Disney+ has released the first three episodes of Rivals season 2, and fans are already sharing their emotional reactions to the steamy drama set in 1980s Rutshire. The new episodes pick up right where the first season left off, with Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams) leaving her boss Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) for dead after striking him with an award trophy. Miraculously, Tony survives and seeks revenge against Cameron and her new allies, Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner).
Romantic Turmoil and Fan Reactions
While Tony plots his revenge, the romance between Lizzie Vereker (Katherine Parkinson) and Freddie Jones (Danny Dyer) continues to sizzle, and Sarah Stratton (Emily Atack) shares unexpected news. However, many viewers are focused on the tumultuous relationship between Taggie O’Hara (Bella Maclean) and Rupert Campbell-Black. Fans took to social media to express their frustration and heartbreak.
One viewer wrote on X: “Oh my god just finished ep1 of #rivals and felt every emotion under the sun. Taggie you angel you deserve so much better.” Another commented: “Oh, rupert rupert rupert... Both women deserve better. #rivals,” accompanied by crying emojis. A third fan exclaimed: “MY HEART IS IN TATTERS #Rivals.” Others expressed anger, with one posting: “RUPERT IS P***ING ME OFF TAGGIE YOU DESERVE BETTER QUEEN #Rivals.” A fifth added: “Rupert’s redemption arc better be worth it because right now he’s just p***ing me off in every ep #Rivals #RivalsS2.”
Praise for the Show’s Return
Despite the frustration, fans are thrilled to have the show back. One viewer said: “I need the rest of the episodes now,” while another praised the cast: “Great stuff from @EmAtack, Alex Hassell, David Tennant, Aidan Turner, @MrDDyer, Victoria Smurfit, @lucapasqualino, @AnnabelScholey, and @LisaMcGrillis in the first episode of season 2 #Rivals.” Another fan commented on a chaotic party scene: “I just know these next 20 mins of sarah party are about to eat I am sooo excited #rivals.” The show’s aesthetics also garnered praise: “I am living for whatever tint/filter they’ve used this season. SO camp. #Rivals #RivalsS2.” New cast additions were also noted: “Omg Hayley Atwell is on this show this season YES #Rivals.”
Season 2 of Rivals is split into two halves, with six episodes released initially and the remaining three airing weekly. The second batch will premiere later in 2026. New episodes stream every Friday on Disney+.
