Benito Skinner says two Heated Rivalry stars turned down Overcompensating roles
"Those boys are busy," said Skinner
By Aaron Sugg
Benito Skinner has revealed that two Heated Rivalry stars turned down roles in the Prime Video series Overcompensating season 2.
Skinner, who acts in and produces the American comedy series, told etalk he asked both Hudson Williams and Robbie G.K. to appear in guest-starring roles for season 2.
“He is busy, I think, ultimately,” said Skinner about casting Williams. “We tried to bring Riley back, Robbie G.K., who we love so much, who was in season one. But again, those boys are busy.”
“One day there is going to be something” – Benito Skinner on casting the Heated Rivalry boys for Overcompensating
Riley, played by G.K., appeared across three episodes in season 1 as Grace’s (Mary Beth Barone) love interest, winning fans as Nurse Riley in The Edge of Glory episode.
Despite both actors’ absences from the second season, Skinner remained determined to bring them in for future episodes. “One day there is going to be something,” he said.
Skinner acknowledged that the pair are preparing to film Heated Rivalry season 2 in July 2026 in Montreal and Toronto, Canada.
What is Heated Rivalry season 2 about?
The gay romance hockey series, inspired by author Reid’s Game Changers book series, was renewed for a second instalment in December last year, modelled on The Long Game novel.
Williams and Connor Storrie are set to reprise their roles as Shane and Ilya, picking up roughly ten years into their relationship (three years after the season 1 finale).
Reid’s work explores Ilya’s struggles with his mental health and his desire for a public relationship with Shane.
François Arnaud and Robbie G.K are set to reprise their roles in Heated Rivalry season 2
In true Heated Rivalry fashion, the pair argue, make up, and, after a turbulent but passionate closeted relationship, eventually go public when they are photographed kissing in the back of a teammate’s picture.
Alongside the original cast, including François Arnaud and G.K., Heated Rivalry season 2 is reportedly casting eight new characters – including a homophobic villain.
Production for Overcompensating season 2 began on 30 March 2026 and wrapped on 23 June. As of writing this, there is no official release date.