The much-awaited continuation of Disney+’s scandal-laden period drama Rivals is finally set to hit screens again. After a six-episode opening half that left viewers reeling, the series resumes its blend of 1980s glamour, ruthless power plays and tangled romances. The show, adapted from Dame Jilly Cooper‘s novel of the same name, streams globally on Disney+ and, for American audiences, on Hulu via the Disney bundle.
All eyes are on the calendar: Wednesday, 11 November 2026 marks the debut of part 2, and Disney+ will drop three episodes (numbers 7, 8 and 9) in one go. The binge-friendly launch is followed by a staggered rollout – a single episode each Wednesday on 18 November, 25 November and 2 December, the latter serving as the season-finale. In total, season 2 comprises twelve episodes, the first six having aired earlier this year.
Release timetable for the second half of season 2
The three-episode drop on 11 November gives fans a substantial re-entry point, letting the plot threads from the mid-season cliffhanger unfold rapidly. After that, Disney+ (and Hulu in the U.S.) adopts a weekly rhythm, a strategy designed to keep conversation alive through the holiday period. The schedule looks like this:
- 11 Nov 2026 – Episodes 7, 8, 9
- 18 Nov 2026 – Episode 10
- 25 Nov 2026 – Episode 11
- 2 Dec 2026 – Episode 12 (finale)
Viewers who missed the first half can still catch up, as both seasons are available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu. Season 1’s eight episodes dropped in a single release back in October 2024, while the opening six of season 2 are already online.
Fresh faces and familiar rivals in part 2
Part 2 expands the Rutshire roster with three notable additions. Rachael Stirling steps in as Araminta Pemberton, the “vampish” younger sister of the late Lady Monica Baddingham. Rupert Evans appears as David Hawkley, an erudite headmaster whose influence reaches beyond the school walls. Santiago Cabrera joins as Alejandro Mendoza, an Argentine polo legend whose arrival promises new rivalries on the field.
The core ensemble returns unchanged, anchoring the drama. David Tennant reprises Tony Baddingham, Alex Hassell is Rupert Campbell-Black, Aidan Turner plays Declan O’Hara, and Bella Maclean returns as Taggie O’Hara. Supporting regulars such as Danny Dyer (Freddie Jones), Katherine Parkinson (Lizzie Vereker), Nafessa Williams (Cameron Cook), Victoria Smurfit (Maud O’Hara) and Claire Rushbrook (Lady Monica) also continue their storylines. Guest stars Hayley Atwell and Rupert Everett re-appear as Helen and Malise Gordon, respectively, adding further intrigue.
What the storyline promises
The cliffhanger that closed part 1 saw Lady Monica’s tragic car accident after she uncovered her husband Tony’s affair with Maud O’Hara. Tony’s grief fuels an even fiercer battle between the TV conglomerates Corinium and Venturer, while Rupert Campbell-Black wrestles with his volatile relationship with Taggie. According to the series’ press notes, the second half will see hidden affairs emerge, alliances splinter, and long-buried secrets surface. Expect a parade of 1980s excess: extravagant parties, the Hampshire Hunt Ball, a flamboyant Bonfire Night, and a “turbulent” Christmas celebration that promises chaos.
These plot points are set against the backdrop of the Rutshire Chronicles, a world that thrives on scandal, ambition and the occasional polo match. The new characters are positioned to intersect with existing feuds, ensuring that the drama remains anything but quiet.
Beyond part 2: season 3 and where to watch
Good news for devotees: Disney+ has officially commissioned a third season, also slated for twelve episodes. While a premiere date has not yet been announced, the renewal confirms that the scandal-rich world of Rutshire will continue to expand, delving deeper into the source material. In the meantime, newcomers can binge the entire first season and the first half of season 2 on Disney+ (or Hulu in the United States) before the November drop.
As the series moves toward its December finale, the staggered release model ensures that fan theories and online chatter will stay fresh throughout the holiday season. Whether you’re revisiting beloved characters or meeting the fresh faces that promise to shake up the hierarchy, Rivals delivers another dose of over-the-top 80s drama just in time for winter.
