Finding Her Edge Netflix cast has become a major point of interest for U.S. viewers following the series’ January 2026 debut, as audiences connect with its mix of competitive intensity, family conflict, and emotionally charged romance set in the elite world of figure skating. The show’s success rests heavily on a carefully chosen ensemble that blends athletic credibility with strong dramatic range, allowing the story to feel grounded, contemporary, and deeply personal.
Set against national training centers, high-pressure competitions, and the private spaces where young athletes confront fear and ambition, the series follows skaters whose lives are shaped by both legacy and love. Each member of the cast plays a vital role in building a narrative that moves fluidly between sport and coming-of-age drama.
Madelyn Keys as Adriana Russo
Madelyn Keys leads the ensemble as Adriana Russo, a gifted skater raised in a family known for producing champions. Adriana’s life has always revolved around the rink, but the series opens at a moment when her confidence is fragile and her future uncertain.
Adriana’s character is defined by discipline, quiet resilience, and emotional depth. She is not simply chasing medals; she is trying to reclaim control of her identity after personal disappointment and professional setbacks. Keys portrays her with a balance of physical precision and subtle vulnerability, making every practice session and performance carry emotional weight.
Her journey centers on rebuilding trust in herself while navigating complicated relationships with both her skating partners and her family. The pressure of living up to the Russo name follows her into every competition, shaping her decisions and fueling her internal conflict.
Cale Ambrozic as Brayden Elliott
Cale Ambrozic plays Brayden Elliott, Adriana’s new partner and one of the most driven athletes in the training program. Brayden enters the story with a reputation for consistency and focus, yet his controlled exterior hides personal struggles that gradually surface.
The partnership between Brayden and Adriana begins as a strategic move aimed at improving rankings and attracting sponsorships. Their professional alignment soon becomes emotionally complicated as they spend long hours training, traveling, and competing together.
Ambrozic brings a calm intensity to Brayden, portraying a skater who believes success is earned through discipline but who must also confront the emotional risks of forming close bonds in a high-stakes environment.
Olly Atkins as Freddie O’Connell
Olly Atkins appears as Freddie O’Connell, Adriana’s former partner and first love. Freddie’s return to the competitive circuit introduces unresolved feelings and past disappointments that neither he nor Adriana has fully processed.
Freddie represents the history Adriana cannot easily leave behind. Their shared experiences on the ice created a connection built on trust, rhythm, and emotional closeness. His presence disrupts her new partnership and challenges the choices she is trying to make about her future.
Atkins portrays Freddie with warmth and restraint, showing a young athlete who still believes in what they once shared but must face the reality that time and ambition have changed them both.
Alexandra Beaton as Elise Russo
Alexandra Beaton plays Elise Russo, Adriana’s older sister and a former top-level skater whose career was interrupted by injury. Elise’s storyline explores what happens when an athlete’s identity is stripped away by circumstances beyond their control.
Once expected to become the family’s greatest champion, Elise now watches from the sidelines as her younger sister carries the torch. This creates a mix of pride, frustration, and quiet grief that shapes her interactions with Adriana and their father.
Beaton gives Elise emotional depth, portraying a woman who is learning how to redefine herself while still loving the sport that once defined her entire life.
Alice Malakhov as Maria Russo
Alice Malakhov portrays Maria Russo, the youngest of the three sisters. Unlike Adriana and Elise, Maria is still deciding whether she wants to follow the same demanding path.
Her character offers a different perspective on legacy. She admires her sisters but also questions whether constant competition and pressure are the life she wants. Maria’s journey centers on self-discovery, creative interests, and the courage to choose a direction that may disappoint others.
Malakhov brings lightness and sincerity to the role, providing emotional balance within the intense Russo household.
Millie Davis as Riley Monroe
Millie Davis joins the cast as Riley Monroe, a confident skater paired with Freddie. Riley is ambitious, disciplined, and determined to establish herself as a top contender.
Her arrival adds both professional rivalry and emotional tension. Riley is focused on winning and has little patience for unresolved feelings between former partners. At the same time, she must navigate her own insecurities while competing in a sport where every detail is scrutinized.
Davis portrays Riley as strong-willed yet human, creating a character who is more than a simple rival.
Harmon Walsh as Will Russo
Harmon Walsh plays Will Russo, the father and coach whose influence shapes every member of the family. A former champion himself, Will believes that excellence is achieved only through relentless work and sacrifice.
His coaching style is demanding, and his expectations weigh heavily on his daughters. While he wants them to succeed, his inability to separate personal love from professional pressure creates tension within the household.
Walsh delivers a layered performance, showing a man driven by pride, fear of failure, and a desire to see his family’s legacy continue.
The Chemistry That Drives the Series
One of the defining strengths of the Finding Her Edge Netflix cast is the chemistry between its leads. The connection between Adriana and Brayden evolves naturally through shared training and competition. The unresolved bond between Adriana and Freddie adds emotional history that deepens every interaction.
Family scenes between the Russo sisters feel authentic, shaped by both affection and rivalry. The presence of Will Russo as both father and coach heightens the emotional stakes, turning routine practices into moments of quiet conflict.
These relationships are not isolated. They intersect at competitions, in locker rooms, and during travel, creating a layered narrative that mirrors the reality of elite sports environments.
Athletic Preparation and On-Ice Authenticity
The cast underwent extensive skating training to ensure performances looked credible. Footwork, lifts, and synchronized routines were designed to reflect real competitive standards. This preparation allows the series to depict the physical demands of the sport with accuracy.
Close-up shots capture fatigue, focus, and the small details that separate success from failure. Long practice sequences emphasize repetition and discipline, reinforcing how much dedication is required to reach the top.
The result is a visual experience that feels immersive rather than staged, helping viewers understand the pressure these characters live with every day.
How Each Character Shapes the Story
The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives:
- Adriana represents the burden of legacy and the search for personal confidence.
- Brayden embodies ambition and the cost of emotional restraint.
- Freddie brings history and unresolved attachment.
- Elise shows the aftermath of injury and lost opportunity.
- Maria highlights the freedom and fear of choosing a different path.
- Riley reflects competitive drive and professional focus.
- Will symbolizes generational pressure and the complexity of parental expectations.
Together, they create a story that explores not only who wins on the ice, but who they become along the way.
Audience Connection in the U.S.
Since its release, the series has resonated strongly with American viewers who enjoy sports dramas with emotional depth. Themes of parental pressure, first love, rivalry, and self-identity are familiar and relatable, even to those with no background in figure skating.
The cast’s performances make these themes accessible. Viewers are drawn into the characters’ inner lives, not just their competitive results. Social discussions often focus on the love triangle, the strained father-daughter relationships, and the realistic portrayal of training life.
Looking Ahead
The first season leaves several storylines open, keeping interest high:
- Adriana’s long-term decision about her skating career
- The future of her partnership with Brayden
- The emotional resolution between her and Freddie
- Elise’s next step after stepping away from competition
- Maria’s choice between tradition and independence
The strength of the Finding Her Edge Netflix cast ensures that these arcs remain compelling, as each performer has established a clear emotional foundation for their character.
Finding Her Edge Netflix cast has transformed a story about competitive skating into a layered drama about ambition, family, and love under pressure. Through disciplined performances and believable relationships, the ensemble brings authenticity to every scene and gives viewers a reason to stay invested in what happens next.
Stay connected for future developments, and share which character’s journey has captured your attention the most.