It's nearly here! Rivals season 2 will officially land on our TV screens this Friday, (May 15) and we can finally dive fully into the world of Jilly Cooper. The long-awaited second series dives back into the cut-throat TV industry in the 1980s and brings to life the next half of Cooper's most iconic Rutshire Chronicles novels. But where can you watch the second season? And crucially, what else do you need to know about it? Consider this your 101 on all things Rivals.
What happens in Rivals season 2?
Rivals season 2 is a 12-part season (season 1 was only eight episodes!) based on Jilly Cooper's best selling novel of the same name. Starring David Tennant and Alex Hassell, the battle for the Central South West television franchise reaches a fever pitch as the war between Corinium and Venturer enters a dangerous new phase.
More ruthless than ever, Tony Baddingham (Tennant) is determined to dismantle his rivals piece-by-piece, weaponizing scandal and manipulating those closest to him to maintain his grip on power.
Amidst the hedonistic glamour of ‘80s excess, the personal lives of our Rutshire heroes spiral into chaos. Marriages fracture under the weight of ambition, illicit affairs threaten to shatter families, and long-buried secrets ignite with explosive consequences. As rivalries push everyone to the brink, loyalties are tested and hearts are broken in the pursuit of victory. But what is the true cost of war?
When does Rivals season 2 premiere?
Rivals season 2 debuts on Disney+ and Hulu on May 15, 2026, with the first three episodes released at the same time, making it perfect for binge-watching.
How to watch Rivals season 2 in the US
Rivals is a Disney+ original series in the UK, and therefore is available to watch on that streaming site starting May 15, with the remaining three episodes arriving on a weekly basis. For US audiences, that also means it’s available on Hulu. A Disney+/Hulu bundle membership costs just $11.99 a month.
If you want to catch up on season 1, you can do so on either Disney+ or Hulu.
