The wait is nearly over for fans of Dame Jilly Cooper’s high-stakes, high-drama universe. Disney+ has officially confirmed that the hit British drama Rivals will return on November 11th with a three-episode premiere in the UK and internationally, as well as on Hulu in the U.S.
Accompanying the date announcement, new first-look images offer a teaser of the fallout following the show’s explosive mid-series finale. Produced by Happy Prince (part of ITV Studios), the final six 60-minute episodes of the season promise to plunge viewers back into the hedonistic, betrayal-filled world of the Cotswolds.
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| RIVALS SEASON 2 RETURN |
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| Release Date | November 11th |
| Premiere Format | 3-Episode Drop (followed by weekly releases) |
| Total Remaining Episodes | 6 x 60-minute episodes |
| Streaming Platforms | Disney+ (UK & International), Hulu (U.S.) |
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Tragedy, Chaos, and Franchising Wars
Picking up in the aftermath of recent scandals, the second half of Season 2 finds the residents of Rutshire dealing with the fallout of their choices. The central battle for local broadcasting dominance between Lord Tony Baddingham and Declan O’Hara hits a critical peak, while playboy Rupert Campbell-Black faces his own personal reckoning.
The upcoming narrative arc spans several major social fixtures, taking viewers through a chaotic Bonfire Night, the Hampshire Hunt Ball, wild parties, and a tense Christmas holiday. As alliances fracture under the weight of ambition and long-buried secrets, Taggie O’Hara finds herself navigating the crossfire of the regional TV franchise wars.
Stellar Ensemble and Key Additions
The returning main cast features an extensive lineup of British and international talent:
David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham
Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black
Aidan Turner as Declan O’Hara
Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook
Bella Maclean as Taggie O’Hara
Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker
Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones
Victoria Smurfit as Maud O’Hara
Joining the ensemble for the return are Rachael Stirling as Lady Monica’s sister Araminta Pemberton, Rupert Evans as headmaster David Hawkley, and Santiago Cabrera as polo star Alejandro Mendoza. Guest stars Hayley Atwell and Rupert Everett also reprise their roles as Helen and Malise Gordon.
Production and Writing Team
The series adaptation continues under executive producers Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Alexander Lamb, Felicity Blunt, Elliot Hegarty, Laura Wade, and original novel author Dame Jilly Cooper, alongside Series Producer Eliza Mellor. Directing duties for the remaining stretch are split between Elliot Hegarty, Jamie J Johnson, and Dee Koppang O’Leary.
The initial batch of Season 2 episodes, along with the complete first season, are available to stream immediately on Disney+ and Hulu ahead of the November 11th return.
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