The highly anticipated second season of Rivals premiered on Disney+ on May 15, instantly igniting emotional responses from devoted viewers, according to the Mirror.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for Rivals season 2.
Picking up directly where the first season left off, the new episodes revisit the glamorous yet intense world of 1980s Rutshire. The season opens with Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams) seemingly leaving her employer, Tony Baddingham (David Tennant), for dead after striking him with an award trophy. Miraculously, Tony survives and embarks on a vengeful mission targeting Cameron and her new allies, Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner).
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Meanwhile, other storylines intensify the drama, including the simmering relationship between romance novelist Lizzie Vereker (Katherine Parkinson) and Freddie Jones (Danny Dyer), and a startling revelation from Sarah Stratton (Emily Atack).
However, it is the turbulent romance between Taggie O’Hara (Bella Maclean) and Rupert that has left many fans heartbroken. Social media buzzed with emotions as viewers expressed frustration and sympathy for Taggie, longing for her to find happiness beyond Rupert’s flawed nature.
One viewer on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Oh my god just finished ep1 of #rivals and felt every emotion under the sun. Taggie you angel you deserve so much better.” Another echoed the sentiment: “Both [women] deserve better. #rivals,” accompanied by numerous crying emojis.
Frustration with Rupert’s actions ran high. One fan lamented, “MY HEART IS IN TATTERS #Rivals,” while another added, “RUPERT IS PING ME OFF TAGGIE YOU DESERVE BETTER QUEEN #Rivals.” Another viewer pleaded for Rupert’s redemption arc to justify his behavior: “Rupert’s redemption arc better be worth it because right now he’s just ping me off in every ep #Rivals.”
Despite the emotional turmoil, Rivals season two’s comeback has been widely praised. Fans are eager for more episodes; one declared, “I need the rest of the episodes now,” while another celebrated the stellar ensemble cast, including mentions of Emily Atack, Alex Hassell, David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Danny Dyer, Victoria Smurfit, Luca Pasqualino, Annabel Scholey, and Lisa McGrillis.
The show’s vivid visual style also caught viewers’ attention, with praise for its “camp” aesthetic and striking cinematography. Fresh cast additions like Hayley Atwell excited fans even further, as applauded in another social media post: “Omg Hayley Atwell is on this show this season YES #Rivals.”
Rivals season two is delivered in two parts: six episodes premiered initially, with the final three set to release weekly. The concluding segment is scheduled for a later 2026 arrival.
Fans can catch new episodes of Rivals every Friday on Disney+.