Toronto doctor Michael Kutryk has agreed to let television crews return to his private cabin to film season two of drama series Más que rivales.
Kutryk admitted to network HGTV that he had to do soul-searching before allowing the production team back to the property. He knew the production required the location for narrative continuity, but chose not to demand a higher fee despite previous property damage.
When producers contacted Kutryk to negotiate the return and asked how much he wanted to charge, he first pointed out that the crew had scratched his table during the initial shoot. He then offered what he described as a very reasonable price, leaving the production team surprised and grateful, though producers ultimately failed to replace the damaged furniture.
Audiobook discovery and explicit content
Kutryk, a practicing physician in Toronto, first encountered the project before seeing his residence on screen by listening to the audiobook version of Rachel Reid's novel Game Changer, the literary saga upon which the television series is based.
He recalled that his jaw dropped while listening to the explicit nature of the book, which led him to question what the crew would actually film and broadcast inside his home. He ultimately decided not to interfere with creative choices, concluding that the production would film what it needed to film and that what was done was done.
Role in the series narrative
The remote property emerged as one of the most recognizable locations of the first season after appearing in the finale episode, titled The Cottage. In the episode, character Shane Hollander takes Ilya Rozanov to the secluded retreat to escape public scrutiny.
In the series, Hollander, played by Hudson Williams, and Rozanov, played by Connor Storrie, are two rising professional hockey stars who maintain a fierce athletic rivalry on the ice while concealing a private romantic relationship. The cabin serves as a rare sanctuary where the couple can temporarily leave behind their public rivalry and experience their relationship with greater freedom.
Privacy concerns and future access
Despite the location's popularity among fans, Kutryk emphasized that the residence was constructed as a personal sanctuary rather than a commercial filming location or tourist destination. He explained that he is a private individual who built the cabin to escape from the world.
The homeowner noted that he wants to evaluate how fan interest evolves after the broadcast of season two before deciding whether to allow further access. He admitted that he does not know how much longer he will continue sharing the property, leaving the location's availability for a potential third season uncertain.
Broadcast details and production timeline
Season two of Más que rivales was formally confirmed in December 2025 and is scheduled to premiere in April 2027. The series is distributed internationally on streaming platforms HBO Max and Crave.
While production has secured permission to film the upcoming installment, any future return beyond season two will depend on convincing Kutryk to open his private retreat once again.
