Former First Lady Jill Biden made headlines at a recent New York City charity event when she placed a $35,000 bid for a walk-on role in the hit hockey drama series Heated Rivalry. The auction took place during The Center Dinner, the annual fundraiser for the NYC LGBT Community Center on April 16.
Despite her substantial offer, Dr. Biden was ultimately outbid as two separate donors each pledged $125,000 for the same prize package—which included dinner with the show's cast and a cameo appearance in the upcoming second season. The former First Lady took the loss in stride, later posting on social media: "Guess I won't be heading to the cottage after all—but it was worth a shot. What a wonderful evening supporting @LGBTCenterNYC."
"Tierney and Brady have elevated and centered queer characters as fully realized leads whose desires, conflicts and tenderness are treated with dignity," said Center CEO Dr. Carla Smith in remarks ahead of the event. "By championing our voices, they have brought queer joy and storytelling to the mainstream media."
The event honored Heated Rivalry creator Jacob Tierney and producing partner Brendan Brady for their contributions to LGBTQ+ representation in media. Tierney, who adapted the series from Rachel Reid's book series, confirmed that production on season two is moving forward rapidly.
"We're writing it now. We're getting ready to start shooting this summer," Tierney revealed during a recent television appearance. "There will be more Heated Rivalry on your TVs, like, truly, as soon as humanly possible."
The creator emphasized his commitment to staying faithful to the source material, noting: "I realized a little while ago that what I have to do is go back to where my head was at the first time I wrote, which was love these books and try to make the smartest thing I can make of it."
Fans of the series, which debuted on HBO last November and quickly gained a passionate following, can expect season two to premiere in April 2027. The show follows the romantic entanglements of professional hockey players, with particular focus on the relationship between characters Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.