Cottage owner reflects on Heated Rivalry's season 2 filming

The owner of the iconic cottage weighed privacy against newfound fame before greenlighting a return for the hit series.

Told by Jake Donovan · 31 August 2026

Michael Kutryk, the Toronto doctor who owns the famous cottage from Heated Rivalry, did some serious soul searching before giving the green light for season 2. The cottage, which played a crucial role in season 1, became both a retreat for him and a backdrop for pivotal character moments, like Shane and Ilya's emotional journey. As the show exploded in popularity, Kutryk found himself balancing privacy against the lure of fame — and even rental offers from Airbnb.

In season 1, he let the crew film on a shoestring budget, agreeing to almost nothing in return. But with the show's growing fandom, negotiations changed dramatically. "When they called, they said, 'How much do you want?'" he recalled. His initial request was met with shock and appreciation, but he still values the cottage as his own getaway. Kutryk's uncertainty about future rentals after the series' second season speaks volumes about the tension between public interest and personal space.

As for season 2, it's set to hit screens in spring 2027, and fans are buzzing with excitement over recent casting updates. With more characters set to join the mix, the stakes are higher than ever for both the show and its beloved cottage.