Disney+ has released the second official trailer for season 2 of Rivals, with the first three episodes dropping on May 15, 2026. The season unfolds in two six-episode installments, the second arriving later in the year. Fresh off an International Emmy win for Best Drama in 2025 and a BAFTA nomination, the series adapts Dame Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles novel.
Rivals
Series | 2024
Season 2 available on Disney+ on May 15, 2026
Drama | 6 episodes of 60 minutes (Volume 1)
Created by Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Laura Wade | Starring Alex Hassell, David Tennant, Aidan Turner
Original title: Rivals
Country of origin: United Kingdom
In season 2, the fight to command the Central South West television empire reaches a tipping point. Lord Tony Baddingham, played by David Tennant, is more ruthless than ever as he squares off with Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Declan O'Hara's rival network Venturer (Aidan Turner). Brought to life through weaponized scandals, deft manipulations and power plays, the season unspools a web where marriages, affairs and buried secrets threaten to burst into the open, all set against the hedonistic excess of the 1980s Rutshire, the fictional realm.
Two fresh leading stars join the cast: Hayley Atwell portrays Helen Gordon, Rupert Campbell-Black’s ex-wife and mother of his two children, while Rupert Everett plays Malise Gordon, her husband and Campbell-Black’s former mentor. Fans of the Rutshire Chronicles will also welcome back Sebbie and Dommie Carlisle, eagerly anticipated characters. The rest of the main cast remains on board: Katherine Parkinson, Danny Dyer, Victoria Smurfit, Emily Atack, Bella Maclean and Nafessa Williams, among others.
The series is produced by Happy Prince (ITV Studios), with Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Laura Wade at the helm of the writing. Directing is handled by Elliot Hegarty, Jamie J Johnson, and Dee Koppang O'Leary.
To go further, discover also our selection of Disney+ May releases, our guide to streaming releases across all platforms, and today’s pick What to watch today on streaming.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
