The sensational success of HBO's groundbreaking series Heated Rivalry has ignited intense speculation about potential spin-offs, with one of its main supporting actors fuelling the fire during a recent television appearance. Francois Arnaud, who portrays the character Scott in the critically acclaimed gay hockey drama, has openly teased that viewers can expect to see much more of his role in the future.
Spin-Off Hints and Character Returns
During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen this week, Arnaud addressed direct questions from viewers about whether a dedicated spin-off series focusing on both his character Scott and Kip, played by Robbie Graham-Kuntz, might be in development. 'I'm hearing all sorts of things,' Arnaud revealed cryptically, adding significant weight to the swirling rumours.
He elaborated further, stating 'I'm sure you will see more of them, whether it's in the main show or in a spin-off. I'm as anxious as you are to know.' This confirmation that both characters will return has sent the show's passionate fanbase into a frenzy of anticipation about what form their continued story might take.
Behind-the-Scenes Romance Rumours Intensify
While Arnaud has recently been linked romantically to the show's leading man Connor Storrie, following sightings together at JFK Airport, Daily Mail can exclusively reveal a potentially more significant development. Multiple eyewitnesses report that Arnaud and Graham-Kuntz were spotted sharing intimate moments at a prestigious Hollywood event earlier this month.
The pair attended a Golden Globes after-party hosted by Spotify and The Hollywood Reporter on January 8th. Although they maintained a professional demeanour on the red carpet, sources inside the event describe a very different scene. 'They totally looked like a couple, but maybe they're just REALLY good friends,' remarked one partygoer, capturing the ambiguous nature of their interaction.
Podcaster Zack Peter, who was present at the gathering, later stated on his No Filter podcast that the actors were 'all over each other and making out', adding 'They were acting like boyfriends in real life.' Representatives for both Arnaud and Graham-Kuntz have been contacted for comment regarding these observations.
Arnaud's Fiery Response to Personal Questions
When directly questioned by host Andy Cohen about his relationship status during the same television appearance, the notoriously private Arnaud delivered a characteristically blunt response. 'None of your f***ing business,' he stated, clearly annoyed by the personal line of questioning. This reaction stands in stark contrast to his openness about professional matters concerning the show's future.
A Record-Breaking Television Phenomenon
Heated Rivalry has cemented its place as a cultural phenomenon, achieving what few series ever manage. Its fifth episode, titled I'll Believe In Anything, recently matched the legendary status of Breaking Bad's Ozymandias by earning a perfect 10-star rating on IMDb, making it one of the highest-rated television episodes in history.
The series, which originated on Canadian streaming service Crave before being acquired by HBO Max for the US market, adapts a viral BookTok sensation. It follows the secret, years-spanning romantic entanglement between two rival hockey players, featuring explicit gay sex scenes that creator Jacob Tierney fiercely defended during production.
Speaking to Slate last month, Tierney recalled network executives suggesting the male leads, played by Storrie and Hudson Williams, should delay consummating their relationship until a potential second season. 'I was like, "What are you f***ing talking about?!" These books are p**n. You think that the audience is here despite that? They’re here for this. This is what they want,' Tierney remembered, emphasising his commitment to the source material's authenticity.
The writer-director joked about his ambition to create 'premium smut' and expressed satisfaction that he 'trusted his gut' regarding the show's sensual content, which has clearly resonated powerfully with audiences worldwide.
An Expanding Universe and Assured Future
With a second season already confirmed, which will continue to explore the central love story between Williams and Storrie's characters, the creative team is looking beyond the main narrative. Tierney has hinted at a much broader vision for the Heated Rivalry world in conversations with Rolling Stone.
'We have a whole universe here, and so there’s loads of other things that we’re thinking about and that we’re gonna explore and that we’re gonna start to take more seriously now that we know that there’s an audience for it,' Tierney explained. 'And that’s pretty exciting, so I’m looking forward to really digging into this world.'
This statement strongly aligns with Arnaud's teasing comments about potential spin-offs, suggesting that the show's remarkable success has greenlit ambitious plans for narrative expansion. The combination of record-breaking viewership, critical acclaim, and now swirling off-screen rumours creates a perfect storm of publicity as the series prepares for its next chapter.
