Rivals is back. The second season of the Rutshire romp promises even more outrageousness, bonking and eighties excess – if the trailer tells us anything, tensions are hotter than ever.
Adapted from the late Dame Jilly Cooper’s cult Rutshire Chronicles, the series is a biting satire of Britains affluent rural set. The first season had us hooked on its hedonism, vengeful rivalries and forbidden affairs – and season two is set to be just as enjoyable. The Independent’s chief TV critic Nick Hilton described it as “well-written, well-acted and enormously fun”, while The Guardian awarded it five-stars and wrote, “if I could give this exquisite bonkbuster 10,000 stars, I would.”
Following a ruthless battle for control over a local television franchise, the TV show centres on the fued between ex-Olympian Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and media mogul Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant). Also starring Aidan Turner, Emily Atack, Danny Dyer and Katherine Parkinson, the drama explores social politics, sex and power with an irreverent – and often hilarious – tone.
The trailer gave us our first glimpse of what lies ahead, showing the angry return of Lord Tony Baddingham, who is determined to bring down Rupert Campbell-Black and Declan O’Hara’s rival television company, “Venturer.”
It also offers a glimpse into Rutshire’s favourite sport, polo, while introducing new characters Sebbie, played by Maxim Ays, and Dommie Carlisle, played by Bobby Lockwood.
Newcomers also include Hayley Atwell who plays Rupert Campbell-Black’s ex-wife and mother of his two children, Helen Gordon, as well as her new husband Malise, played by Rupert Everett who was once Campbell-Black’s showjumping mentor.
The addictive affairs remain steamy with all couples experiencing make or break pressures, including trouble in paradise for Rupert and Taggie, while there’s no stopping Freddie and Lizzie’s romance.
If you can’t wait to be transported back to 80s Rutshire, the good news is that season 2 lands today. Here’s all you need to know about Rivals, including how to watch.
Where to watch Rivals season two
Rivals season two premieres today (Friday, 15 May), on Disney+. The service is available from £5.99 per month which is also home to Grey’s Anatomy, The Bear, Andor and more.
How many episodes will Rivals season two have?
There’ll be 12 episodes in season two of Rivals. Though, the series will be broken up in two six-episode batches, with the second half airing later this year.
