Finding Her Edge: Author Jennifer Iacopelli Reflects on Season 1 and Hopes for Season 2
When Finding Her Edge premiered on Netflix, the adaptation of Jennifer Iacopelli's beloved teen skating novel quickly captured audiences, becoming a fan favorite. For Iacopelli herself, witnessing her characters transition from page to screen was nothing short of a dream realized. The series, which debuted on January 22, 2026, rapidly ascended to Netflix's Top 5 most-watched list, thanks to its compelling blend of intricate relationships and high-stakes skating drama.
A Dream Come True: Characters Brought to Life
Iacopelli expressed profound joy in seeing her creations portrayed by real actors. "There's a line in the show where Brayden says to Adriana, 'You have to sell the fantasy,'" she shared in an interview. "When he said that, I was like, 'Oh, they're selling my fantasy.' This is every author's fantasy. The characters I created are now portrayed by real people." She particularly praised the cast, including Madelyn Keys as Adriana Russo, Cale Ambrozic, and Olly Atkins, whose chemistry she felt perfectly encapsulated the heart of her original book.
Iacopelli marveled at how Keys mirrored Adriana in both personality and spirit, noting, "The commonalities are startling on every level. All the good stuff, not the things we rage at Adriana for, but all the good stuff." Her involvement in the adaptation was facilitated by executive producer and showrunner Jeff Norton, whose authorial perspective ensured she remained closely informed throughout the process. This collaboration allowed for a faithful adaptation while making necessary adjustments for television, such as omitting certain book elements to pave the way for potential multi-season arcs.
Season 1 Success and Creative Insights
The success of Finding Her Edge can be attributed to its engaging narrative and strong performances. Iacopelli highlighted the dedication of the young cast, joking about how she felt she had "manifested Madelyn Keys out of the ground." She appreciated Norton's approach to storytelling, which respected the essence of her novel while adapting it for a visual medium. "I was trusting him with my characters," she explained, "and he kept me very informed, always explaining major changes."
One storyline from the book that fans are eager to see explored further is Elise's reality TV show, which Iacopelli hopes might resurface in a potential second season. This element adds depth to the series' exploration of fame and personal struggles, resonating with viewers who crave more layered character development.
Hopes and Speculations for Season 2
Looking ahead, Iacopelli is excited about the possibilities for Finding Her Edge Season 2. She expressed particular interest in delving deeper into key relationships, such as the friendship between Adriana and Riley, portrayed by Millie Davis. "I'm really looking forward to the Adriana/Riley of it all," she said, acknowledging fan enthusiasm for this dynamic. Additionally, the skating partner swap—with Adriana now paired with Freddie and Brayden with Riley—presents intriguing opportunities for character growth both on and off the ice.
Iacopelli also noted her curiosity about new dynamics introduced in the show, such as the chemistry between Will (Harmon Walsh) and Camille (Meredith Forlenza), which wasn't in the book but worked well on screen. She emphasized the need for "justice for Weston" (Aidan Shaw), a character exclusive to the series whose arc she found beautifully developed. These elements suggest that Season 2 could expand the universe beyond the source material, offering fresh narratives while staying true to the core themes.
Future Projects and Fan Anticipation
While fans await official news on Finding Her Edge Season 2, Iacopelli teased her upcoming writing projects. She revealed, "I am currently under contract to write a YA novel," leaving room for speculation about a possible sequel to her skating series. In the meantime, readers can enjoy her new release, Game, Set, Match, which promises a satisfying conclusion to a character reminiscent of Brayden Elliot.
Regarding Season 2, Iacopelli remains optimistic but cautious, explaining, "Netflix takes their time because it wants to make sure it's making the right decision. But as soon as we are allowed to tell anybody anything, I'm sure we will be screaming from the rooftops." Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates, as the potential for more love triangles, skating drama, and character evolution keeps hope alive for the series' continuation.
