Finding Her Edge captivates audiences with its glittering blend of high-stakes figure skating, heartfelt family drama, and sizzling romantic tension. Netflix’s Canadian teen series, which premiered on January 22, 2026, has quickly become a breakout hit, drawing viewers into the frosty yet passionate world of competitive ice dancing. Adapted from Jennifer Iacopelli’s bestselling YA novel of the same name, the show follows the Russo sisters as they fight to preserve their family’s struggling Ontario ice rink and Olympic legacy amid personal heartaches and professional pressures.
At the heart of the story stands Adriana Russo, portrayed with raw vulnerability by Madelyn Keys. As the middle sister and a talented 17-year-old ice dancer, Adriana returns to competitive skating after a hiatus, pairing up with the charismatic but unpredictable Brayden Elliot (Cale Ambrozic). Their chemistry on the ice is undeniable—electric lifts, synchronized spins, and intense eye contact that make every routine feel like a private conversation. Yet Adriana’s heart remains tethered to her former partner and first love, Freddie O’Connell (Olly Atkins), whose reappearance on the competition circuit stirs up old flames and unresolved emotions.
The eight-episode first season masterfully builds this love triangle while layering in the Russo family’s struggles. Widower Will Russo (Harmon Walsh), the patriarch and former gold-medalist coach, pours everything into keeping the family rink afloat. Older sister Elise (Alexandra Beaton) grapples with her own career setbacks, while younger sister Maria adds youthful optimism and occasional comic relief. Financial strain forces tough choices: sponsorship deals, reality TV rumors, and even a staged romance between Adriana and Brayden to boost their marketability. These elements create a soapy, addictive narrative that echoes classics like Spinning Out but carves its own path with authentic skating sequences and nuanced teen perspectives.
What truly sets Finding Her Edge apart is its portrayal of the physical and emotional toll of elite sports. The training montages showcase grueling rehearsals, falls on unforgiving ice, and the mental fortitude required for elements like death spirals and throw jumps. Choreography feels realistic, thanks to input from professional skaters, making viewers feel the adrenaline rush and the ache of bruised bodies. Adriana’s journey isn’t just about landing a perfect program—it’s about reclaiming her confidence after injury and heartbreak, learning to trust a new partner, and confronting whether her dreams align with her heart.
The romantic tension simmers throughout. Brayden starts as the “bad boy” archetype—cocky, rebellious, with a troubled past that hints at deeper layers. His partnership with Adriana begins professionally, but stolen glances during lifts and late-night rink talks reveal genuine connection. Freddie, by contrast, represents familiarity and lost potential; their history is tender yet painful, marked by a partnership that ended abruptly. The fake-dating ploy for sponsors adds delicious complications—public displays that blur into real feelings, jealous outbursts, and moments of quiet intimacy away from the cameras.
Season 1 ends on a cliffhanger that left fans reeling. After a pivotal competition, Adriana faces a heartbreaking decision between loyalty to her past and the pull toward her present. The final scene—Adriana alone on the ice, staring at an empty rink as snow falls outside—feels unresolved, teasing greater emotional stakes ahead. Social media exploded with reactions: #TeamBrayden trended alongside pleas for Adriana to choose the partner who challenges and grows with her. Fans praised the slow-burn chemistry between Keys and Ambrozic, noting how their on-ice synchronicity mirrored off-ice sparks.
The renewal announcement came swiftly on February 3, 2026, just days after premiere buzz propelled the original novel back onto bestseller lists. Netflix Tudum confirmed Season 2, with creator insights hinting at deeper exploration of the characters’ futures. Promotional teases suggest Adriana and Brayden will take center stage as a couple, evolving their relationship from forced proximity to authentic partnership. Expect more intense training for higher-level competitions, family revelations, and romantic milestones that reward patient viewers.
This shift promises to satisfy the audience craving resolution. Brayden’s growth arc—moving beyond bravado to vulnerability—pairs perfectly with Adriana’s need for a partner who sees her fully, flaws and ambitions alike. Their dynamic offers the kind of slow-burn romance that builds trust through shared triumphs and failures on the ice. Imagine charged rehearsals turning into confessions, joint victories celebrating not just medals but mutual respect, and perhaps a defining moment where Adriana finally lets go of the past to embrace what’s real.
Beyond romance, Season 2 will likely delve into the sisters’ individual paths. Elise’s potential comeback, Maria’s emerging talent, and Will’s emotional healing add rich layers. The rink itself—once a symbol of fading glory—could become a place of renewal, hosting new generations while honoring the family’s history.
Visually, the series shines. Sweeping shots of the Ontario landscape contrast with the intimate glow of arena lights. Costumes sparkle with sequins and elegance, while the soundtrack mixes contemporary pop with orchestral swells during routines. Skating doubles ensure technical accuracy, capturing the beauty and danger of pairs elements.
Finding Her Edge excels at blending spectacle with substance. It celebrates the artistry of figure skating while honestly depicting its sacrifices—body image pressures, performance anxiety, and the fear of failure. Adriana’s arc resonates with anyone who’s ever chased a dream at personal cost, making her relatable amid the glamour.
For fans of sports dramas like The Cutting Edge or teen romances with high stakes, this series delivers. The unresolved ending of Season 1 wasn’t a flaw—it was deliberate buildup, heightening anticipation for what’s next. With Adriana and Brayden poised to become an official couple, Season 2 promises passion, growth, and the thrill of watching two people find harmony both on and off the ice.
As the renewal hype builds, one thing is clear: this story is far from over. The edge Adriana seeks isn’t just technical perfection—it’s emotional truth, love that endures pressure, and the courage to choose herself. Viewers who’ve fallen for the Russos and their glittering world won’t want to miss what comes next. Lace up, because the ice is calling, and the drama is only heating up.