Are you ready to return to Rutshire? Because Rivals season 2 is officially on its way.
2026 is already shaping up to be a strong year for British TV, with hits like Believe Me, Legends and Number One Fan keeping us well fed. But if you’re anything like us, you’ve been patiently counting down the days for another hit of Disney+’s deliciously scandalous drama. So naturally, the only question on everyone’s mind is: when are we getting Rivals season two?
The first season landed in 2024, adapted from the 1988 novel by the late Dame Jilly Cooper and packed with some of the best British talent on screen. This TV show gave us everything: affairs, parties, betrayals, and more than a few jaw-dropping scandals.
If season one is anything to go by, we’re in for even more chaos and lust the second time around. The Rivals cast includes Alex Hassell, David Tennant, Luke Pasqualino, Aidan Turner, Bella Maclean, Danny Dyer and more.
Consider us officially seated for Rivals season 2, now to find out when and where we can watch it.
When is Rivals season 2 out?
Our next dose of sexy Freddy and mischievous Rupert is almost here, arriving on 15 May.
However, there’s an interesting twist to the release format. The season will be split into two halves, with the first three episodes dropping initially, followed by three more released weekly. The release date for the second half is yet to be confirmed.
And if that wasn’t enough to get us excited, the new season is also set to be significantly longer than the first, which, honestly, is very good news indeed.
Where can you watch Rivals season 2?
Rivals season 2 will be available to stream on Disney+. You can also find the previous season there, so be sure to binge it again in preparation for more hunky Rutshire delights.
How many episodes are in Rivals season 2?
Rivals season 1 gave us eight glorious episodes of chaos, scandal, and pure indulgence. But season 2 is going one better… and then some.
This time around, we’re getting a whopping twelve episodes. Yes, twelve whole episodes of Rivals season 2, which honestly feels like a gift we’ve done nothing to deserve.
Episode release schedule for Rivals season 2
To ensure you don't miss a single drama-filled moment, here's the Rivals episode release schedule:
Episode 1: Friday 15th May.
Episode 2: Friday 15th May.
Episode 3: Friday 15th May.
Episode 4: Friday 22nd May.
Episode 5: Friday 29th May.
Episode 6: Friday 5th June.
Episodes 7-12: TBA
Another madcap murder mystery is coming our way.
Is there a trailer for Rivals season 2?
Yep, we have a trailer, besties!
Disney also dropped another teaser trailer earlier this year. “Welcome to the naughtiest show on television” might just be the most meta opening line ever. Watch the season two Rivals trailer and squeal right along with us — because if this is the energy already, we’re absolutely not ready.
So Tony is alive and well, with a “headache.” Shower sex, tiny speedos, and stolen kisses aplenty. Also, was that Cameron back at Corinium? That's got to be awkward…
What happened in Rivals season 1?
First, a quick recap of everything that happened in the first eight episodes: the show loosely follows the events of Cooper's novel of the same name, which is actually the second book in her famous 10-book Rutshire Chronicles series. The show takes us deep into the lives of the English elite as they climb the social ladder through both business manoeuvres and romantic affairs.
The series begins as a long-standing rivalry between charismatic ex-Olympic rider-turned-Tory MP Rupert Campbell-Black and somewhat sinister TV station controller Lord Tony Baddingham comes to a head. Tony expands Corinium Television, bringing on new chat-show host Declan O'Hara.
Things finally come to a head (spoiler alert!) at the British Television Awards. Corinium Television wins an award at the event, but there is a whole lot going on behind the scenes. Tony ends up proposing to Cameron (Nafessa Williams), a former NBC producer who moved from the US to the UK to work for Tony, promising to leave his wife for her. However, when she reveals that she has been having a relationship with Rupert — and that she wants that relationship to continue — he slaps her. Cameron ends up hitting Tony over the head with their award and we are left with a shot of Tony bleeding on the floor in a tantalising cliffhanger.
What is the plot of Rivals season 2?
The synopsis for season 2 reads as follows: "Set in the stunning Cotswolds countryside and against the backdrop of the glamorous, high-stakes world of 1980s British television, the second instalment reunites the all-star cast who captivated fans and critics, while introducing some exciting new faces. Following last season’s dramatic cliffhanger with Tony’s fate hanging in the balance, Lord Baddingham is back and out for vengeance ready to stop at nothing to keep Corinium’s empire unrivalled.
“Careers, marriages, and reputations hang in the balance as personal and professional lives collide in a world where secrets can’t stay hidden for long. Bold, emotionally charged, and filled with unforgettable moments, “Rivals” is a thrilling ride through a landscape of breathtaking beauty, fierce competition, and life-changing decisions where the cost of success could be everything.”
Luckily, there is plenty of source material to draw from for Rivals season 2. Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles series is ten books long, so the show could easily run for a few more seasons.
Rivals season 2 is available to stream on Disney+ from the 15th of May.
