Disney+ has released the new trailer for “Rivals” Season 2, giving fans a first look at the next six episodes of the hit drama starring David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Aidan Turner and Bella Maclean.
The “Rivals” Season 2 trailer arrives ahead of the show’s return to Disney+ in the UK and internationally on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s bestselling Rutshire Chronicles, Season 2 will return with three new episodes before the remaining episodes are released weekly.
The new episodes pick up after the dramatic mid-season finale, with the battle between Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) and Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner) escalating as both men fight for control of the television landscape.
Meanwhile, Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) faces a more personal battle, while Taggie O’Hara (Bella Maclean) finds herself caught between competing loyalties, romance and the fallout from the increasingly bitter franchise war.
When is Rivals Season 2 back on Disney+?
“Rivals” Season 2 returns to Disney+ on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
The second half of Season 2 will consist of episodes 7 through 12, with three episodes released on November 11 followed by the remaining episodes weekly.
The first six episodes of Season 2 are already available to stream on Disney+.
The new episodes will continue the story in 1987, as the residents of Rutshire face affairs, betrayals, rivalries and personal heartbreak against a backdrop of lavish parties and increasingly high-stakes television battles.
What happens in Rivals Season 2?
The second half of “Rivals” Season 2 follows the fallout from the mid-season finale as Tony Baddingham and Declan O’Hara’s battle for control of the Cotswolds reaches a new level.
Rupert Campbell-Black is forced to confront his own personal demons, while the show’s characters navigate a turbulent period that includes Bonfire Night, the Hampshire Hunt Ball and Christmas.
As relationships begin to unravel and alliances fracture, Taggie O’Hara must decide whether she is prepared to follow her heart.
The series also promises further consequences for the characters as long-held secrets threaten to come to light.
The central question heading into the Season 2 finale is whether anyone in Rutshire will actually get the happy ending they want.
Rivals Season 2 cast
David Tennant returns as Lord Tony Baddingham, alongside Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black, Aidan Turner as Declan O’Hara and Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook.
The returning cast also includes:
- Bella Maclean as Taggie O’Hara
- Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker
- Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones
- Victoria Smurfit as Maud O’Hara
- Claire Rushbrook as Lady Monica Baddingham
- Oliver Chris as James Vereker
- Lisa McGrillis as Valerie Jones
- Emily Atack as Sarah Stratton
- Rufus Jones as Paul Stratton
- Luca Pasqualino as Basil “Bas” Baddingham
- Catriona Chandler as Caitlin O’Hara
- Annabel Scholey as Beattie Johnson
- Gary Lamont as Charles Fairburn
- Hubert Burton as Gerald Middleton
- Gabriel Tierney as Patrick O’Hara
- Lara Peake as Daysee Butler
- Bryony Hannah as Deirdre Kilpatrick
New cast members joining Season 2 include Rachael Stirling as Araminta Pemberton, Lady Monica Baddingham’s younger sister; Rupert Evans as headmaster David Hawkley; and Santiago Cabrera as Argentinian polo legend Alejandro Mendoza.
Hayley Atwell also returns as Helen Gordon, alongside Rupert Everett as Malise Gordon.
Rivals Season 3 is already confirmed
Fans won’t have to say goodbye to Rutshire after Season 2. Disney+ has already renewed “Rivals” for a third season, with 12 new episodes confirmed.
The renewal was announced ahead of the Season 2 return, extending the television adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s bestselling novels.
“Rivals” is produced by Happy Prince, part of ITV Studios, and is based on Cooper’s novel of the same name from the bestselling Rutshire Chronicles.
The series is executive produced by Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Alexander Lamb, Felicity Blunt, Elliot Hegarty, Laura Wade and Jilly Cooper. Eliza Mellor returns as series producer.
What is Rivals based on?
“Rivals” is based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s 1988 novel “Rivals,” part of her bestselling Rutshire Chronicles series.
The television adaptation follows the wealthy and powerful residents of Rutshire as their personal relationships collide with the ruthless competition surrounding television broadcasting.
Season 2 continues that mix of romance, ambition, rivalry and scandal while expanding the story beyond the events of the first season.
How to watch Rivals Season 2
“Rivals” Season 2 is streaming on Disney+ in the UK and internationally. The second half of the season begins on November 11, 2026, with three episodes, followed by weekly releases.
All episodes of Season 1 and the first six episodes of Season 2 are currently available to stream on Disney+.
Watch the new “Rivals” Season 2 trailer above ahead of the drama’s November 11 return.
Get entertainment news, where to watch guides & lifestyle/travel recommendations in your inbox for free:
Discover where to stream the best TV shows and movies. Get fresh entertainment news, streaming guides, and real-life pop culture experiences at WhereToWatch.tv.
Share this post with someone you think would like it…