Based on the famous novel by Jilly Cooper

Rivals season 2

Alongside the mid-season finale debut, Disney+ has announced that the second season of Rivals will continue with a new set of episodes arriving this November. After a dramatic twist in episode six, the people of Rutshire face upheaval marked by tragedy, scandal, and betrayal, as tensions between Venturer and Corinium reach a critical peak.

The Hulu Original series will return with six additional drama-packed episodes this November on Disney+ in the UK and worldwide, and on Hulu in the United States. Starring the likes of David Tennant, Alex Hassell and Aidan Turner, here are all of the important details about season two of Rivals…

Rivals season 2Rivals season 2 © Disney+ Rivals season 2
The streamer has released an official teaser trailer for the next set of episodes, giving a compelling preview of the drama still unfolding in season two. As the rivalry between Tony Baddingham and Declan O’Hara for dominance in the Cotswolds reaches a boiling point, Rupert Campbell-Black must face his own inner struggles.

Amid lavish parties, Bonfire Night turmoil, the Hampshire Hunt Ball, and a chaotic Christmas, relationships begin to crumble, loyalties shift, and tensions escalate. At the center of the escalating franchise conflict, Taggie O’Hara must find the strength to follow her heart, while others reckon with the fallout of ambition, power, and long-buried secrets.

Watch the Rivals Season 2 – part 2 trailer:

The teaser also introduces new cast member Rachael Stirling (Believe Me, Detectorists) as Araminta Pemberton, Lady Monica Baddingham’s vampish younger sister. The new episodes also see the introduction of Rupert Evans (Gone, The Man In The High Castle) as erudite headmaster David Hawkley and Santiago Cabrera (Big Little Lies, Star Trek: Picard) as Argentinian Polo legend Alejandro Mendoza.

When is Rivals season two out?

Part one of season two arrived on Disney+ in May 2026, and concluded in June. The second batch of six brand-new episodes will be available to stream this November.

The season has been split into two six-episode batches, meaning the remaining first batch will continue airing every week.

What happens in season two?

Disney+ say: ‘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’.

Is there a trailer for season two?

Yes, there is! On 16th April 2026 the full length trailer for Rivals season two was released. The trailer, which is 2 minutes 36 seconds, gives fans an insight into what to expect for the upcoming season.

What does the season two poster look like?

On Monday 30th March 2026, Disney and Hulu released a brand new poster for the second series, featuring the cast. The post read: ‘They’ve made their bed, now they must lie in it. Rivals returns May 15 on Disney+.’ (sic)

 

Fans were quick to comment on the post, with many sharing their excitement for series two. One wrote: ‘OMG I’m sooooo excited for this!!!!’, with another adding: ‘AAAAH, so excited 😍😍😍’.

A third wrote: ‘May 15th can’t come soon enough!! 👠💋’, with somebody else writing: ‘The details are GORGEOUS and so very Rivals ❤️’. (sic)

Who is in the cast?

Check out the confirmed cast list for series two below:

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

Claire Rushbrook as Lady Monica Baddingham

Oliver Chris as James Vereker

Lisa McGrillis as Valerie Jones

Emily Atack as Sarah Stratton

Rufus Jones as Paul Stratton

Luca Pasqualino as Basil “Bas” Baddingham

Catriona Chandler as Caitlin O’Hara

Is Her Majesty The Queen on Rivals?

On Monday 8th December 2025, Disney+ and the Rivals production team welcomed her Majesty, The Queen to the Rivals set.

During her visit, Her Majesty completed a behind-the-scenes tour of the set led by Rivals’ award-winning Executive Producers, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Alexander Lamb, Felicity Blunt and Laura Wade and Series Producer Eliza Mellor.

Her Majesty observed filming, met various members of the production team as well as lead cast members including Alex Hassell (Rupert Campbell Black), Bella Maclean (Taggie O’Hara), David Tennant (Tony Baddingham), Nafessa Williams (Cameron Cook), Victoria Smurfitt (Maud O’Hara) and Oliver Chris (James Vereker).

An exclusive first look of the new Master Dog set was revealed with Her Majesty getting to meet four of Rutshire’s finest canines, as well as stepping into the iconic Bar Sinister and the O’Hara family’s Priory Kitchen.

Despite the visit, she won’t appear on the show!

 

How can I watch it?

All episodes of Rivals season one and two are available to stream now on Disney+. The next batch of episodes for season two arrive this November.

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