Fans of Rivals are gearing up for an exhilarating return to Rutshire as the series makes its highly anticipated comeback for a second season on Disney+. The 2024 premiere captivated audiences with its star-studded British cast, including Doctor Who’s David Tennant, Poldark’s Aidan Turner, Katherine Parkinson from The IT Crowd, Alex Hassell, Emily Atack, and Danny Dyer.
Based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s iconic 1988 novel, Rivals chronicles the fierce competition between an ambitious MP and a powerful television station owner in the fictional Cotswolds county of Rutshire. The series won critical acclaim, clinching an International Emmy and a Royal Television Society Award, along with multiple nominations for BAFTA TV Awards and National Television Awards.
The new season of Rivals is set to arrive on Disney+ on Friday, 15 May, with an initial release of three episodes followed by weekly drops of three more episodes. In total, a full slate of 12 episodes has been commissioned, with the remaining six episodes expected later in the year—though the exact release date has yet to be announced.
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Rivals season two returns with a host of familiar faces. David Tennant reprises his role as the scheming Lord Tony Baddingham, defying previous expectations of his character’s fate. Alex Hassell continues as ex-Olympian and Tory MP Rupert Campbell-Black, while Aidan Turner plays former Irish BBC journalist Declan O’Hara. Victoria Smurfit joins as Declan’s wife, Maud O’Hara, and Nafessa Williams portrays TV executive Cameron Cook.
Also back are Katherine Parkinson as romantic novelist Lizzie Vereker, Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones, Bella Maclean as Taggie O’Hara, Claire Rushbrook as Lady Monica Baddingham, and many others who enrich Rutshire’s dramatic tapestry. The second season introduces new characters played by Hayley Atwell as Helen Gordon—Rupert’s ex-wife—Rupert Everett as Malise Gordon, Sebbie Carlisle portrayed by Maxim Ays, and Bobby Lockwood as Dommie Carlisle.
Disney+ teases a high-stakes conflict in season two: “The battle for the Central South West television franchise heats up as Corinium and Venturer escalate their war. Tony Baddingham, more ruthless than ever, employs scandal and manipulation to maintain power. Set against the indulgent glamour of the 1980s, personal dramas unfold as marriages crumble, secrets explode, and loyalties are pushed to the limit. What is the true cost of this war?”
A recently released teaser promises intense drama, intrigue, and the signature 80s flair that captivated viewers in the first season. Rivals season 2 promises to dive deeper into complex rivalries, making it a must-watch for fans of political and personal power struggles.
Mark your calendars—Rivals returns to Disney+ on May 15.