One of 2024’s biggest streaming hits returns to Hulu next month in “Rivals.”
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Set in the ’80s, and based on the novel by Dame Jilly Cooper that’s part of her “Rutshire Chronicles” book series, the black comedy centers on the rivalry between Alex Hassell‘s Rupert Campbell-Black and David Tennant‘s Tony, Lord Baddingham, as the two battle for control of an independent television franchise. Season 2 sees the enmity between them get even worse, as the personal lives of Campbell-Black and Baddingham descend even further into chaos.
Here’s an official synopsis for “Rivals” S2, courtesy of Hulu:
The battle for the Central South West television franchise reaches a fever pitch as the war between Corinium and Venturer enters a dangerous new phase. More ruthless than ever, Tony Baddingham is determined to dismantle his rivals piece-by-piece, weaponizing scandal and manipulating those closest to him to maintain his grip on power.
Amidst the hedonistic glamour of 80s excess, the personal lives of our Rutshire heroes spiral into chaos. Marriages fracture under the weight of ambition, illicit affairs threaten to shatter families, and long-buried secrets ignite with explosive consequences. As rivalries push everyone to the brink, loyalties are tested and hearts are broken in the pursuit of victory. But what is the true cost of war?
Along with Tennant and Hassell, other returning cast for “Rivals” S2 include Aidan Turner, Nafessa Williams, Bella Maclean, Katherine Parkinson, Danny Dyer, and Victoria Smurfit. Other returning cast includes Claire Rushbrook, Oliver Chris, Lisa McGrillis, Emily Atack, Rufus Jones, Luca Pasqualino, Catriona Chandler, Annabel Scholey, Gary Lamont, Hubert Burton, Gabriel Tierney, Lara Peake, and Byrony Hannah.
New guest stars on the show this season include Hayley Atwell and Rupert Everett. Other newcomers include Maxim Ays, Holly Cattle, Oliver Dench, Amanda Lawrence, Bobby Lockwood, Eliot Salt, and Jonny Weldon.
“Rivals” returns to Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ in two six-episode batches: the first arrives on May 15 with a three-episode premiere, and the second will premiere later this year. Watch a trailer for the new season below.
