David Friend

Your 'Heated Rivalry' hub: All the news about the hit Crave show The hit Canadian TV show starring Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie has become a cultural phenomenon. Here's everything to know.

"Heated Rivalry" is the phenomenon that just can't quit you.

So, the Toronto Star created a news hub for the latest newsworthy developments on Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, Jacob Tierney and everything else tied to the Crave TV series.

Check it out:
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...

Nicki Minaj’s social media propped up by thousands of bots, analysis finds An analysis shared with POLITICO reveals the rap sensation’s advocacy for conservative causes has been amplified by an army of bots and coordinated activity.

"(Disinformation detection company) Cyabra identified one day, Dec. 26, when fake profiles made up 56 percent of all comments on political posts made by Nicki Minaj." (Politico)
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...

Joni Mitchell plans return to Canada for 2026 Juno Awards, may perform The singer-songwriter will receive a lifetime achievement award at the March 29 ceremony in Hamilton.

Joni Mitchell is coming back to Canada for the 2026 Juno Awards — and she might even perform on the broadcast.

Plans are underway to make Mitchell's lifetime achievement award moment something truly special...

www.thestar.com/entertainmen...

Riveting.

Heated Rivalry: Inside Toronto's fevered fandom Why the city's love of the hit Crave show has echoes of Eras Tour fandom.

‘More popular than Taylor Swift’: Inside the ‘Heated Rivalry’ frenzy taking over Toronto

Eddie Izzard is playing all 23 roles in ‘Hamlet’ in Toronto. She says it’s no big deal The production, starring the British comic actor, opens at the CAA Theatre on Feb. 25.

Eddie Izzard is playing all 23 roles in "Hamlet" on stage. She says it's no big deal.

My Q&A with the actor and comic about going solo in theatre and a recent decision to come out as transgender.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...

Heated Rivalry: Inside Toronto's fevered fandom Local enthusiasts known as "Loons" tell us about their obsession with the Canadian Crave show.

"This has taken over my life."

Inside Toronto’s rapturous "Heated Rivalry" fandom, where a cottage industry of sold-out trivia nights, drag brunches, and dance parties is answering the call of the "Loons."

www.thestar.com/entertainmen...

Eric Dane, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Euphoria’ Star, Dies at 53 Eric Dane, the film and television actor who appeared on “Grey's Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” has died at 53.

Eric Dane, McSteamy on "Grey’s Anatomy," Jason Dean on "Charmed" and "Euphoria" star, dies at 53 after being diagnosed with ALS. (Variety) variety.com/2026/tv/news...

Orbitz are back...sort of.

@karonliu.bsky.social looks at how the filmmakers behind "Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie" resurrected the obscure Canadian beverage from the '90s for their new movie.

The story: www.thestar.com/entertainmen...

Robert Duvall, All-Purpose Actor With Few Peers, Dies at 95 The seven-time Oscar nominee, a winner for 'Tender Mercies,' also was memorable in 'The Godfather,' 'Apocalypse Now,' 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and 'Lonesome Dove.'

Actor Robert Duvall has died at 95.

The seven-time Oscar nominee starred in the first two Godfather films, Apocalypse Now, The Great Santini and Network.
(Hollywood Reporter) www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...

Steve’s Music Store, pillar of Toronto’s music scene, is officially closing its doors The store that lured in rock stars and weekend hobbyists and everything in between is closing its doors, prompting a flood of memories for music lovers.

Steve's Music Store is officially closing its Toronto location.

The Montreal liquidator confirmed to me today that the Queen and Spadina shop, which opened in 1977, will permanently close in a few weeks.

The latest:
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...

James Van Der Beek, ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Star, Dies at 48 James Van Der Beek, who was known for playing Dawson Leary on "Dawson's Creek" and for numerous other TV and film roles, has died. He was 48.

James Van Der Beek, "Dawson’s Creek" and "Varsity Blues" actor, dies at 48 (Variety) variety.com/2026/tv/news...

Pride Flag Is Removed From Stonewall Monument After Trump Directive

Pride flag is removed from Stonewall monument after Trump directive (NYT)

www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/u...

After 73 years, beloved Toronto diner Patrician Grill to close: ‘It’s time to move on’ The family-run restaurant has survived decades of change, but owners have accepted an offer to sell the King and Sherbourne landmark.

Toronto's Patrician Grill, which fed the city and played a part in countless Hollywood movie productions, is set to close after 73 years.

www.thestar.com/life/food-an...

Iconic Queen West retailer Steve’s Music Store liquidating its inventory The Montreal-founded company announced a massive sale over the weekend that includes four other locations in Ottawa and Quebec.

Toronto's Steve's Music Store is liquidating its inventory as the company begins a restructuring process aimed at saving the business.

My story: www.thestar.com/entertainmen...

Cineplex to close another Toronto location Cineplex, in a statement to The Star, confirmed plans to shut down operations at Cineplex Beaches at the end of business on Feb.17.

Cineplex says it's closing down its Toronto Beaches location.

www.thestar.com/news/gta/cin...

‘Heated Rivalry’ Reaches 10.6 Million Viewers in The U.S. With Audience Increasing by Over 100% Since Finale 'Heated Rivalry' has reached 10.6 million viewers in the U.S. to date, and the show's audience has more than doubled since the Season 1 finale.

"Heated Rivalry" reaches 10.6 million viewers in the U.S. with audience more than doubling since the season finale (Variety)

So Long to Cheap Books You Could Fit in Your Pocket

So long to cheap books you could fit in your pocket.

The paperback is writing its final chapter as consumer habits move to other formats. (NYT)

www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/b...

AP/CP style

‘Heated Rivalry’ Book Sales Boost HarperCollins to Quarterly Revenue Record "Ice hockey stereotypes are melting away as players pursue each other, and a puck," News Corp. CEO Robert Thomson told Wall Street analysts Thursday.

"Heated Rivalry" book sales boost HarperCollins to quarterly revenue record (Hollywood Reporter) www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/bus...

I heard him on Kimmel last week and it was kind of distracting, but I'm so excited to hear this is a goodie.

Tate McRae draws criticism from Canadians after starring in NBC ad promoting American Olympians The Canadian pop singer appeared in an ad promoting American athletes on Wednesday.

Calgary native Tate McRae draws criticism from Canadians after starring in NBC ad promoting American Olympians

The details:
www.thestar.com/sports/olymp...

Why the ‘Melania’ doc is playing in Canada and what its surprising box office numbers mean The Amazon-backed project earned more than $7 million on opening weekend, a product of the strangle-hold the Trumps have over their voters.

Why is the "Melania" doc playing in Canada?
What does its box office performance mean?

@joshuachong.bsky.social does a nice job separating the reality from the hype...

www.thestar.com/entertainmen...

Grammys 2026 highlights: Kendrick Lamar breaks Jay-Z’s record; Justin Bieber performs in his boxers Plus, musicians got political in their speeches, and Canadian artists celebrated wins.

"No one is illegal on stolen land."

Billie Eilish uses her surprise Grammys win to speak out, while Kendrick Lamar smashes Jay-Z’s rap record.

My look at this year's Grammy Awards, from Joni Mitchell's silent protest to Justin Bieber's boxers.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...

Grammys 2026 highlights: Kendrick Lamar breaks Jay-Z’s record; Justin Bieber performs in his boxers Plus, musicians got political in their speeches, and Canadian artists celebrated wins.

"No one is illegal on stolen land."

Billie Eilish uses her surprise Grammys win to speak out, while Kendrick Lamar smashes Jay-Z’s rap record.

My look at this year's Grammy Awards, from Joni Mitchell's silent protest to Justin Bieber's boxers.
www.thestar.com/entertainmen...

This Toronto Grammy nominee wants to change how we hear music. But are listeners ready to be immersed in sound? Composer and mix engineer Justin Gray is up for the best immersive audio album at Sunday's awards.

Grammy nominee Justin Gray wants to change the way you hear music. But are listeners ready to be immersed in sound?

My look at the Toronto music professor whose new album also picked up a Juno nomination last week.

www.thestar.com/entertainmen...

Imagine spending $35 million on marketing for a $7 million return that probably could've drawn the same audience with a $3 million to $5 million ad budget.

Starbucks’ revamped loyalty program will leave customers with a bitter aftertaste Anyone paying attention to their Stars balance can see the new math won’t work in their favour

"Starbucks’ revamped loyalty program will leave customers with a bitter aftertaste"

...especially ones who are spending less than $250 a year there. (Globe & Mail)
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/f5e5196...

At a Grammys Light on Drama, All Eyes Will Be on Bad Bunny

At a Grammys light on drama, all eyes Sunday night will be on Bad Bunny, who could take home album of the year, a week before his Super Bowl half time show. (NYT) www.nytimes.com/2026/01/31/a...