The highly anticipated second season of the award-winning drama Rivals has officially confirmed its release date, with Disney+ announcing the series will premiere on 15 May 2026. A new explosive trailer has been unveiled, teasing even more high-stakes drama in the cutthroat world of 1980s British television.
David Tennant Returns as Formidable TV Mogul
David Tennant reprises his role as the ruthless television magnate Lord Tony Baddingham, whose fate was left hanging in the balance at the end of the first season. The new preview opens with the Doctor Who star making a dramatic entrance from a helicopter, quipping about a terrible headache before swiftly reasserting his authority in the Corinium Television offices with the stark declaration: "We are at war."
Resolving the Tense Cliff-hanger
The trailer addresses the previous season's cliff-hanger directly, which saw Lord Baddingham struck down by Cameron Cooke, played by Nafessa Williams, leaving him motionless in a pool of blood. Tennant's character appears to have survived the attack, returning with his trademark manipulative power intact and ready to defend his television empire at all costs.
Returning Cast and New Guest Stars
The ensemble cast sees several familiar faces returning for the new twelve-episode season:
- Danny Dyer resumes his role as businessman Freddie Jones, who describes the unfolding chaos as "a bloody circus"
- Katherine Parkinson returns as Lizzie Vereker, seen looking cosy with Dyer's character
- Alex Hassell is back as lothario Rupert Campbell-Black, getting close with Bella Maclean's Taggie O'Hara
- Aidan Turner returns as journalist Declan O'Hara, describing the drama as "entertaining in the most delightful way"
The new season will also feature several high-profile guest stars including Hayley Atwell from Agent Carter and Rupert Everett from My Policeman, adding further star power to the already impressive cast.
1980s Setting and Source Material
Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Cotswolds countryside during the 1980s, the drama continues to explore the high-stakes world of British television where careers, marriages and reputations constantly hang in the balance. The series remains faithful to its source material, being based on the best-selling novel by the late Dame Jilly Cooper, who passed away unexpectedly in October at age 88 after suffering injuries from a fall.
Production Details and Anticipation
The trailer features the energetic soundtrack of Billy Idol's "Mony Mony" playing throughout, perfectly capturing the era's atmosphere while hinting at the dramatic confrontations to come. With professional and personal lives colliding in increasingly dramatic fashion, season two promises to deliver even more of the addictive drama that made the first season such a success.
Filming has taken place in various locations including Bristol, where the cast received a royal visit during production. The confirmation of the release date follows growing anticipation among fans who have been eagerly awaiting news about the show's return since the dramatic conclusion of the first season.
