the pop star revealed.
Robbie G.K.’s response to the potential collaboration was deeply personal. “I was absolutely a Hannah Montana fan,” he said, adding, “That’s what I grew up on. That’s the reason I got into acting and musical theater in the first place. To see something like that is surreal. I hope at some point to meet you in person, Miley.”
However, François Arnaud expressed some concerns about budget constraints at the Critics Choice Awards on Sunday. “I think we might get a little bit bigger budget for Season 2, but I don’t know if we get Miley budget,” he quipped. He added optimistically, “I think if she sees the show, she might give us a discount.”
Since its premiere, Heated Rivalry has generated significant buzz across social media platforms, with clips from the series going viral. Robbie GK shared that he’s experienced increased recognition in public spaces. A flight attendant complimented him on the show during his flight from Vancouver to Los Angeles, and at the airport, a fan gave him “a lovely letter that was very heartwarming.”
