'Rivals' Season 2 Is on the Way! Witness Rupert and Taggie Growing Closer in Recent Images

The beloved, scandal-packed series Rivals is gearing up for a second season, drawing more material from Dame Jilly Cooper's iconic novel. On December 4, Hulu confirmed the new seasons release and shared exclusive first-look images from the upcoming episodes.

The photos feature David Tennant back as Tony, promising dark deeds this season, along with Alex Hassells Rupert and Bella Macleans Taggie sharing intimate moments. Aidan Turners Declan and Nafessa Williams Cameron also return, hinting at the tangled relationships fans adored in Season 1.

The first season premiered on Hulu in October 2024 and quickly secured a renewal in December. Cooper, who served as an executive producer before her passing in October, expressed excitement for the continuation of her characters stories, praising the collaboration with Happy Prince and Disney+.

Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Chief Creative Officer of Happy Prince, emphasized the show's goal of creating a timeless series that captivates audiences and invites multiple viewings. He described returning to the world of Rutshire with the cast and creative team as magical.

Premiere Date

While the exact date is not confirmed, Hulu has announced that Rivals Season 2 will debut in 2026, following production and filming that began in May 2025.

Episode Count

Season 2 will expand from the eight episodes of Season 1 to a total of twelve episodes, offering more drama and character development.

Recap: Where Season 1 Left Off

The series ended on a suspenseful cliffhanger: Tony, after a confrontation with Cameron, is severely injured, leaving his fate uncertain. Meanwhile, Rupert and Taggies slow-burn romance intensified with a kiss, complicated by Camerons feelings and Declans protective instincts. Declan himself faced heartbreak when Maud left him.

What to Expect in Season 2

Hulu promises more wit, desire, and dramatic twists in the upcoming season, set against the glamorous and competitive world of 1980s British television. Careers, relationships, and reputations will be tested as secrets unravel in a high-stakes environment.

Executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins explained that the adaptation carefully follows Coopers guidance, exploring the broader storylines in the novel while creating fresh content for television. The series will continue to explore Tony and Ruperts rivalry, Rupert and Taggies relationship, and the complex dynamics with Cameron and Declan.

Returning Cast

Season 2 brings back David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham, Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black, Aidan Turner as Declan OHara, Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook, Bella Maclean as Taggie OHara, and other fan favorites including Katherine Parkinson, Danny Dyer, Victoria Smurfit, Claire Rushbrook, and more.

Creative Team

The series is executive produced by Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Alexander Lamb, Felicity Blunt, Elliot Hegarty, Laura Wade, and the late Jilly Cooper, with Jonny Richards for Disney+ EMEA. Series producer Eliza Mellor oversees the production, and the writing team includes Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Laura Wade, Sophie Goodhart, Sam Hoare, and others. Directors include Elliot Hegarty, Jamie J Johnson, and Dee Koppang OLeary.

Author: Chloe Ramirez