Kerry Washington admits she’s obsessed with ‘Heated Rivalry’

Kerry Washington says she’s obsessed with ‘Heated Rivalry’ and bought the show’s ‘I’m Coming to the Cottage’ candle

Kerry Washington is officially a superfan of the queer hockey drama Heated Rivalry, admitting she bought an “I’m coming to the cottage” candle inspired by the show after seeing it on Instagram. Washington shared her enthusiasm while attending the premiere of her new Apple TV series Imperfect Women at the Academy Museum.

“I just bought one of those candles on Instagram; an ‘I’m coming to the cottage’ candle,” she told Variety. “I’m obsessed.” The nine-time Emmy nominee called the series “some of the greatest television in the most recent decades,” praising its mix of romance, drama, and inclusivity.

Her husband, former NFL star and now actor and producer Nnamdi Asomugha, highlighted the show’s impact on queer athletes. Washington added, “It’s a show about belonging. It’s a show about acceptance. It’s a show about finding love, accepting love and having the courage to love. It’s also very spicy.”

Washington recalled a key moment from Episode 3, focusing on the romance between Scott Hunter (François Arnaud) and Kip Grady (Robbie G.K.). “There are so many shows that try to do that kind of flashback bottle episode, but I was like, ‘All of you go home and watch this. This is great television.’ At the end, I was literally screaming at the television.”

Asomugha responded enthusiastically when asked about a potential football adaptation. “Oh, my goodness. That would be…wow. I didn’t even think of that. That’s interesting. Wow,” he said. He also acknowledged that the show has inspired some queer athletes to come out publicly, calling that “what art is meant to do.”

Season 2 of Heated Rivalry has been announced, with stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie reprising their roles. Filming is expected to begin this summer, according to creator Jacob Tierney.

Imperfect Women, which premieres its first two episodes on March 18, stars Washington alongside Elizabeth Moss and Kate Mara as three friends navigating personal tragedy. Washington described the series as balancing humour, romance, thriller elements, and familial love, calling it one of the projects she is most proud of.