First-look images from the second season of Rivals give fans their first glimpse of the eagerly anticipated new installment. The Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning series, based on the novel by Dame Jilly Cooper, focuses on the power struggles and rivalries of the world of 1980s British television.
We follow Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) and Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell), both competing for control of Baddingham’s Corinium independent commercial television station.
Season one saw their fierce battle culminate in an almighty cliffhanger, with American TV executive Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams) hitting Lord Baddingham over the head with a TV award during an altercation, leaving his fate uncertain.
With Rivals season two now filming, first-look images show Tony, Rupert, and Cameron in scenes alongside Aidan Turner’s Declan O’Hara and Bella Maclean’s Taggie O’Hara.
A synopsis for season two teases: “Set in the stunning Cotswolds countryside and against the backdrop of the glamorous, high-stakes world of 1980s British television, the second instalment reunites the all-star cast who captivated fans and critics, while introducing some exciting new faces.
Disney+
Disney+
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“Following last season’s dramatic cliffhanger 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 unrivalled.”
It continues: “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.”
Disney+
Disney+
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While a release date for Rivals season two has not been confirmed, it is expected to air on Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK in 2026.
There will be several new faces in season two, including Rupert Everett, Hayley Atwell, Maxim Ays, and Holly Cattle.
Other new cast members include Oliver Dench, Amanda Lawrence, Bobby Lockwood, Eliot Salt, and Jonny Weldon.
Along with Tennant, Hassell, Turner, Maclean, and Williams, Emily Atack, Danny Dyer, Katherine Parkinson, and Victoria Smurfit are also returning to Rivals.
Rivals season two will be released on Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK. Season one is available to stream now on Disney+
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Freelance Reporter, Digital Spy
Rebecca is a freelance journalist who specializes in TV and film. After beginning her career as a digital entertainment journalist for the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, she embarked on a freelance career in 2021 contributing to the likes of Metro UK, The Sun, WhatCulture, Screen Rant, FilmHounds Magazine and more.
Her particular field of interest is horror cinema and she has written for genre publications such as Ghouls Magazine and Moving Pictures Film Club.
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