Disney+ Greenlights Third Series of Hit Show Rivals
Disney+ has reportedly renewed its popular series Rivals for a third season, with insiders suggesting the upcoming instalment will be raunchier than ever. The show, which is based on Jilly Cooper's novel of the same name, debuted in 2024 and quickly became an instant hit among viewers.
Confidence in Success Drives Early Renewal Talks
A second series is scheduled to air in May, and Disney executives are said to be so confident in its performance that discussions for a third series have already commenced. The third season would adapt Cooper's 1991 novel Polo, the third book in her Rutshire Chronicles series.
A source revealed to The Sun: 'It's not clear yet if the next series will still be called Rivals or flip to become Polo, or perhaps another title altogether. Either way, Disney are so confident the second series will be as well received as the debut season they already have wheels in motion on the third.'
Continuity and Steamy Plotlines Expected
Fans can look forward to seeing most characters from Rivals reappear in Polo, with the follow-up novel described as just as steamy, if not more so, than its predecessor. Filming for the third series could begin later this year, with a potential release date in late 2027 or early 2028.
This news follows the cast's devastated reaction to the death of Dame Jilly Cooper during production. Katherine Parkinson, a star of the show, expressed the team's commitment to honouring Cooper's legacy, stating at the Royal Television Society Programme Awards: 'It was a real shock... But I think that we just want the show to do her justice even more than before, and I think it will.'
Second Series Preview and Plot Details
In February, Disney released a first look at the highly anticipated second series, set to premiere on May 15. The trailer features key characters including:
- David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham, the ruthless head of Corinium television.
- Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black, a retired Olympian turned Tory MP.
- Aidan Turner as Declan O'Hara, a journalist poached by Corinium.
- Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook, an American TV producer.
- Bella Maclean as Taggie O'Hara.
The synopsis teases escalating conflicts in the battle for a television franchise, with personal dramas unfolding amidst 1980s excess. Disney+ has dubbed it 'The naughtiest show on television', promising more scandal and intrigue.
