Hudson Williams lit up The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on January 7, 2026, chatting about his breakout role in the hockey romance smash Heated Rivalry and dropping teases for what’s next. The Canadian actor, who plays Shane Hollander opposite Connor Storrie’s Ilya Rozanov, kept things fun and real while addressing the show’s wild fan frenzy.
Hudson Williams Steals the Tonight Show Spotlight
Williams jumped right into the show’s success, admitting the global hype hit him like a deer in headlights – no prep possible for that level of fame. He bonded with Fallon by demoing hockey stretches, roasting the host’s form with a grin: “This is the best it gets… Carson didn’t do this.” Off-screen, he and Storrie clicked instantly as besties, making those steamy, vulnerable scenes feel authentic despite the challenges.
View this post on Instagram
Hudson Williams Dishes on Heated Rivalry Magic
The series follows rival hockey pros Shane (Montreal Metros) and Ilya (Boston Raiders) in a secret years-long fling amid sports pressure and scrutiny. Williams revealed closeted pro athletes have reached out anonymously, praising how the show nails their world. His mixed Korean-British-Dutch background fit perfectly for the role, with praise pouring in for his subtle face acting that tells Shane’s full inner story, per author Rachel Reid.
Williams Teases Heated Rivalry Season 2
Season 2 shifts from internal struggles to external battles with “meanies” and “big baddies” threatening the couple – think public coming-out drama. Williams joked darkly, “They all die,” before laughing it off, but confirmed it’s “hotter, wetter, and longer” with main stars locked in for three seasons total. No exact release date yet, but the buzz positions it as a major follow-up to Season 1’s cultural takeover on Crave/HBO Max.
