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Rivals season 2 just arrived on Hulu with a bang. The Emmy and BAFTA-winning drama premiered today with three episodes ready to stream. David Tennant returns as the scheming media mogul, leading a stellar cast through more scandal, betrayal, and twisted affairs.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Release Date: May 15, 2026 on Hulu with first three episodes dropping today
- Total Episodes: 12 episodes split into two six-episode batches
- Lead Cast: David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Aidan Turner, and Emily Atack all returning
- Critical Reception: 100% on Rotten Tomatoes with critics calling it “fabulously retro” and “far more than a guilty pleasure”
The Battle Escalates in Season 2
Rivals season 2 intensifies the war between Corinium and Venturer, the competing television companies at the heart of this 1980s British period drama. Lord Baddingham, played by David Tennant, launches a ruthless campaign to destroy Venturer, the rival network founded by Rupert Campbell-Black (beautifully portrayed by Alex Hassell) and Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner). The stakes are higher, the affairs are messier, and everyone has something to lose.
Set in the hedonistic world of 1980s television excess, this Hulu original based on Jilly Cooper’s beloved novel explores what happens when personal lives unravel amid professional ambition. Infidelities explode, loyalties shift, and long-buried secrets ignite with explosive consequences as the characters navigate betrayal, power plays, and forbidden romance.
Rivals season 2 premieres today on Hulu with 3 episodes, David Tennant returns
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An Unconventional Release Schedule Keeps Fans Coming Back
Hulu’s staggered rollout is designed to maximize anticipation and engagement. Today’s launch gives viewers three episodes to devour immediately. Episode 4 arrives May 22, followed by Episode 5 on May 29, and Episode 6 on June 5. The remaining six episodes will stream later in 2026 on an undisclosed schedule. This two-batch structure is fundamentally different from the traditional weekly release model, giving binge-watchers instant gratification while building sustained momentum.
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date | May 15, 2026 |
| Platform | Hulu (US), Disney+ (International) |
| Episodes Now | 3 (Episodes 1-3) |
| Total Episodes | 12 (4-6 in June, 7-12 TBA) |
“Amidst the hedonistic glamour of ’80s excess, the personal lives of our Rutshire heroes spiral into chaos when 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?”
— Hulu Official Synopsis
A Powerhouse Cast Returns for Round Two
David Tennant shines as the cunning, ruthless Lord Baddingham, a media mogul willing to destroy anyone in his path for victory. Alex Hassell brings charisma and vulnerability to Rupert Campbell-Black, while Aidan Turner (known for Poldark) plays the principled Declan O’Hara. The ensemble cast also features Emily Atack, Katherine Parkinson, Nafessa Williams, Victoria Smurfit, Danny Dyer, and Bella Maclean. Each character carries their own secrets, motivations, and romantic entanglements, creating a layered tapestry of scandal and seduction that critics are already praising.
Critics universally celebrate the performances and production values. The Metro calls it “fabulously retro,” while Collider declares it “far more than a guilty pleasure.” With a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score from early reviews, Rivals season 2 has set the bar exceptionally high for itself and earned genuine acclaim beyond typical prestige television expectations.
Will Rivals Season 2 Deliver More Drama Than Season 1?
Rivals season 2 is reportedly bigger and bolder than its predecessor, expanding from eight episodes to twelve to accommodate the growing complexity of character arcs and storylines. Executive producers and cast members have teased that Season 2 explores the second half of Jilly Cooper’s novel, diving deeper into the television franchise war while examining the human cost of ambition. The first three episodes have already demonstrated that more scandals, more affairs, and more shocking twists await viewers who dive in immediately. Will loyalties hold steady, or will everyone fall victim to the seductive allure of power and revenge? The answer starts streaming on Hulu today.
Watch the Official Trailer
Sources
- Newsweek – Complete release schedule and episode details for Rivals season 2
- Rotten Tomatoes – Critical reviews and 100% approval rating for season 2
- Hulu Official Channels – Promotional content and cast interviews
