Rivals, the steamy and scandal-filled Disney+ adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s 1988 novel, took audiences by storm with its first season in October 2024. Set in the glamorous yet cutthroat world of 1980s British television, the series delivered drama, romance, and a gripping cliffhanger that left fans craving more. With Season 2 officially confirmed, here’s everything we know so far.
Release Date Speculation for Rivals Season 2
While Disney+ has not announced an official release date, production timelines offer clues. Filming for Season 2 began in May 2025, with a 12-episode run confirmed—four more episodes than Season 1. Based on the first season’s timeline, which saw casting announcements in March 2023, filming from March to September 2023, and a release in October 2024, production typically takes about 18 months.
Given this schedule, Rivals Season 2 is likely to premiere in late 2025 or early 2026. Some sources speculate a possible early 2026 release, depending on post-production demands. Fans should keep an eye on Disney+ and Hulu for official updates as filming progresses.
Rivals Season 2 Expected Cast
The good news for fans is that the entire main cast from Season 1 is confirmed to return, ensuring continuity for the beloved characters driving the drama. Here’s who we can expect to see in Rutshire:
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Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black
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David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham
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Aidan Turner as Declan O’Hara
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Bella Maclean as Taggie O’Hara
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Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook
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Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones
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Victoria Smurfit as Maud O’Hara
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Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker, alongside Oliver Chris as James Vereker.
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Claire Rushbrook as Lady Monica Baddingham
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Emily Atack as Sarah Stratton, Rufus Jones as Paul Stratton, Lisa McGrillis as Valerie Jones, Luke Pasqualino as Basil Baddingham, and Catriona Chandler as Caitlin O’Hara, all reprising their roles.
Rivals Season 2 Potential Plot
Rivals Season 1 covered roughly the first half of Jilly Cooper’s novel, leaving plenty of material for Season 2 to complete the story. However, the show has already taken liberties with the source material, so expect a mix of book-inspired plots and original twists.
