Margaret Cho Declined Role in 'Heated Rivalry' Due to Travel Concerns During Trump's Second Term
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Comedian Margaret Cho declined a role in the HBO Max series 'Heated Rivalry' last year because she did not want to travel out of the United States during President Donald Trump's second term. The queer hockey drama, which premiered in November 2025, has since been renewed for a second season. Cho has watched the show and hosted rewatch parties.
Facts First
- Margaret Cho declined a role in 'Heated Rivalry' after receiving a pilot script last year.
- She cited not wanting to travel out of the U.S. during President Donald Trump's second term as her reason.
- 'Heated Rivalry' is a queer drama series about hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.
- The show premiered on HBO Max and Crave in November 2025 and was renewed for a second season in December 2025.
- Cho has since watched the series and has hosted rewatch parties.
What Happened
Comedian Margaret Cho revealed on the 'I Never Liked You' podcast that she declined an opportunity to be in the show 'Heated Rivalry'. She stated she turned down the role because she did not want to travel out of the United States during President Donald Trump's second term. Cho received a pilot script for the series last year. The show, which is based on a book series by Rachel Reid, was shot in Canada and released on HBO Max and the Canadian streamer Crave in November 2025.
Why this Matters to You
This story highlights how political climates can influence personal and professional decisions, even in the entertainment industry. For viewers, it means the cast of a popular show might have been different, which could have altered the final product you enjoy. The show's success and renewal suggest it has found its audience regardless.
What's Next
'Heated Rivalry' has been renewed for a second season, which will continue the story of hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Margaret Cho's continued engagement with the series through watching and hosting rewatch parties suggests she remains a fan, and she may be open to future opportunities that do not require international travel.