Disney+ has officially confirmed that the popular drama Rivals will return for a third season, even before the second season has concluded. The announcement comes as fans eagerly await the remaining episodes of season two, set to air in November.
What is Rivals About?
Based on Dame Jilly Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles, Rivals premiered in 2024 and quickly captivated audiences with its blend of intense rivalry, secret romances, and backstabbing. The story revolves around the fierce competition between two television companies led by Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) and Declan O'Hara (Aidan Turner). Their battle to produce the best programming is matched only by the personal dramas unfolding off-screen, including the antics of philandering Conservative MP Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and the complicated emotions of Declan's daughter Taggie (Bella Maclean).
Season 3 Announcement
Disney+ revealed the news on Tuesday, 16th June, several months before the final six episodes of season two arrive in November. A synopsis for the upcoming third season teases: "As the dust settles post the scandalous revelations in season two, we see the stakes become higher and the alliances more fragile, with nothing staying buried for long. New romances blossom, old flames rekindle and shocking secrets will be spilled in this third series which takes everyone's favourite rivalries to the next level. In a world of power, passion and betrayal, everyone has something to lose."
Reactions from the Team
Lee Mason, Disney+ EMEA's Vice President for scripted TV, commented: "The phenomenal response to Rivals is a credit to the bold, irreverent and endlessly entertaining world created by Dame Jilly Cooper, our cast, creative team and production partners at Happy Prince. We're delighted to be bringing audiences a third season on Disney+/Hulu. Expect more ambition, more romance, more rivalries and, of course, more scandal as we return to Rutshire for another irresistible chapter."
Happy Prince's CCO Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Creative Director Alexander Lamb expressed their delight: "Our one sadness is that Jilly didn't get to witness the love for season two. But she's still very much with us in spirit and would be so delighted that season three has been green lit."
Cast and Future Details
While the cast for the new season remains under wraps, lead actors Alex Hassell, David Tennant, and Aidan Turner are expected to return, along with key supporting cast members including Danny Dyer, Katherine Parkinson, Nafessa Williams, and Victoria Smurfit. Viewers can also anticipate new additions, following guest appearances from Rupert Everett and Hayley Atwell in season two.
Rivals season two continues this November on Disney+.
