Rivals, the popular comedy-drama based on Dame Jilly Cooper's 1988 novel, has returned for its second season to critical acclaim. The show, which debuted on Disney+ in October 2024, has been praised for its escapist nature, sharp satire, and strong performances from its all-star cast.

Critical Acclaim for Season 2

Critics have overwhelmingly praised the second season of Rivals, with many awarding it five-star reviews. Sarah Dempster of The Guardian describes the show as "exquisitely knowing escapism" and suggests it deserves "ten thousand stars." Benji Wilson of The Telegraph echoes this sentiment, calling it a "heady mix of guilty pleasure, trenchant satire, rambunctious comedy and out-and-out trash."

Carol Midgley of The Times highlights the show's "deliberate corniness" and "gloriously uplifting" nature, while Lacy Baugher of Den of Geek praises the "sprawling cast" and singles out Emily Atack for her standout performance. Rebecca Nicholson of the Financial Times is slightly more critical, giving the season three stars and noting that some storylines drag.

Cast Insights and Behind-the-Scenes

The new season is tipped to be the raciest yet, with cast members sharing insights into the filming process. Alex Hassell, who plays Rupert Campbell-Black, describes the sex scenes as "physically unsexy" and "deeply uncomfortable," while Danny Dyer, who plays Freddie Jones, discusses the complexities of portraying an affair.

Aidan Turner, who stars as TV journalist Declan O'Hara, describes a steamy shower sex scene with his on-screen wife Maud as "fun" to film, highlighting the comfort and chemistry between himself and co-star Victoria Smurfit.

Returning Cast and New Storylines

The all-star cast, including David Tennant, Emily Atack, and Danny Dyer, returns for more raucous exploits in Rutshire. The new season delves into the complexities of relationships and infidelity, with Danny Dyer noting that "there are a lot of people rooting for infidelity, which is quite rare."

Rivals Season 2 returns on May 15 on Disney+.