Jacob Tierney told Variety on March 6, 2026, that he is actively writing season 2 of Heated Rivalry while also developing the Netflix series Alexander
Jacob Tierney, the actor-showrunner behind the hockey-set romance Heated Rivalry, told Variety on March 6, 2026, at the GLAAD Media Awards that season 2 is moving forward and remains “on track.” The news should reassure fans: despite Tierney’s new Netflix gig, Alexander, he says he’s still spending his days in the writers’ room.
Why this matters
Tierney’s comment isn’t just PR. A showrunner who’s actually writing signals that the series has left the purely conceptual stage and is building the scripts that will shape episodes, casting choices and shooting schedules. In other words: the creative engine is running.
What to expect next
If you’re tracking the show, here are the milestones that usually come after a sustained writers’ room:
Tierney said both projects—the netflix series and Heated Rivalry—are likely to proceed in parallel rather than one taking precedence. That means production managers will have to juggle calendars, but it doesn’t necessarily slow creative progress if the writing team and deputies are in place.
Balancing two shows: the practical side
Running multiple series at once is common these days, and it boils down to delegation and clear handoffs. A hands-on showrunner sets the tone and steers the story, but trusted collaborators carry day-to-day tasks: head writers, line producers and co-showrunners keep things moving when schedules collide.
For viewers, the upside is consistency: when a creator remains engaged during scripting, episodes are more likely to reflect the original voice and arc. The risk comes if that engagement is spread too thin—so the real detail to watch for is whether Tierney names co-showrunners or other key staff who’ll share the load.
How format affects workload
Heated Rivalry is serialized, which means sustaining characters and long-range arcs—different from anthology shows that reset every season. Anthologies let writers rotate in and out more easily; serialized dramas demand ongoing institutional memory and steadier oversight. That’s why a stable writing team matters; it preserves continuity from episode to episode and season to season.
What fans should keep an eye on
– Writers’ credits and staffing announcements. They reveal how the workload is divided. – Casting bulletins for main and recurring roles. These usually precede or coincide with production start dates. – Production reports: table reads, shoot starts and wraps are the clearest signals that filming is happening on schedule. – Marketing materials: once trailers or set photos appear, you can start forecasting a release window. Expect incremental, concrete updates—casting notices, production dates and eventually a trailer—rather than any sudden, dramatic announcements. For now, fans of Heated Rivalry can take comfort that season 2 is in motion.