Rivals Season 2 Release Date Confirmed with New Trailer
The highly anticipated second season of Disney+'s adaptation of Jilly Cooper's Rivals now has an official release date. The streaming platform has unveiled a new trailer showcasing escalating feuds, illicit affairs, and fresh characters joining the cast. Season two will consist of twelve episodes, with the first three premiering on Disney+ on May 15, 2026.
Based on the late Dame Jilly Cooper's beloved Rutshire Chronicles, the series has captivated a new generation. Cooper, a literary powerhouse with 44 books, was renowned for her racy "bonkbuster" novels exploring social politics, sex, and drama in the English countryside. The first season debuted in October 2024 with an impressive 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes, starring David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Emily Atack, Danny Dyer, and Katherine Parkinson.
Where to Watch Rivals in the United Kingdom
Rivals is exclusively available on Disney+ in the UK. The entire first season of eight episodes dropped simultaneously on October 18, 2024, allowing for a complete binge-watch. Subscription options include an ad-supported tier starting at £5.99 per month, an ad-free version for £9.99 monthly, and a premium plan at £14.99 offering 4K UHD and HDR quality with multiple device access.
Five Addictive TV Shows to Watch Before Rivals Returns
If the wait for Rivals season two feels too long, these five television series offer similarly addictive blends of scandal, wealth, and compelling character drama.
Mad Men (2008-2015)
Set in 1960s New York, this critically acclaimed drama follows the professional and personal lives of employees at a prestigious advertising agency during the industry's golden age. Protagonist Don Draper, a mysterious and womanising antihero reminiscent of Rupert Campbell-Black, navigates work, family, and personal vices against the backdrop of historical events like the JFK assassination and Vietnam War.
Industry (2020-2024)
This BBC success story delves into the cut-throat world of London banking, following graduates as they face personal betrayals, professional rivalry, sex, and sleaze. The glamorous lifestyle contrasts sharply with darker moments, mirroring Rivals' exploration of bad behaviour among the privileged. The third season received five-star reviews, highlighting the drama's relentless intensity.
Succession (2018-2023)
Centering on the Roy family, owners of a global media conglomerate, this addictive series examines the brutal power struggle among siblings vying to inherit their patriarch's position. A bitingly funny and bingeable lens into the lives of the ultra-wealthy, it features backstabbing and deception akin to the tensions in Rivals.
The White Lotus (2021-2025)
This dark comedy follows guests and employees at luxury resorts, exploring tensions around class, race, and sex through juicy, character-driven storylines involving affairs, murder, and scandal. With seasons set in Hawaii, Sicily, and upcoming Thailand, it serves as a sharp satire of the super-rich, paralleling Rivals' provocative narrative style.
Palm Royale (2024)
Set in 1960s California, this comedy-drama follows social climber Maxine Simmons, played by Kristen Wiig, as she attempts to infiltrate Palm Beach high society by joining an exclusive private club. The story of an outsider struggling to fit in echoes Danny Dyer's character Freddie in Rivals, complemented by stunning costumes and backdrops.
These series provide perfect viewing to fill the void until Rivals season two arrives, each offering their own take on the scandalous, wealthy worlds that fans of Jilly Cooper's adaptation crave.
