Hudson Williams makes Oscars debut, drops Heated Rivalry Season 2 hint

Hudson Williams drops one-word tease for Heated Rivalry season 2 at Oscars: "Sex" as filming eyes summer start

Hudson Williams offered a one-word tease for the highly anticipated second season of "Heated Rivalry" during his first-ever Oscars red carpet appearance on Sunday.

Speaking with Variety and CNN at the 98th annual Academy Awards, the breakout star of Crave's steamy Canadian hockey romance series was asked what fans can expect from the upcoming season. His response was succinct: "Sex."

Hudson Williams on what fans can expect from ‘HEATED RIVALRY’ Season 2:

“Sex.” pic.twitter.com/iZrhCbKgeT

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) March 15, 2026

Williams, who gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of hockey player Shane Hollander, described his Oscars debut as "surreal and gratifying."

The teaser comes as creator Jacob Tierney provided an update on the series' progress earlier this month at the GLAAD Media Awards. Speaking to Variety's Marc Malkin, Tierney confirmed that production remains on track. "We're still on track," he said, adding that he is "in a room all day writing." Season 2 is expected to begin filming this summer.

The show has garnered attention from unexpected corners, including "Scandal" star Kerry Washington. At the "Imperfect Women" premiere on Thursday, Washington revealed her obsession with the series to Variety. "I just bought one of those candles on Instagram — an 'I'm coming to the cottage' candle," she shared. "I'm obsessed." She called the series "some of the greatest television in the most recent decades."

Williams expressed gratitude upon learning of Washington's fandom. "I love Kerry, man," he said on the red carpet. "She's so talented. To hear that from her was amazing."

Beyond "Heated Rivalry," fans can anticipate Williams' next project, "Yaga," another Crave series. The half-hour drama is based on a hit play by Canadian playwright Kat Sandler. The cast includes Carrie-Anne Moss ("The Matrix"), Noah Reid ("Schitt's Creek") and Clark Backo ("Letterkenny").

The first season of "Heated Rivalry" premiered to critical acclaim, establishing a passionate fanbase eager for the show's return. Additional details regarding Season 2 casting and release timeline are expected as production moves forward.