Everything you need to know about Rivals season 2 is now available, as the Disney+ series prepares for its eagerly awaited return. Based on Dame Jilly Cooper's 1988 novel, the show chronicles the intense rivalry between MP Rupert Campbell-Black, portrayed by Alex Hassell, and television station owner Tony Baddingham, played by David Tennant, in the fictional Cotswolds county of Rutshire.
Longer Season and Release Schedule
Rivals season 2 will consist of 12 episodes, four more than the first season, and has been divided into two blocks of six episodes. The first half debuts on May 15, with three episodes released simultaneously, followed by the remaining three on a weekly basis. The second half is slated to arrive on Disney+ later in the year.
Returning Cast Members
The ensemble cast returns, including Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black and David Tennant as Tony Baddingham, despite his character's apparent demise in the season one finale. Also back are Aidan Turner as Declan O'Hara, Victoria Smurfit as Maud O'Hara, Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook, and Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker. Other returning actors include Danny Dyer, Bella Maclean, Rufus Jones, Claire Rushbrook, Oliver Chris, Lisa McGrillis, and Emily Atack. Further cast members include Luca Pasqualino, Bryony Hannah, Catriona Chandler, Hubert Burton, Annabel Scholey, Gary Lamont, Gabriel Tierney, and Lara Peake.
New Additions to the Cast
Joining the series are Hayley Atwell as Helen Gordon, Rupert's ex-wife and mother of his children, and Rupert Everett as Malise Gordon, Rupert's former show-jumping coach and mentor. Additionally, Maxim Ays plays Sebbie Carlisle, and Bobby Lockwood portrays Dommie Carlisle.
Plot for Season Two
Season two continues the fierce rivalry between Corinium and Venturer as Tony plans to take down his opponents using scandal and manipulation to cling to power. Marriages become more fractious due to illicit affairs, and deeply buried secrets emerge with explosive consequences for everyone involved, all set against the backdrop of the 1980s.
