Jesse Starcher and Mark Radulich present their Heels Season 2 TV Show Review! Heels is an American drama television series about professional wrestling created by Michael Waldron that premiered on August 15, 2021, on Starz. In November 2021, the series was renewed for a second season, which premiered on July 28, 2023. In September 2023, the series was cancelled after two seasons.

Season 2 of Heels, the Starz wrestling drama series, continued to explore the complex world of professional wrestling while expanding on its behind-the-scenes production challenges, casting changes, and eventual cancellation. While the season delved deeper into the themes of family dynamics, loyalty, and the blurred lines between real-life identities and wrestling personas, its production history offered equally compelling narratives.

Heels Season 2 faced significant hurdles during its production, largely due to delays stemming from the pandemic. Originally greenlit shortly after the first season’s modestly successful run, production faced multiple setbacks before finally resuming in early 2022. Filming took place in Atlanta, Georgia, the same location used for the fictional town of Duffy. The production leaned heavily on authenticity, working closely with wrestling consultants and choreographers to ensure that the in-ring action remained realistic and compelling. Several scenes were shot in real wrestling venues, adding to the gritty, small-town wrestling atmosphere the show is known for.

The show’s creators, including Michael Waldron (Loki, Rick and Morty), continued to emphasize authenticity in their portrayal of the indie wrestling scene. The writing team focused on balancing the physicality of wrestling with the deeply emotional struggles of the characters, drawing parallels between the scripted nature of wrestling and the real-life performances people put on to navigate their personal lives. Season 2 also aimed to tackle broader themes like the commercialization of wrestling and the sacrifices required to achieve success, both in and out of the ring.

The core cast returned for Season 2, with Stephen Amell reprising his role as Jack Spade, the ambitious but deeply flawed wrestling promoter, and Alexander Ludwig as Ace Spade, Jack’s charismatic younger brother struggling to find his identity. Alison Luff, Mary McCormack, and Kelli Berglund also returned to round out the central ensemble, each bringing depth to their respective roles.

The show welcomed several notable guest stars in Season 2, including appearances by real-life wrestling legends such as CM Punk, who reprised his role as Ricky Rabies. Punk’s inclusion was particularly exciting for fans, as his wrestling background lent credibility to the show’s portrayal of the sport. AJ Mendez (formerly AJ Lee), a retired professional wrestler, also joined the cast in a recurring role, adding an authentic voice to the wrestling-centric narrative. Additionally, several independent wrestlers and local talents were hired for in-ring sequences and background roles, showcasing the creators’ commitment to highlighting real wrestling talent.

Season 2 continued to explore themes of family loyalty, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and performance. Jack Spade’s struggle to balance his role as a promoter, wrestler, and family man took center stage, reflecting the sacrifices often demanded by small-town entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, Ace Spade’s journey was one of redemption and self-discovery, as he grappled with his own insecurities and the expectations placed on him by others.

The show’s narrative also tackled the tension between tradition and modernization within the wrestling industry. Storylines explored the conflict between preserving the purity of indie wrestling and the pressure to adopt more commercial, crowd-pleasing elements to stay financially viable. This theme resonated with real-world wrestling fans, many of whom have witnessed similar debates in promotions like WWE and AEW.

Heels Season 2 premiered on Starz on July 28, 2023, with episodes released weekly. This traditional release schedule aimed to build anticipation and engagement, but some fans lamented the lack of a binge-watch option, which had proven successful for other streaming platforms. Despite the weekly schedule, viewership numbers struggled to meet expectations, a factor that likely contributed to the show’s eventual cancellation.

The cancellation of Heels after its second season was announced in late 2023, much to the disappointment of its dedicated fanbase. Despite its critical acclaim and passionate following among wrestling enthusiasts, the series struggled to maintain consistent viewership. Starz, like many streaming platforms, faced increasing pressure to prioritize shows with high audience retention and broader appeal, leading to the decision to cut Heels from its lineup.

Fans took to social media to express their disappointment, with many praising the show’s unique premise and authentic portrayal of wrestling culture. Campaigns to save the series began circulating online, but the financial realities of the streaming industry made a revival unlikely. The cancellation was part of a larger wave of cuts across various platforms as streaming services reevaluated their content strategies amidst shifting market dynamics.

While Heels may not have had the longevity fans hoped for, its second season cemented its reputation as a heartfelt and authentic exploration of the wrestling world. The show’s commitment to telling emotionally resonant stories, paired with its dedication to accurately depicting indie wrestling, earned it a loyal fanbase and critical praise. For many, Heels stands as a testament to the power of niche storytelling and the enduring appeal of stories that spotlight the underdog spirit. Even in cancellation, Heels remains a meaningful piece of television, offering a rare glimpse into a world that is often overlooked by mainstream media. The series’ exploration of themes like family, identity, and ambition resonates far beyond the wrestling ring, leaving an impact that fans will carry with them long after the final bell has rung.

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Family Will Face Off Heels Season 2 TV Show Review

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Mark Radulich and Co. discuss big television series on a semi-regular basis. They might talk about a show from the past. Then, there’s also the chance a show from the present appears too. You never really know what’s the topic of conversation. Regardless, Winfree and Radulich dive deep into it. They discuss series themes. The overall impact. Of course, they give their opinions on whether it is worth watching as well.

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About Radulich in Broadcasting’s Beginnings

Mark Radulich has been an internet personality since 2004 with his Progressive Conservatism blog. He then took that blog to the airwaves and created a podcast for it. It then changed to PC Live. After that, he brought out the 411mania Ground and Pound Radio as well.

Also, Mark would partner up with another 411mania alum, Sean Comer, to create the movie franchise review podcast Long Road to Ruin and then Robert Cooper to create the metal album review podcast, The Metal Hammer of Doom. Robert Winfree then added his own podcast, Everybody Loves a Bad Guy. That’s when the Radulich in Broadcasting Network was born. Joining Winfree in having their own podcasts were super fans Jesse Starcher (Source Material). Finally, Winfree and Radulich added a weekly movie review show to the ever-growing lists of podcasts on the Network called Damn You Hollywood.