Margaret Cho has recently opened up about a role she deeply regrets turning down. During a candid conversation on the "I Never Liked You" podcast, the actress and comedian revealed that she passed on a part in the hit LGBTQ+ hockey drama "Heated Rivalry" due to her fear of being detained at the Canadian border due to her outspoken criticism of ICE and the current presidential administration.
"Last year, I received a pilot script for a show that I absolutely loved, but it was filmed in Canada, and I was so scared because I'm so vocal about my dislike for ICE and this administration," Cho explained on the podcast. "I was worried that I would be detained at the border and possibly put in ICE detention if I went."
The decision weighed heavily on her at the time. "I was struggling with it. I had to talk to all of these people about it. And I was super upset about it, and I said no. And it was 'Heated Rivalry'," she said.
Despite her initial hesitation, Cho has since become a fan of the series, which was created by Jacob Tierney and is based on Rachel Reid's Game Changers book series. She noted that she has "watched" the show and even "hosted some rewatch parties."
"The pilot was beautiful, and I was like, 'I want to do this,'" she said.
Cho also hinted that fans may still see her in the show's future. She noted that she has "asked them" about appearing in season 2. "We'll see," she teased.
"Heated Rivalry" follows Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams), a Canadian hockey superstar, and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), a Russian hockey phenom, whose intense rivalry evolves into a secret relationship over several years. The series explores fame, secrecy, and emotional vulnerability as the pair navigate their careers and personal lives.
Ahead of its November 2025 premiere, the Canadian drama was acquired for distribution by HBO Max, where it later became the platform's top-rated non-animated acquired series and one of its top-five scripted debuts of 2025, according to Variety. The show was renewed for a second season in December 2025, before its first season finale aired.
"Heated Rivalry represents the very best of what Canadian creators can deliver: rich characters, compelling drama, and a world audiences want to live in. The response has been extraordinary," said Justin Stockman, vice president of content and programming at Bell Media.
Tierney added, "Watching our show become an international phenomenon has been extraordinary. We're profoundly grateful to everyone that has been on this journey with us. Being renewed for a second season so early is a true honor, and we can't wait to bring you even more of what you love."
During a February appearance on CBS Mornings, Tierney confirmed that season 2 is expected to premiere in April 2027. "This time last year I'd written five [episodes], and this time this year I've written zero of them," Tierney told Variety in December 2025. "So it's going to be a little bit later, but it's still going to be soon." He added, "We understand that everybody's goal is not to do two years between seasons. And at the same time, I don't want to put out a rushed, shitty second season just because the show is very popular. But we're very aware that our creative partners are enthusiastic and don't want to wait too long. We're getting back to work!"
