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If you’re anything like us, you gobbled up season one of Hulu and Disney+’s Rivals. So of course the only question on your mind is: Will there be a Rivals season 2?
The first season, inspired by the second book in Dame Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles series, introduced us to the bitter rivalry between ex–show jumper Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell), journalist Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner), and TV mogul Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant). Set in the English Cotswolds in the 1980s, the show is endlessly addictive and a surprisingly satisfying guilty pleasure, filled with displays of excess, over-the-top sex scenes, and plenty of deliciously awful people. In short, we need more of it!
And good news: You’re gonna get it. Here’s what we know about Rivals season 2 so far…
What happened in Rivals season one?
First, a quick recap of everything that happened in the first eight episodes: The show loosely follows the events of Cooper’s novel of the same name, which is actually the second book in her famous 11-book Rutshire Chronicles series. The show takes us deep into the lives of the English elite as they climb the social ladder through both business maneuvers and romantic affairs.
The series begins as a long-standing rivalry between a charismatic ex–Olympic rider turned politician named Rupert Campbell-Black and the somewhat sinister TV station controller Lord Tony Baddingham comes to a head. Tony expands Corinium Television, bringing on new chat show host Declan O’Hara.
Things finally come to a head (spoiler alert!) at the British Television Awards. Corinium Television wins an award at the event, but there is a whole lot going on behind the scenes. Tony ends up proposing to Cameron (Nafessa Williams), a former NBC producer who moved from the US to the UK to work for Tony, promising to leave his wife for her. However, when she reveals that she has been having a relationship with Rupert—and that she wants that relationship to continue—he slaps her. Cameron ends up hitting Tony over the head with their award, and we are left with a shot of Tony bleeding on the floor in a tantalizing cliff-hanger.
Will there be a Rivals season 2?
Rivals season one left us with plenty of questions. For one thing, what will happen to Corinium Television!? Luckily, Hulu has confirmed a second season of the show. “Following widespread critical acclaim and a dramatic, cliff-hanger ending, EMEA Disney+ with Happy Prince (part of ITV Studios) has officially renewed the hit UK original series for a second run,” the streaming service announced via a press release. “Rivals will return to Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK and internationally.”
What will happen in Rivals season 2?
Given the fact that Rivals is based on one novel of 11 books in Dame Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles, there is certainly plenty of content for Rivals season 2—and future seasons—to work with. It is worth noting, however, that each of Cooper’s novels follows a new set of characters, though Rupert reappears throughout the series.
According to a press release from Hulu, here’s what we can expect to see in season 2: “Set in the stunning Cotswolds countryside and against the backdrop of the glamorous, high-stakes world of 1980s British television, the second installment reunites the all-star cast who captivated fans and critics, while introducing some exciting new faces. Following last season’s dramatic cliff-hanger with Tony’s fate hanging in the balance, Lord Baddingham is back and out for vengeance ready to stop at nothing to keep Corinium’s empire unrivaled.”
“Careers, marriages, and reputations hang in the balance as personal and professional lives collide in a world where secrets can’t stay hidden for long. Bold, emotionally charged, and filled with unforgettable moments, Rivals is a thrilling ride through a landscape of breathtaking beauty, fierce competition, and life-changing decisions where the cost of success could be everything.”
We even got our first look at Rivals season 2. See the first photos here:
What about the Rivals season 2 cast?
Hulu revealed via a press release that much of the original cast will be returning, including: David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham, Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black, Aidan Turner as Declan O’Hara, Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook, Bella Maclean as Taggie O’Hara, Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker, Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones, Victoria Smurfit as Maud O’Hara, Claire Rushbrook as Lady Monica Baddingham, Oliver Chris as James Vereker, Lisa McGrillis as Valerie Jones, Emily Atack as Sarah Stratton, Rufus Jones as Paul Stratton, Luca Pasqualino as Basil ‘Bas’ Baddingham, Catriona Chandler as Caitlin O’Hara, and Annabel Scholey as Beattie Johnson.
Is there a Rivals season 2 release date?
Even though the second season has been confirmed, we only know that the show will return in 2026. We’ll keep you posted.