Netflix’s upcoming young adult drama Finding Her Edge arrives on the streaming platform January 22, 2026, bringing viewers into the glamorous yet demanding realm of competitive figure skating. The eight-episode series, adapted from Jennifer Iacopelli’s 2022 novel of the same title, centers on family legacy, ambition, and tangled romantic entanglements amid the pursuit of championship glory.
Produced by WildBrain in partnership with Netflix, the project filmed in Ontario communities including Barrie and Orillia from February to May 2025. Inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion and drawing from real-world skating dynamics, the story explores the pressures faced by young athletes in a high-stakes environment. Executive producer and showrunner Jeff Norton highlighted the narrative’s blend of dedication and emotional depth, positioning it as an engaging addition to teen-oriented programming.
At the core is the Russo family, whose renowned skating rink faces financial challenges. The three sisters—older Elise, middle Adriana, and younger Maria—work to preserve their parents’ championship heritage. Seventeen-year-old Adriana Russo, portrayed by Madelyn Keys, takes center stage as she prepares for the World Championships with new pairs partner Brayden Elliot, played by Cale Ambrozic. Complicating matters are Adriana’s lingering emotions for her former partner and first love, Freddie O’Connell, brought to life by Oliver “Olly” Atkins.
To secure vital sponsorship and sustain the family rink, Adriana and Brayden agree to present themselves as a couple off the ice, adding layers of pretense to their professional partnership. This setup fuels interpersonal tensions, sibling dynamics, and questions of authenticity in both career and relationships.
The ensemble includes Alexandra Beaton as Elise Russo, Alice Malakhov as Maria Russo, and Millie Davis as Riley Monroe, a close friend navigating the group’s challenges. The cast, largely composed of emerging talents, underwent extensive training to capture the athleticism and grace required for skating sequences. Professional skaters served as doubles to ensure realistic portrayals of routines and competitions.
First-look images released in December 2025 showcase the characters in training sessions, casual moments, and poised group shots, emphasizing the series’ visual appeal with icy backdrops and elegant costumes. Promotional materials underscore themes of perseverance, family bonds, and the balance between personal desires and external expectations.
Author Jennifer Iacopelli expressed enthusiasm about the adaptation, noting its potential to reach a broad audience through Netflix’s global platform. The novel, praised for its romantic elements and sports authenticity, has resonated with readers interested in young adult stories featuring strong female leads and complex relationships.
WildBrain’s involvement aligns with its track record in youth-focused content, following collaborations on various live-action and animated projects. The series targets fans of similar coming-of-age tales, offering a mix of athletic sequences, emotional storytelling, and relatable teen experiences.
Netflix positioned Finding Her Edge within its expanding slate of book-to-screen adaptations, joining recent successes in the romance and drama genres. The January launch coincides with post-holiday viewing periods, when audiences often seek escapist yet heartfelt series.
Supporting the central triangle are explorations of sibling rivalry and support, parental legacies, and the realities of sponsorship in amateur sports. The fake-dating trope provides narrative momentum, while on-ice partnerships highlight trust and synchronization essential to pairs skating.
Production emphasized Canadian locations to ground the story in authentic rink settings, utilizing facilities that evoke the community’s role in nurturing talent. Directors Shamim Sarif and Jacqueline Pepall brought varied perspectives to episodes, balancing intense training montages with quieter character-driven scenes.
Cast members have shared insights into their preparations, with Keys discussing the physical demands of portraying an elite skater and Ambrozic noting the chemistry-building exercises that informed his role. Atkins described Freddie’s arc as one of reflection and growth, adding nuance to the romantic conflicts.
The series distinguishes itself from prior skating-themed projects by focusing on junior-level competition and family-operated rinks, rather than solely Olympic aspirations. This approach allows for grounded stakes, including financial pressures and local community ties.
Early buzz positions Finding Her Edge as a potential standout in Netflix’s young adult offerings, appealing to viewers drawn to sports romances and ensemble family stories. Social media reactions to the announced date and images reflect excitement over the love triangle and skating visuals.
As a Netflix Original in most territories, the full season drops at once, encouraging binge-viewing. In Canada, distribution details adjusted following changes to broadcasting partnerships, but global access remains through the streamer.
Iacopelli’s source material received positive feedback for its handling of ambition and heartbreak, with reviewers noting engaging pacing and relatable character motivations. The adaptation expands on these elements, incorporating subplots for the supporting sisters and friends.
Promotional efforts include teaser images featuring the leads in dynamic poses, hinting at both competitive intensity and off-ice drama. Netflix’s synopsis emphasizes Adriana’s dual pulls—toward a promising new path with Brayden and unresolved history with Freddie.
The project’s development spanned several years, from novel publication to greenlight and production. Announcements in early 2025 built anticipation, with casting reveals drawing attention to the fresh faces headlining the show.
WildBrain executives praised the collaborative process, citing a strong creative team committed to authentic representation of the sport. Skating consultants ensured technical accuracy in routines, from lifts to spins.
Fan communities have speculated on episode arcs based on book details, while newcomers express interest in the genre blend. Hashtags and discussions highlight comparisons to popular teen dramas with romantic and competitive elements.
January’s release slate includes various titles, but Finding Her Edge stands out for its seasonal tie-in—winter sports amid colder months. Viewers anticipate the soundtrack and costume designs, common highlights in similar productions.
The series’ eight-episode format allows focused storytelling, avoiding drawn-out subplots while delivering complete character journeys. Resolution teases potential for further seasons, depending on reception.
Overall, Finding Her Edge promises a fresh entry into streaming teen dramas, combining athletic spectacle with emotional depth. As the premiere approaches, interest continues to build around its portrayal of perseverance on and off the ice.
With a cast poised for breakout moments and a story rooted in timeless themes, the series aims to capture audiences seeking uplifting yet layered entertainment. Netflix subscribers can mark calendars for the January 22 drop, when all episodes become available worldwide.
