Rivals fans have been left reeling after the first three episodes of season 2 dropped on Disney+, with Rupert Campbell-Black's world collapsing around him. The character, played by Alex Hassell, faces a smear campaign from Tony Baddingham (David Tennant), leading to his ousting from Venturer and resignation as an MP.
In an interview with Radio Times, Hassell described Rupert's state of mind as rock bottom. 'He’s forced to re-evaluate and recalibrate what he’s doing with his life and his actions,' the actor said. 'All his ways to win and be alpha on top of people are disabled and he has to try and pick himself back up off the floor. It’s kind of the lowest he’s potentially been, I think.'
The season's official synopsis teases escalating warfare between Corinium and Venturer, with Tony Baddingham 'more ruthless than ever' and 'determined to dismantle his rivals piece-by-piece'. Amidst the 80s excess, marriages fracture, illicit affairs threaten families, and long-buried secrets explode.
Unlike season 1, the new episodes are being released in batches. The first three premiered on 15 May 2026, with weekly episodes to follow. However, the second batch of six episodes won't air until later this year, promising a cliffhanger mid-season finale.
As for what this means for Rupert's friendships, his feelings for Taggie (Bella Maclean), and his animosity towards Tony, viewers will have to wait and see. Rivals is streaming on Disney+, with new episodes every Friday.
