The wait is finally over for fans of one of British television’s boldest guilty pleasures. Rivals has officially returned to Disney+ with its second season, available from May 15, ready to plunge viewers back into the extravagant world of the British upper class during the 1980s.
Following the success of its first chapter, the British series comes back with twelve new episodes divided into two parts, promising an even more intense mix of drama, power struggles and scandal that helped turn the show into a breakout hit.
The battle between Corinium and Venturer intensifies
The rivalry between Corinium and Venturer continues to drive the core of the story. Rupert Campbell-Black, Declan O’Hara and Freddie Jones are now dealing with the aftermath of their victory, while personal ambitions, revenge and internal tensions begin to threaten the fragile balance within the group.
The new season picks up directly after the previous finale, with Venturer successfully taking the television franchise away from Corinium Television. However, Tony Baddingham, played by David Tennant, has no intention of accepting defeat quietly.
Returning cast members include Alex Hassell, Aidan Turner, Danny Dyer and Katherine Parkinson, alongside the characters that helped establish the show’s success. Meanwhile, Hayley Atwell and Rupert Everett join the ensemble, introducing new relationships and fresh conflicts into the already chaotic narrative.
An ‘80s aesthetic built on luxury and social satire
One of the most recognizable aspects of Rivals remains its setting. The series fully embraces the imagery of 1980s Britain, creating a world shaped by excess, privilege and social competition while also highlighting the contradictions of the era.
Furthermore, lavish mansions, extravagant costumes and a soundtrack inspired by iconic pop and rock hits of the decade reinforce the show’s deliberately melodramatic and visually extravagant tone. This balance between satire and spectacle continues to set Rivals apart within today’s television landscape.
Season 2 will consist of twelve episodes released in multiple parts. The first episodes are already streaming on Disney+, while the remaining installments will arrive weekly over the coming months.
Photo Credits: Kevin Paul, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
