Rivals Season 2 Release Date, Cast, and Everything We Know

Rivals Season 2 has been officially greenlit by Disney+, with showrunners promising a "bigger, bolder, and bonkier" return to the cutthroat world of 1980s independent television. Following the explosive cliffhanger of the first season, the power struggle between Rupert Campbell-Black and Tony Baddingham is set to escalate as the battle for the Corinium franchise enters its most ruthless phase yet.

Rivals Season 2 Release Date: When Is It Coming to Disney+?

While Disney+ has not yet set a specific day, Rivals Season 2 is expected to premiere in mid-2027. Production is slated to begin in the UK in late 2026. Given the extensive post-production required to maintain the show's high-gloss 80s aesthetic and the star-studded cast's busy schedules, a summer 2027 release window is the most realistic target for fans.

Full Plot Breakdown: The Fallout of the Corinium War

The second season will pick up exactly where the "bonky" finale left off, navigating the wreckage of the franchise bid and the personal lives of the Rutshire elite.

The Rupert and Taggie Dynamic

The central tension of Season 2 will revolve around the evolving relationship between Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Taggie O'Hara (Bella Maclean). After the slow-burn buildup of the first eight episodes, the sequel will explore whether Rupert can truly change his predatory ways or if the allure of power—and his rivalry with Tony—will ultimately destroy his chance at genuine connection.

Tony Baddingham’s Revenge

Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) ended the first season in a position of perceived defeat, but those familiar with Jilly Cooper’s source material know that Tony is most dangerous when backed into a corner. Season 2 will focus on:

• The Franchise Fight: The battle for the future of Corinium television isn't over; it's just getting dirtier.

• The Secret Affairs: New scandals are set to rock the Cotswolds, with several "Heated Rivalry" style subplots involving the supporting cast.

• The "Bonky" Factor: Showrunners have confirmed that the "steaminess" that made the show a viral hit will be dialed up, staying true to the spirit of the Cooper chronicles.

Expanding the Jilly Cooper Universe

With Rivals being part of the broader Rutshire Chronicles, Season 2 will likely introduce characters from other books in the series, potentially setting up a "Jilly Cooper Cinematic Universe" for Disney+.

Who Is Returning for the Rivals Season 2 Cast?

The core ensemble that made the first season a breakout hit is expected to return in full force.

• Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black

• David Tennant as Tony Baddingham

• Aidan Turner as Declan O'Hara

• Bella Maclean as Taggie O'Hara

• Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker

• Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones

New Additions: Rumors suggest that casting is underway for the role of a rival American media mogul who arrives to disrupt the Corinium status quo, adding a new layer of international friction to the Rutshire social scene.

Quick Facts

• Status: Officially Renewed (In Development)

• Platform: Disney+ / Hulu

• Showrunner: Dominic Treadwell-Collins

• Based On: The Rutshire Chronicles by Jilly Cooper

• Runtime: 8 Episodes (Expected)

• International Availability: Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar in India. Available internationally via Disney+ and Hulu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rivals Season 2 officially confirmed?

Yes. Following record-breaking viewership for a UK original on Disney+, the series was officially renewed in early 2026.

Will David Tennant be in Rivals Season 2?

Yes, David Tennant is set to return as the villainous Tony Baddingham. His rivalry with Rupert Campbell-Black remains the driving force of the series.

How many seasons of Rivals will there be?

While only two seasons are currently confirmed, Jilly Cooper has written ten books in the Rutshire Chronicles, providing enough source material for several more seasons if viewership remains high.

Where can I watch Rivals in India?

In India, Rivals is available to stream exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar. International viewers can find it on Disney+ or Hulu (US).