David Tennant’s Hit Hulu Show Rivals Returns With Season 2 Release Date & First Trailer

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Disney+ has announced that the second season of Rivals, starring David Tennant, will premiere soon, along with a first look at the new episodes. The series, set in the competitive world of 1980s British television, continues the story of Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant), Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell), Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams), and Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner) as they battle for dominance in the broadcasting industry.

The first season of Rivals ended with a shocking and violent moment: Cameron seemingly mortally wounded Tony after striking him with his own trophy. Though it was uncertain if Tony would survive, he’s back and ready to compete in season 2, where plenty of drama and controversy unfold.

The popular series Rivals, based on Jilly Cooper’s novels, is returning to Disney+ and Hulu on May 15. However, all episodes won’t be available at once. The show will be released in two parts, with the first three episodes premiering on May 15 and the remaining episodes arriving later this year.

Watch the first trailer below to see Baddingham make a sly, sarcastic remark about his “terrible headache” after fighting with Cameron, plus the return of many beloved characters.

The trailer also highlights the show’s romantic relationships. We see lingering glances between Taggie and Rupert, hinting they still have feelings for each other despite the risks, and sparks fly between Lizzie and Freddie, promising passionate and unlikely love stories ahead.

The official synopsis for Rivals season 2 reads:

The competition for the Central South West TV license is becoming incredibly intense, with Corinium and Venturer locked in a fierce battle. Tony Baddingham is now even more determined to defeat his competitors, using damaging rumors and manipulating people around him to stay in control.

In the flashy, over-the-top world of the 1980s, the personal lives of those competing in Rutshire fall apart. Driven by their goals, marriages crumble, affairs endanger families, and old secrets come to light with dramatic results. As competition intensifies, friendships and relationships are strained, and everyone suffers heartbreak in their quest to win. But at what price does this victory come?

Season two of Rivals will also feature returning cast members Victoria Smurfit as Maud O’Hara, Declan’s wife; Claire Rushbrook as Lady Monica Baddingham, Tony’s wife; Oliver Chris as host James Vereker; Lisa McGrillis as Valerie Jones; Emily Atack as Sarah Stratton; Rufus Jones as Paul Stratton; and Luca Pasqualino as Basil ‘Bas’ Baddingham.

The new trailer suggests Pasqualino will be more involved in Taggie’s storyline this season. One scene shows Taggie looking at him with obvious attraction as he emerges from a crowded pool. This raises questions about the future of Taggie and Rupert, who shared their first kiss at the end of last season.

The show also welcomes back Catriona Chandler as Caitlin O’Hara, Annabel Scholey as Beattie Johnson, Gary Lamont as Charles Fairburn, Hubert Burton as Gerald Middleton, Gabriel Tierney as Patrick O’Hara, Lara Peake as Daysee Butler, and Bryony Hannah as Dierdre Kilpatrick.

This season of the British drama will feature some new faces, including Hayley Atwell (known for her roles in Marvel and Mission Impossible) as Helen Gordon, the ex-wife of Rupert and mother of his children. Rupert Everett (My Best Friend’s Wedding, The Serpent Queen) will play Helen’s husband, Malise Gordon, who used to coach and mentor Campbell-Black in show-jumping.

Taggie and Rupert’s already tricky relationship is sure to get even more complicated with these new arrivals.

Season 2 of Rivals is set to deliver even more drama, with glamorous parties, secret relationships, and intense competition unfolding in the beautiful English countryside. It’s unclear which family will win, or which TV show will dominate, but heartbreak is almost guaranteed.

Rivals season 2 premieres on May 15 on Hulu and Disney+.

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2026-02-05 20:49