Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
It was announced this morning that Starz's professional wrestling drama Heels has been renewed for season two. Production will begin next year with the series returning to Georgia to produce.
“It’s clear from the critical and fan acclaim that the stories and characters from the Duffy Wrestling League have made a connection with audiences bringing a community that is not often found to premium TV,” said Starz president and CEO Jeffrey Hirsch. “I’m excited for our amazing cast and executive producers to get back into the ring together for a second season.”
The series, based in the fictional town of Duffy, Georgia, is a deep exploration of professional wrestling on an independent level and what drives those at that level to pursue and maintain their dreams. The Spade family are the nucleus of the series as they, led by Duffy Wrestling League owner, booker and lead heel Jack Space (Stephen Amell of "Arrow") attempt to keep the DWL going in the wake of the recent death of the family patriarch, legendary pro wrestler Tom Spade.
Jack's rivalry in front of the fans with his brother Ace (Alexander Ludwig of "Vikings") is nothing compared to the battles they have behind the scenes about what's best for the promotion. At the same time, Jack's unrelenting obsession and drive to keep the DWL going financially in the face of another promotion encroaching on their territory sends ripple effects home to his family, especially his wife Staci Spade, brilliantly played by Broadway star Alison Luff, in her first major starring TV role. Meanwhile, Ace's valet and love interest Crystal deals with the disrespect of "only" being a valet even though it's obvious her keen insight into the business is outpaced only by her love for Ace.
The first season of the series was nothing short of excellent, including appearances from CM Punk as grizzled Southern wrestling veteran Ricky Rabies (obviously a take on the late Tracy Smothers) and Mick Foley playing a podcaster who will stop at nothing to get to the truth during an interview with Jack Spade.
Longtime wrestler and stunt actor Luke Hawx (Logan, The Fate of the Furious) is lead wrestling coordinator for the series. Hawx was profiled for his work as the Wrestling Coordinator on Starz's Heels in emmy, e magazine for the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
The official promotional material for the series notes, "Set in a tightly-knit Georgia community and telling the story of two brothers (played by Amell and Ludwig) chasing their dreams of becoming professional wrestlers and the people in their orbit, Heels is a gripping drama that tells the story of small town America like nothing else. Hear them discuss the making of the show — their intensive training, blurring the line between heroes and villains (or “heels,” as they’re called in the wrestling world), stories from behind the scenes, and more."
Stephen Amell took to Twitter to comment on the renewal:
I want my belt back. pic.twitter.com/T9KqoJgEmJ
— Stephen Amell (@StephenAmell) November 3, 2021
Additional from Paul Jordan:
Mike O'Malley will return as showrunner/Executive Producer and on-screen villain Charlie Gulley.
Trey Tucker (Bobby Pin) and Robbie Ramos (Diego Cottonmouth) have been upped to series regulars in season two.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
