Heated Rivalry cabin owner needed soul searching before season 2
Direct answer: Michael Kutryk, the owner of the cabin featured in HBO Max's Heated Rivalry Season 1 finale, told HGTV he needed "soul searching" before allowing the production to return for Season 2. The Toronto doctor built the remote retreat as a private escape and only agreed after weighing the show's needs against his desire to keep the property personal.
Key Takeaways
- Michael Kutryk owns the cabin seen in the Season 1 finale episode "The Cottage."
- He told HGTV he hesitated before inviting HBO back, despite knowing the show needed the location.
- Kutryk named a "very reasonable" price when producers called and did not replace a scratched table.
- Season 2 was greenlit in December 2025 and is expected in April 2027.
- Kutryk may stop sharing the retreat depending on demand after Season 2 airs.
Why Did the 'Heated Rivalry' Cabin Owner Hesitate About Season 2?
Michael Kutryk, a Toronto doctor and the owner of the Heated Rivalry cabin, said he did "a little bit of soul searching" before allowing HBO's production team to return. In an interview with HGTV, he explained that he built the house as a retreat to get away from the world.
"I know they need it, and I realize I could be difficult and try to squeeze them, but I couldn't bring myself to do that," Kutryk said. His hesitation reflects the tension between supporting a hit series and protecting a space he treats as deeply personal.
What Happened When HBO Called About Returning?
When producers reached out for Season 2, Kutryk said they asked, "How much do you want?" He first told them they had scratched his table, then named what he described as a very reasonable price.
According to Kutryk, the team was "shocked and appreciative." He noted that he did not even get them to replace the damaged table. The exchange suggests he prioritized goodwill over maximizing rental fees for the famous filming location.
How Did the Cabin Become Part of 'Heated Rivalry'?
Kutryk's house appeared in the Season 1 finale, "The Cottage," where Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) brings Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) to his remote family cabin for a private getaway. The HBO Max and Crave series follows up-and-coming hockey stars who compete fiercely on the ice while hiding a secret romance.
Kutryk said his "jaw just dropped" when he first listened to Rachel Reid's audiobook Game Changer, on which the show is based. The explicit content made him wonder what would be filmed and shown, but he accepted that "they're gonna film what they're gonna film."
Will the Cabin Stay Available After Season 2?
Kutryk told HGTV he will assess demand after Season 2 airs before deciding how much longer he will share the property. "I'm a private guy. This is my retreat," he said. "I built this to get away from the world, so I don't know how much longer I'll continue to share it."
Heated Rivalry was greenlit for a second season in December 2025 and is expected to release in April 2027. Production will again involve HBO Max and Crave, the Canadian platform that co-produces the hockey romance. For more updates on streaming productions and filming locations, follow our Streaming & TV Alerts coverage. The full interview details were reported by Variety.