The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
September 10, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›TV Series›Heels (TV series)
Entertainment • TV Series

Heels (TV series)

Heels is an American sports drama television series created by Michael Waldron.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Heels is an American sports drama television series created by Michael Waldron. Set in small-town Georgia, it follows two brothers who run their late father’s professional wrestling promotion while clashing over family, business, and the roles they play in the ring. The series premiered on Starz in 2021 and ran for two seasons.

Premise

Heels follows two brothers in a small Georgia town who stage scripted wrestling matches while competing for control of their late father’s promotion. The series explores the tension between performance and real life in professional wrestling.

Cast and characters

Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig lead the series as Jack Spade and Ace Spade. The ensemble also includes Kelli Berglund, Mary McCormack, Chris Bauer, and other performers associated with the wrestling promotion and its community.

Production and release

The series was created by Michael Waldron and premiered on Starz in 2021. It aired for two seasons before ending in 2023.

Reception and availability

Heels was described as a drama centred on small-town professional wrestling and was later licensed for streaming on Netflix in the United States.

Key facts

  • The series centres on the Duffy Wrestling League, a family-owned professional wrestling promotion in Georgia.
  • Its title refers to the wrestling term “heel,” meaning a villain or antagonist in the ring.
  • Stephen Amell plays Jack Spade and Alexander Ludwig plays Ace Spade, rival brothers at the centre of the story.
  • The show premiered on Starz on August 15, 2021.
  • Heels ran for two seasons and 18 episodes.
🍁
Canadian context

Canadian readers may know Stephen Amell, who is a Canadian actor and one of the show’s lead performers.

Frequently asked questions

What is Heels about?
It is about two brothers who run a family wrestling promotion in Georgia while competing for control of their father’s legacy.
Why is it called Heels?
In professional wrestling, a heel is the villain or antagonist character, which is central to the show’s storyline.
Who created Heels?
The series was created by Michael Waldron.
When did Heels premiere?
Heels premiered on Starz on August 15, 2021.
How many seasons does Heels have?
The series ran for two seasons.
Is Heels based on a true story?
No verified source in the provided results identifies it as based on a true story.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heels_(TV_series)
    Supports: Series premise, creator, setting, and basic run information.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6554240/
    Supports: Series dates, rating, and synopsis.
  3. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/show/heels/umc.cmc.46exkmb3l17r4doape6im1872
    Supports: Explanation of the title and premise.
  4. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/81495239
    Supports: Genre, cast, creator, and streaming availability.
  5. TV Insider — https://www.tvinsider.com/show/heels/
    Supports: Season count and broadcast information.