The second season of Rivals, based on Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles, has arrived, delivering a captivating blend of sex, politics, and the vibrant energy of the 1980s.

A Dramatic Season Premiere

The season begins with a memorable scene featuring the Heavenly Twins, handsome polo-playing brothers, making a bold entrance by diving naked into a swimming pool. This sets the stage for the drama, romance, and scandal that define the series.

TV Franchise War Heats Up

At the center of the narrative is a fierce television franchise war. Lord Tony Baddingham, portrayed by David Tennant, heads the powerful Corinium network. He faces a challenge from Venturer, a coalition led by his rival, Rupert Campbell Black, played by Alex Hassell.

Key Players in the Battle

Rupert teams up with star TV journalist Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner) and satellite technology mogul Freddie Jones (Danny Dyer) to disrupt Corinium’s dominance. This alliance fuels the high-stakes competition for television supremacy.

Love, Lust, and Betrayal

Amidst the corporate battles, characters navigate complex relationships and emotional turmoil. Corinium presenter Sarah Stratton (Emily Atack), married to MP Paul Stratton (Rufus Jones), discovers she is pregnant and questions the paternity, with suspicion falling on Tony.

Entangled Relationships

Declan’s daughter Taggie (Bella Maclean) finds herself in a love triangle involving Rupert and American super-producer Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams), who is also linked to Tony. Freddie Jones, married to Valerie (Lisa McGrillis), harbors secret feelings for romantic novelist Lizzie Vereker (Katherine Parkinson), who is married to James (Oliver Chris).

An 80s Aesthetic

The season is visually striking, showcasing the iconic fashion and style of the 1980s, including bouffant hairdos and wide pinstripes. Lavish parties and appearances by figures like Chris de Burgh, along with a nod to Margaret Thatcher’s hairstyle, complete the immersive experience.

Rivals Season 2 promises an unforgettable journey into the excesses and drama of the 1980s.