Netflix subscribers across the United Kingdom have been enthusiastically praising a compelling new drama series centred on the world of professional figure skating, which has rapidly become a binge-watching favourite. The show, titled Finding Her Edge, premiered on the streaming platform last week and has swiftly ascended the most-watched rankings both domestically and internationally.
A Modern Adaptation with Classic Roots
This engaging teen drama is an adaptation of the Jennifer Iacopelli novel sharing the same name, drawing loose inspiration from Jane Austen's timeless work, Persuasion. The narrative explores themes of second chances in love, as a young woman ends her engagement only to later reconnect for a potential romantic revival.
Plot and Character Dynamics
The Canadian-produced series comprises eight episodes, chronicling the journey of protagonist Adriana Russo, portrayed by actress Madelyn Keys. Adriana is a former figure skating prodigy who makes a poignant return to the sport several years after the tragic death of her mother, an Olympic gold medallist.
Faced with the dual challenge of upholding her family's sporting legacy at the upcoming Olympics and rescuing her family's financially troubled ice rink, Adriana courageously decides to resume her skating career despite her lingering grief. In her search for a suitable ice-dancing partner, she is compelled to collaborate with the last individual she would willingly choose: the arrogant and rebellious Brayden, played by Cale Ambrozic.
Complicating Relationships and On-Ice Chemistry
Adriana's life becomes increasingly complex when her former ice-dancing partner and ex-boyfriend, Freddie O'Connell, portrayed by Olly Atkins, unexpectedly re-enters her life. The official series synopsis hints at the ensuing drama, noting that Freddie initially appears willing to reconcile until he witnesses the undeniable and electrifying chemistry between Adriana and Brayden on the ice.
The central question posed by the storyline is whether Adriana can successfully navigate the intensely competitive realm of ice dancing or if romantic entanglements will jeopardise her Olympic aspirations. Netflix further elaborates that Adriana begins to realise that juggling a love triangle, familial conflicts, and her own professional ambitions may prove an insurmountable task.
Creative Vision and Critical Acclaim
The screen adaptation was developed by writers Jeff Norton, known for Geek Girl, and Shelley Scarrow from Degrassi: The Next Generation. Scarrow emphasised to Netflix's Tudum platform that while the series operates as a dramatic young adult soap, it also functions as a nuanced family drama about reconciliation and healing.
She explained that Adriana shoulders immense responsibility, particularly in safeguarding her mother's legacy through the family rink, which introduces a multitude of new pressures both on and off the skating rink.
Audience and Critical Reception
Since its release, the series has garnered widespread acclaim from viewers, achieving a flawless 100% rating on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes and securing the number five position on Netflix's most-watched chart. Enthusiastic reviewers have commended the show for its authentic character portrayals, meaningful narrative depth, and compelling entertainment value.
One critic highlighted the standout performances that generate anticipation for the cast's future projects, while another appreciated the series' blend of accessibility and substantive storytelling. A third reviewer celebrated the drama as an exhilarating and genuinely entertaining start to the year.
Notable Appearances and Connections
Finding Her Edge also features special guest appearances from renowned Canadian figure skating champions Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, with British champions Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson providing voice-over commentary. The series arrives following the success of another skating-themed production, Heated Rivalry, which recently launched in the UK on Sky and the NOW streaming service.
Heated Rivalry explores the secret romantic relationship between two closeted gay athletes competing in a hyper-masculine ice hockey league, starring Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, and François Arnaud. The production has itself attracted attention, including revelations from actor François Arnaud about last-minute timeline adjustments during editing to maintain continuity.
Arnaud, who portrays a closeted hockey player, disclosed that a chronological discrepancy between the original novel and the filmed series required dialogue alterations, specifically changing a reference from "this year" to accommodate an expanded three-year timeline. This behind-the-scenes insight has intrigued fans, alongside discussions about Arnaud's actual age compared to his on-screen character, sparking social media conversations about his youthful appearance.
With its compelling mix of athletic ambition, familial duty, and romantic tension, Finding Her Edge is now available for streaming on Netflix, offering audiences a captivating glimpse into the high-stakes world of competitive figure skating.
