Disney+ confirmed the release date for the second season of Rivals this week (5 February), alongside sharing a new trailer.
“‘Rivals’ will return for its second season on 15 May with even more drama, wit and desire,” said a Disney+ spokesperson.
“The second season continues the adaptation of the late and much-missed Dame Jilly Cooper’s beloved novel Rivals, introducing the glamorous world of polo and surprising new twists, alongside heightened boardroom drama and deeper romantic entanglements.”
Jilly fans will have even more TV to devour this season – Disney+ has also revealed that the Hulu Original series will have 12 episodes in total, which will be split into two six-episode batches. The first “drop” of the second series will land on 15 May with a three-episode premier, and the second batch will air later in the year.
The book – and its prequel, Riders – is the place to start for anyone looking to brush up on their Rutshire knowledge ahead of the second season. The full Rivals season one is also available on Disney+, too.
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A bevy of new stars joins the returning Rivals cast, including Hayley Attwell as Rupert Campbell-Black’s ex-wife Helen Gordon, and Rupert Everett as her husband Malise.
“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 is determined to dismantle his rivals piece by piece, weaponising scandal and manipulating those closest to him to maintain his grip on power,” added the Disney+ spokesperson.
“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?”
Grab the remote, pass vol-au-vents, top up your glasses – what a treat to look forward to!
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
