Rivals season 2 arrives on Disney+ on May 15th: it's time to catch up on this British soap opera from the 80s

A phenomenon across the Channel since its first season, Rivals returns to Disney+ on May 15, 2026, with six new episodes, three of which will be available at launch, followed by a second wave later in the year. It's the perfect time to discover or catch up on this absolutely delightful British comedy, an adaptation of Dame Jilly Cooper's novels, which takes us back to 1986 in the fictional county of Rutshire. Shoulder pads, bouffant perms, kitschy wallpaper, and a soundtrack featuring Depeche Mode, Wham!, Tears for Fears, and Bonnie Tyler: the recreation of the 80s is as enjoyable as it is unapologetic.

Tony versus Rupert: a clash of egos in an English election campaign

At the heart of the plot lies a ruthless war between two local figures: Tony Baddingham (David Tennant), a media mogul willing to do anything to maintain his grip on power, and Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell), a former Olympic champion turned MP and notorious womanizer. The arrival in the county of London journalist Declan O'Hara (Aidan Turner) and Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams), an ambitious producer, only adds fuel to the fire. The story is told from the perspective of Lizzie, a housewife and aspiring writer, who decides to offer an unflinching portrayal of these colorful characters. Betrayals, love at first sight, deceptions, and secrets: all the ingredients of a top-notch soap opera are present.

An expanded cast for season 2, with Hayley Atwell and Rupert Everett

Season 2 reunites the entire original cast, joined by two high-profile additions: Hayley Atwell as Helen Gordon, Rupert Campbell-Black's ex-wife, and Rupert Everett as her husband, Malise Gordon, Campbell-Black's former mentor. The battle for the Central South West television franchise between Corinium and Venturer escalates, with Tony Baddingham more ruthless than ever, "ready to do anything to eliminate his rivals one by one, using scandals as weapons," according to the Disney+ press release. Fractured marriages, forbidden affairs, and buried secrets resurfacing: Season 2 promises to be even more explosive than the first.