After Two Long Years, 'Heels' Is Finally Back on Starz
The name of the Starz series Heels may imply it's a show about footwear and fashion. But anyone who's followed along since the first season premiered on Aug. 15, 2021 knows that's not the case.
Heels is actually a sibling-rivalry drama created by Michael Waldron set against the backdrop of the world of independent wrestling. The title is a reference to the "heel," or villain character, in pro wrestling. In the case of the show, that villain is Jack Spade (Stephen Amell), big bro to hero (or "face") Ace Spade (Alexander Ludwig).
Starz renewed Heels for a second season in November 2021, but the show is only just slated to return this summer. In short, it's been a while. Here's everything you need to know about Season 2 of Heels, including info on the release date, cast, trailer and more.
What happened at the end of Heels Season 1?
The Starz drama Heels is about brothers Jack and Ace, small-town pro wrestlers who spar over how to run their late father's business, Duffy Wrestling League, and who gets to be its star.
In the Season 1 finale, "Double Turn," DWL is featured on its biggest stage yet, but Jack and Ace—who are at each other's throats—are far from celebratory. In the final match of the episode, they're involved in a bloody (and not-staged) fight in the ring when Crystal (Kelli Berglund) swoops in to try to script a better ending and winds up claiming the DWL championship belt herself.
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Is there a Heels Season 2?
Yes. Heels Season 2 will premiere on Starz on July 28, 2023.
Is Heels based on a true story?
No. Heels is not based on a true story. The Spade brothers aren't inspired by real-life characters, and even the town of Duffy, Georgia, is fictional. The show offers a made-up portrayal of the world of independent wrestling. But star Stephen Amell says it isn't even really about wrestling so much as it is about something much larger.
“We’re not just making a wrestling show,” Amell told the New York Times. “This is a show about people wanting more out of life.”
Who is cast in Heels Season 2?
Stephen Amell as Jack Spade
Stephen Amell plays villain (heel) Jack Spade, older brother of Ace. Jack is also the proprietor of Duffy Wrestling League (DWL), a fictional small-town wrestling business once owned by the brothers' late father. Amell was previously known for his role as Oliver Queen on The CW's Arrow and also had a brief pro-wrestling career that included guest appearances on WWE's RAW.
Alexander Ludwig as Ace Spade
Alexander Ludwig stars as Ace Spade, Jack's little brother and the hero (face). He played Cato in The Hunger Games (2012). During Heels' hiatus, Ludwig released his first country music album, Highway 99, on Aug. 26, 2022.
Alison Luff as Staci Spade
Alison Luff plays Jack's wife, Staci. The two have a rocky relationship, and it's unclear if they'll be on the ins or outs when Season 2 drops. Texas-born Luff once played Elphaba on the First National Tour of Wicked.
Mary McCormack as Willie Day
Mary McCormack's resume includes roles in Murder One, The West Wing and In Plain Sight. On Heels, she takes on the part of Jack's business partner, Willie Day.
Kelli Berglund as Crystal Tyler
Kelli Berglund plays Crystal Tyler, a valet with a thing for Ace. In Season 1, her quick thinking ultimately resulted in her claiming the coveted DWL championship belt. Berglund is no stranger to Starz, having previously starred as Carly Carson in the 2019 drama Now Apocalypse.
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Allen Maldonado as Rooster Robbins
Rooster Robbins is one of DWL's big-name wrestlers. Allen Maldonado's most notable roles include Curtis in Black-Ish and Bobby in The Last O.G.
James Harrison as Apocalypse
James Harrison plays the veteran (but disillusioned) wrestler Apocalypse. The actor is a former NFL outside linebacker who won a pair of Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Roxton Garcia as Thomas Spade
Roxton Garcia portrays the son of Jack and Staci, Thomas Spade. Other credits for the tween actor include The Lost Husband (2020) and Reminiscence (2021).
Chris Bauer as Wild Bill Hancock
Chris Bauer, whose notable credits include those in The Wire and True Blood, plays wrestler-turned-scout Wild Bill Hancock.
Is Heels on Starz?
Yes. Heels premiered on Starz on Aug. 15, 2021. Season 2 starts on the channel on July 28, 2023.
How to watch Heels without Starz
If you don't have Starz but want to watch Heels, you can purchase or rent it through Amazon Instant Video, Google Play or Vudu.
What is the Heels Season 2 release date?
The second season of Heels premieres July 28, 2023.
How many episodes are in Heels Season 2?
It's unclear how many episodes will be a part of Heels Season 2, but Season 1 consisted of eight episodes.
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Is there a Heels Season 2 trailer?
Not yet. But with the premiere date set for July 28, at least a teaser could come out soon. In the meantime, enjoy this flashback clip from Season 1 of Heels, tweeted by Amell in April, that suggests Season 2 is going to be next-level.
This summer the DWL goes to another level… but first… you have to see how it all started. #HeelsS2 pic.twitter.com/UtXinkMghp
— Stephen Amell (@StephenAmell) April 1, 2023
