Disney+ has revealed the release date of the second season of hit series Rivals. We can look forward to Rivals returns to our screens this spring.
The ’80s set comedy drama, inspired by the 1988 Dame Jilly Cooper romance novel of the same name, is renowned for its racy content, nostalgic throwbacks and glamourous depiction of the rural elite. The first three episodes of the second season are due to premiere on 15 May 2026.
Featuring an ensemble of British and Irish talent, Rivals brings the viewers into the ruthless, unscrupulous world of commercial television in the fictional county of Rutshire. It explores the deep-rooted feud between MP Rupert Campbell- Black (Alex Hassell), journalist Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner) and Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant). As the men’s battle for television dominance intensifies, the Rutshire community is fractured by adultery, hedonism and sex which threatens to undo the fabric of their society.
Rivals will return with another 12 episodes, an additional four instalments compared to season one’s eight-episode run, providing fans with even more delightfully camp, extravagant fun.
The debut of the second season follows the death of author Dame Jilly Cooper aged 88 in October 2024. Cooper served as executive producer of the programme and heaped praise on the series’ portrayal of her characters, even making a surprise cameo in the fifth episode.
Rivals’ season two teaser trailer promises more illicit romances, sordid scandals and fiery vendettas. Picking up from season one’s staggering cliffhanger, Tony Baddington has survived the battering inflicted by his girlfriend and colleague Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams) and returns more determined than ever to control the television waves.
Fan-favourite relationships between Taggie O’Hara (Bella Maclean) and Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) as well as Freddie Jones (Danny Dyer) and Lizzie Vereker (Katherine Parkinson) seem to blossom with the professional and private lives of the Rutshire residents becoming ever more intertwined.
Returning cast members include David Tennant (Lord Tony Baddingham), Emily Atack (Sarah Stratton) and Danny Dyer (Freddie Jones). Joining the cast as guest stars are Hayley Atwell as Helen Gordon, Rupert’s ex-wife and Rupert Everett as Malsie Gordon Helen’s new husband and Rupert’s former showjumping instructor.
The second half of Rivals season two is due to be released in the UK later this year on Disney+.
Words by Eve Hutchinson
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