I am that person who will remind you that I told you, before the holidays and after the holidays and again last week that Heated Rivalry is still on the ascent, as viral as it was around Christmas, that there was more to come because other territories had yet to start airing it and because, well, the big promotional push in the US was on the way. And here we are, a few days after the Globes, and several cast members are in New York for more media and new sh-t is popping off all the time to keep extending their run of pop culture domination.

Connor Storrie was on the TODAY show this morning, so generous with his time. It wasn’t just a two-part interview, he also went outside with Craig Melvin to greet the crowd and do a throw to the other hosts…

…and agreed to tease his appearance before a commercial break.

This is the kind of thing his team will be shutting down a year from now and definitely later in his career but six weeks into his fame, they’re saying yes to most requests, as they should. Especially when the talent is this charming and not behaving like assholes getting high off their own fresh celebrity.

The cutest part of Connor’s interview, to me at least, is when he’s asked about being at the Globes and networking – and he admits to approaching a director (who he declines to name) and basically pitching himself for his next project, at which point he was redirected, LOL. We’re all thirsty for them but they have their own thirst too! And they’re taking advantage of their newfound access to put themselves out there, I like the hustle!

While Connor was on TODAY this morning, François Arnaud was on CBS This Morning yesterday. He talked to Gayle King about why people have responded to the show the way they have, and how, yes, the Heated Rivalry we know and love could only have been made in Canada by Crave because other broadcasters had stupid notes that would have changed the spirit of the story.

And then… François met Oprah.

It’s been wonderful to see that it’s not just Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie getting all the shine, that François has also been getting a boost in profile. You can imagine how surreal this moment would be for him, to be brought to Oprah, which means she would have approved of him being brought to her, and for it to be filmed and shared. And also for her to let people know that she has, indeed, watched the show. And is thrilled about its success. No matter how you feel about Oprah, this is a big co-sign for everyone involved with Heated Rivalry. I’m not sure if François can quite believe it.

 

Finally, Hudson is in NYC too. He was papped while out shopping – and this means he’s had at least a few hours of free time!

Here’s the part of Connor’s interview where he talks about shooting his shot at the Globes. 

Hudson Williams out in New York, January 13, 2026

Photo credits: BlayzenPhotos/ Backgrid

Share this post