Hulu released the second season of the British dark-comedy series "Rivals" on May 15, 2026 [1].
The return of the series signals a continuation of the ruthless power struggles and show-business drama that defined its first outing. By returning to the 1980s setting, the show maintains its specific aesthetic of glamour and conflict within the English class system.
Adapted from the "Rutshire Chronicles" novels by Jilly Cooper, the series is set in the fictional county of Rutshire, England [2]. The plot centers on the intense rivalries and professional competitions that emerge among the region's elite. This season continues the narrative arcs introduced in the first season, which premiered in 2024 [3].
The production features a cast led by David Tennant, Nafessa Williams, Alex Hassell, and Aidan Turner [4]. The ensemble returns to navigate the complex social hierarchies and romantic entanglements of the era. A reviewer for Variety said the new season is "exactly that," referring to the series' status as a pitch-perfect adaptation of the source material [5].
Season two aims to be more ruthless than the previous installment, focusing on the escalating tension between the primary characters [6]. The storytelling leans into the dark comedy elements of the original novels, balancing high-society satire with personal vendettas. The series continues to explore the intersection of ambition and morality in a highly stratified society.
As the characters fight for dominance in Rutshire, the show emphasizes the performative nature of power in the 1980s. The production design and costuming remain central to the storytelling, recreating the specific atmosphere of the decade to underscore the clash between traditional nobility and new money.
“Season 2 of Hulu’s “Rivals”... is exactly that.”
The release of 'Rivals' Season 2 demonstrates Hulu's continued investment in high-production period dramas with international appeal. By adapting Jilly Cooper's established literary world, the network leverages a pre-existing fanbase while utilizing a high-profile lead like David Tennant to attract broader audiences. The two-year gap between seasons suggests a deliberate production cycle aimed at maintaining the show's visual quality and narrative cohesion.
