The second season of Rivals, based on Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles, has returned with a bold and captivating premiere. The series dives into a world of love, lust, and intense corporate competition set against the backdrop of the 1980s.

A Dramatic Return to the 80s

The highly anticipated season two of Rivals, a blockbuster adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s beloved Rutshire Chronicles, immediately grabs attention. The season begins with a risqué scene featuring the Heavenly Twins – dashing blond polo players – making a memorable entrance by diving naked into a swimming pool.

Cutthroat Competition and Power Struggles

The series continues to explore the competitive landscape of 1980s television, politics, and high society. A star-studded cast, including David Tennant, Aidan Turner, and Danny Dyer, brings the story to life.

The central conflict revolves around a fierce TV franchise war between Corinium, led by Lord Tony Baddingham, and Venturer. Venturer is a coalition of ambitious figures including Olympic show jumper-turned-Minister for Sport Rupert, TV journalist Declan O’Hara, and technology mogul Freddie Jones.

Love, Betrayal, and Complex Relationships

Amidst the corporate battles, the characters grapple with complicated personal lives. Declan’s daughter, Taggie, finds herself torn between her feelings for Rupert and his relationship with American super-producer Cameron Cook, who is also involved with Tony.

Corinium presenter Sarah Stratton, married to MP Paul Stratton, faces further complications as she is pregnant and has a history of infidelity.

Immersive 1980s Aesthetic

The second season of Rivals is a vibrant and chaotic portrayal of sex, politics, and high-stakes television. The 1980s aesthetic is fully realized through bouffant hairstyles, wide pinstripes, and opulent settings like Bella Vista, Freddie and Val’s mansion.

A cameo appearance by Chris de Burgh adds to the immersive experience. The series delivers a blend of humor, drama, and scandal as characters navigate their tangled relationships and professional rivalries.