Disney+ Greenlights Second Season of Rivals

Disney+ has greenlit a second season of Rivals, based on the novel by Dame Jilly Cooper.

The series follows the drama and antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England in the world of independent television. It stars David Tennant (Doctor Who, Good Omens), Alex Hassell (The Boys), Bella Maclean (Sex Education), Nafessa Williams (Black Lightning, Whitney), Aidan Turner (Poldark) and more.

Rivals is executive produced by Dominic Treadwell-Collins (A Very English Scandal, Holding, EastEnders), Alexander Lamb (Ackley Bridge, The Bay, We Hunt Together), Felicity Blunt, Elliot Hegarty (Cheaters, Ted Lasso), Laura Wade (The Riot Club), author Cooper and Jonny Richard, a Disney+ EMEA scripted content executive. The show is produced by Happy Prince, part of ITV Studios.

“Nearly 40 years after my novel Rivals was published, I’ve adored seeing the world fall in love with my beloved characters—Rutshire’s finest,” Cooper said. “And it has been a fairy tale come true working with Happy Prince and Disney+ on the first season. I’m orgasmic with excitement and cannot wait for the return of my superhero Rupert Campbell-Black and the rest of the characters in season two!”

Lee Mason, executive director of scripted originals for EMEA at Disney+, commented, “It’s been phenomenal seeing the reaction to Dame Jilly Cooper’s Rivals—this autumn’s most talked-about series. We’re thrilled that existing fans of the novels, alongside those new to the Cooperverse, have taken the series to their hearts. I can’t wait to get back to Rutshire and see what exciting drama the Happy Prince team have in store for season two. Bring on more romance, betrayal and shoulder pads!”

“It’s been magical to receive the love back from viewers that we put into Rivals,” Happy Prince’s Dominic Treadwell-Collins, chief creative officer, and Alexander Lamb, creative director. “The Rivals team set out to create people’s favorite television show, something enduring that our audience would take to their hearts and watch and rewatch. We’re delighted that we’re returning to Rutshire with Jilly and Disney+. It’s a special place to be.”