Following the massive success of the launch of the adaptation of Dame Jilly Cooper’s iconic book “Rivals”, Disney has announced that the show has been renewed for a second season.

“Rivals” is part of Cooper’s bestselling Rutshire Chronicles, and is packed full of wit, romantic entanglements, sex and unforgettable characters. The story is set against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England in the ruthless world of independent television.

The latest season received critical acclaim and ended on a dramatic, cliff-hanger ending, setting the show up for a potential season season.

Dame Jilly Cooper, Executive Producer and Rivals author, said in a statement regarding the renewal:

“Nearly 40 years after my novel Rivals was published, I’ve adored seeing the world fall in love with my beloved characters – Rutshire’s Finest.  And it has been a fairytale come true working with Happy Prince and Disney+ on the first season. I’m orgasmic with excitement and cannot wait for the return of my superhero Rupert Campbell-Black and the rest of the characters in season two!”

Lee Mason, Executive Director of Scripted Originals, EMEA Disney+, added: 

“It’s been phenomenal seeing the reaction to Dame Jilly Cooper’s Rivals – this autumn’s most talked about series. We’re thrilled that existing fans of the novels, alongside those new to the Cooperverse, have taken the series to their hearts. I can’t wait to get back to Rutshire and see what exciting drama the Happy Prince team have in store for season two – bring on more romance, betrayal, and shoulder pads!’”

Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Chief Creative Officer of Happy Prince and Alexander Lamb, Creative Director of Happy Prince, said:

“It’s been magical to receive the love back from viewers that we put into Rivals. The Rivals team set out to create people’s favourite television show, something enduring that our audience would take to their hearts and watch and rewatch. We’re delighted that we’re returning to Rutshire with Jilly and Disney+. It’s a special place to be.”

Rivals stars Alex Hassell (“The Tragedy of Macbeth”, “The Boys”) as Rupert Campbell-Black, David Tennant (“Doctor Who”, “The Thursday Murder Club”) as Lord Tony Baddingham, Aidan Turner (“Poldark”, “The Suspect”) as Declan O’Hara and Bella Maclean as Taggie O’Hara, alongside Danny Dyer (“EastEnders”, “The Football Factory”), Katherine Parkinson (“Humans”, “Here We Go”), Nafessa Williams (“Black Lighting”, “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody”), Emily Atack (“The Emily Atack Show”, “The Inbetweeners”) and Victoria Smurfit (“Bloodlands”, “Once Upon A Time”).

Also starring in the upcoming series are, Catriona Chandler (“Pistol”, “Enola Holmes 2”), Oliver Chris (“The Crown”, “Trying”), Rufus Jones (“W1A”, “Home”), Lisa McGrillis (“Maternal”, “Mum”), Luke Pasqualino (“Skins”, “Shantaram”), Claire Rushbrook (“Sherwood”, “Ali & Ava”) and Gary Lamont (“Boiling Point”, “Outlander”).

“Rivals” is executive produced by Dominic Treadwell-Collins (“A Very English Scandal”, “Holding”, “EastEnders”), Alexander Lamb (“Ackley Bridge”, “The Bay”, “We Hunt Together”), Felicity Blunt, Elliot Hegarty (“Cheaters”, “Ted Lasso”), Olivier Award-winning playwright Laura Wade (“The Riot Club”), “Rivals” author Dame Jilly Cooper and for Disney+ EMEA Scripted Content, Jonny Richards.

“Rivals” will return to Hulu and Hulu On Disney+ in the United States and on Disney+ internationally, including in the UK. The first season is available to stream now on Hulu and Hulu On Disney+ in the United States and on Disney+ internationally.

Roger’s Take:  I’m really glad to see “Rivals” renewed for a second season as it is one of my favourite shows from this year.  It’s uniquely British and very different from everything else out there right now, plus it pulls on the nostalgia from the 80s and features a fantastic cast.

Are you excited about a second season of “Rivals”?  Let me know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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