The drama isn’t over yet — Disney+ has officially renewed Rivals for a second season. Based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s iconic novel from her bestselling Rutshire Chronicles, the show captured audiences with its thrilling cliffhanger and is set to return with more romance, rivalry, and high-stakes drama.
The first season of Rivals brought Cooper’s beloved characters to life, with a cast featuring Aidan Turner, Nafessa Williams, David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Bella Maclean, Emily Atack, Victoria Smurfit, Katherine Parkinson, Danny Dyer, and Luke Pasqualino. The series delves into the intense rivalry between the roguish Rupert Campbell-Black (Hassell) and TV executive Tony Baddingham (Tennant), set against the backdrop of the fictional county of Rutshire in the English Cotswolds.
Speaking about the renewal, Jilly Cooper shared her excitement: “Nearly 40 years after my novel Rivals was published, I’ve adored seeing the world fall in love with my beloved characters — Rutshire’s finest. Working with Happy Prince and Disney+ on the first season has been a fairytale come true. I’m absolutely thrilled to continue this journey in season two with Rupert Campbell-Black and the rest of the characters!”
Lee Mason, executive director of scripted originals for Disney+ EMEA, echoed Cooper’s enthusiasm. “It’s been phenomenal seeing the reaction to Dame Jilly Cooper’s Rivals. This autumn’s most talked-about series has brought both longtime fans of the novels and newcomers into the Cooperverse. I’m looking forward to even more drama, romance, and yes, shoulder pads, in season two!”
Season one ended with significant twists, including Rupert finally acting on his feelings for Taggie, the daughter of a close friend, and Tony Baddingham facing fallout after a violent confrontation. The series, described as a “bonkbuster” for its mix of scandal, humor, and passion, has clearly resonated with viewers, leaving them eager for more.
Produced by Happy Prince, part of ITV Studios, Rivals is available to stream on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ in the U.K. and internationally.
The upcoming season will dive deeper into the tangled web of relationships, betrayal, and ambition that makes the Rutshire Chronicles a fan favorite. Stay tuned for more updates as production ramps up for season two.