When is Rivals Season 2 Release Date? Based on Jilly Cooper’s Books of Scandal and Glamour Returns

Filming for Rivals season 2 has begun.

Get ready to return to the sumptuous, scandalous world of Rivals. Disney+ has confirmed that filming for the second season of its hit drama, based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s best-selling novel, begins this month—and this time, it’s even bigger.

Following the roaring success of season one—Disney+ UK’s most successful general entertainment premiere to date—the upcoming season will expand to twelve episodes, promising more intrigue, passion, and high-society power plays set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Cotswolds countryside.

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Produced by Happy Prince (part of ITV Studios), Rivals season 2 transports us into the decadent, high-stakes world of 1980s British television, where ambition knows no bounds, secrets refuse to stay buried, and reputations can unravel in a single headline. With marriages on the rocks and careers in jeopardy, season two raises the stakes—expect delicious drama, outrageous twists, and some of the most unforgettable moments on screen this year.

The show boasts a dazzling ensemble cast, with David Tennant, Katherine Parkinson, Danny Dyer, and Aidan Turnerall reprising their roles—alongside several new faces joining the Rutshire set. Fans can look forward to more iconic one-liners, steamy entanglements, and couture-laden chaos.

Who is returning fo Rivals season 2?

• David Tennant as media mogul Lord Tony Baddingham
• Alex Hassell as the irresistible Rupert Campbell-Black
• Aidan Turner as hot-headed journalist Declan O’Hara
• Katherine Parkinson as long-suffering Lizzie Vereker
• Danny Dyer, in his award-winning role as Freddie Jones
• Emily Atack, Victoria Smurfit, Oliver Chris, and many more returning to the lavish landscape of 1980s Rutshire.

The series has already earned a mantelpiece of awards, including BAFTA Craft wins for Production and Hair & Makeup, and prestigious accolades for writing and performance. It’s a feast of retro-glamour and razor-sharp writing that’s impossible to resist.

Author Dame Jilly Cooper herself commented: “I’m utterly sex-static filming for the second season is upon us. It was magical working with Happy Prince and Disney+ on the first season and seeing everyone fall head over heels for my beloved characters. I’m delighted to be able to work with them again and for everyone to see what further mischief they all get up to!”

Executive Producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins added: “It’s very special to have the same team return in front of and behind the cameras. We cannot wait to share more of Jilly’s world with our audience.”

Whether you’re in it for the countryside manors, the Chanel-esque power suits, or the irresistible mix of lust and legacy, Rivals season 2 is set to deliver once again. For fans of Brideshead Revisited, The Crown, or just a splash of escapist glamour, this series should be top of your watchlist.

 Rivals season 2 will premiere exclusively on Disney+ in 2026. Rutshire, we’re ready.