Vancouver's own Hudson Williams is set for a major national spotlight. The breakout star of the provocative Crave Original series Heated Rivalry will make his first appearance on a late-night talk show this weekend, marking a significant milestone for the actor and the hit Canadian production.
A Landmark Late-Night Booking
Williams is scheduled to appear on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on January 7. The episode airs at 11:35 p.m. on NBC and CTV in Canada, with streaming available the following day on Peacock. This appearance is notable not only as Williams's personal late-night debut but also as the first for any lead cast member from the Ontario-shot series Heated Rivalry.
The Jan. 7 episode will be a star-studded affair, also featuring interviews with comedian Chelsea Handler and actor Sophie Turner, plus a musical performance by Sienna Spiro.
From the Ice to the Spotlight
Williams rose to prominence playing Shane Hollander, one half of the central duo in Heated Rivalry. The series, created by Jacob Tierney and based on Nova Scotia writer Rachel Reid's bestselling Game Changers romance novels, delves into the secret, years-long love affair between two gay professional hockey players who are fierce rivals on the ice. Williams stars opposite Connor Storrie, who plays Ilya Rozanov.
The show has garnered attention for its blend of sports drama and intimate storytelling, including explicit sex scenes. In a December interview with Postmedia, Williams acknowledged the show's 'sexy hockey show' moniker. "I think, yeah, 'sexy hockey show' or 'horny hockey show,' I'm happy with that," he said. "But I do think it is so much more. (The sex) is just a character... You miss half the story if you miss the sex, because there is a conversation in every sort of nuance."
What's Next for the Hit Series?
The actor's high-profile booking comes on the heels of exciting news for the series itself. It was recently announced that Heated Rivalry has been renewed for a second season, ensuring the story of Shane and Ilya will continue. The show is currently available for streaming on Crave.
Williams's appearance on The Tonight Show represents a significant crossover moment for Canadian digital streaming content, bringing a homegrown, critically discussed series to one of the largest platforms in American television. For fans in Vancouver and across Canada, it's a chance to see a local talent shine on a global stage.
