Ronny Sianturi
The electrifying presence of Connor Storrie, the breakout star of the critically acclaimed queer hockey drama Heated Rivalry, graced the iconic stage of Saturday Night Live on May 2nd. Storrie took on the role of presenter, introducing musical guest Olivia Rodrigo as she unveiled a powerful new track from her highly anticipated forthcoming album. This appearance marks a significant moment for the 26-year-old Canadian actor, further solidifying his ascent in the entertainment landscape following his own successful hosting debut on the venerable sketch comedy program earlier this year.
Storrie, embodying his signature style in a sharp denim-on-denim ensemble, was met with a roaring ovation from the live studio audience. His introduction preceded Rodrigo’s performance of "Begged," a new song poised to be a centerpiece of her third studio album, tentatively titled You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love. The performance itself was a visual spectacle, with Rodrigo seated on a swing, delivering a raw and emotive rendition of the track that immediately captivated viewers. The lyrics, offering a poignant glimpse into themes of romantic exclusivity and the desire for quiet intimacy, resonated deeply: "All that I want is to know undoubtedly that you just have eyes for me," she sang with compelling vulnerability. "All that I want is to sit here silently and watch movies on TV."
This appearance on SNL is particularly noteworthy for Storrie, as it aligns with a period of immense professional growth. He had previously helmed the February 28th episode of Saturday Night Live, marking his own impressive debut as a host. This dual role as both a guest presenter and a former host underscores his rapidly expanding presence and appeal within the industry. Rodrigo, a three-time Grammy Award winner, also served as the host for the May 2nd episode, making her a dual threat on the night. Earlier in the broadcast, she had already delivered a captivating performance of her song "Drop Dead," introduced by the legendary Debbie Harry. Both "Begged" and "Drop Dead" are slated for inclusion on her upcoming album, which is officially set for release on June 12th.
While Storrie did not participate in any of the comedic sketches during Rodrigo’s hosting stint, their shared connection to SNL‘s milestone 51st season is undeniable. Both actors made their distinct SNL debuts within the same season, a testament to the show’s continued ability to spotlight emerging talent. Storrie’s own hosting gig in February saw him collaborate with his Heated Rivalry co-star Hudson Williams for a sketch, and they also jointly introduced that week’s musical guests, Mumford & Sons. The anticipation surrounding Storrie’s potential appearance with Williams had been a topic of considerable online speculation throughout the week leading up to his hosting debut. The close bond between Storrie and Williams, forged during the creation of Heated Rivalry, has been a recurring theme in their public discussions, with both actors frequently emphasizing how the experience of working together on the series has deeply impacted their relationship.
Storrie’s high-profile SNL appearance is likely to fuel further excitement among his burgeoning fanbase, particularly concerning his potential attendance at the upcoming MET Gala. The prestigious event, scheduled for Monday night, has been the subject of considerable speculation regarding the presence of both Storrie and Williams. In recent months, Storrie has been a prominent figure in the luxury fashion world, securing several high-profile brand ambassadorships with esteemed houses such as Saint Laurent and Tiffany & Co. His stylist, James Yardley, and Storrie himself were recently featured on the cover of The Hollywood Reporter‘s Power Stylist issue, a recognition of their collaborative success and influence in shaping contemporary fashion narratives.
The actor’s impactful SNL hosting debut occurred mere months after his breakout performance in Heated Rivalry, the celebrated queer hockey drama. Produced by Canadian streamer Crave and distributed in the U.S. on HBO Max, the series is based on the popular romance novels by Rachel Reid and is set within a fictional professional hockey universe. The show was masterfully created, written, and directed by Letterkenny alum Jacob Tierney, who brought Reid’s compelling characters and narrative arcs to life with remarkable fidelity and artistic vision.
At the core of Heated Rivalry‘s narrative are two fiercely competitive professional hockey players: Shane Hollander, a Canadian born player portrayed by Hudson Williams, who skates for the fictional Montreal Metros, and Ilya Rozanov, a Russia-born player brought to life by Connor Storrie, representing the fictitious Boston Raiders. Their on-ice rivalry serves as a dramatic backdrop for a complex and evolving relationship that spans nearly a decade, transitioning from an intense "situationship" to a deeply committed romance. The series has unequivocally catapulted both Storrie and Williams into stardom, captivating audiences worldwide with their nuanced performances and undeniable chemistry.
In the months following the show’s premiere, Storrie and Williams have enjoyed a meteoric rise. Their visibility has extended to prestigious events, including presenting at the Golden Globe Awards, and they have also participated in the 2026 Olympic Torch Relay, further cementing their status as cultural figures. Both actors have also secured significant post-Heated Rivalry projects. As previously reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Storrie was in discussions to join the cast of Peaked, an A24 comedy helmed by Molly Gordon and SNL writer Allie Levitan. This project appears to have recently concluded its filming schedule.
The immense popularity of Heated Rivalry led to its swift renewal for a second season by Crave, occurring early in the show’s inaugural run. HBO Max has confirmed its continued commitment to airing the series. Production for the second season is slated to commence this summer, with creator Jacob Tierney indicating an August start date during a recent television appearance. Bell Media and Crave have communicated to The Hollywood Reporter that the new season is tentatively scheduled for a spring 2027 release, a timeline that allows for thorough post-production and promotional efforts.
Adding another layer to the Heated Rivalry universe, author Rachel Reid announced earlier this year the upcoming publication of her seventh book in the Game Changers series. This series encompasses both Heated Rivalry and its sequel, The Long Game. The new novel, titled Unrivaled, is set to continue the narrative of Shane and Ilya, delving deeper into their ongoing story. In a recent update, Reid disclosed that the release of Unrivaled has been postponed to 2027, a decision that allows for further development and ensures the highest quality of storytelling for fans invested in the characters’ journey. This extended timeline for the literary continuation mirrors the deliberate and well-supported expansion of the Heated Rivalry franchise across television and literature, promising continued engagement for its dedicated fanbase. The anticipation for both the new season of the show and the next installment of the book series underscores the significant cultural impact Heated Rivalry has achieved.
