Rivals returns with new trailer and November Disney+ date

Rivals has unveiled a new trailer as Tony Baddingham and Declan O’Hara’s fight for television power heads towards its next confrontation. The drama returns to Disney+ in the UK on Wednesday 11 November 2026, with three episodes released together.

The new trailer, released on 29 September, previews the second half of season two. Six episodes remain, continuing the story after the mid-season finale rather than beginning a new series.

David Tennant’s Tony and Aidan Turner’s Declan remain at the centre of the conflict between rival television businesses Corinium and Venturer. Their battle concerns who gets to run the regional television service, but the grudges and divided loyalties extend well beyond the office.

Tony has built his position around control, using other people’s weaknesses to protect his power. Declan’s decision to join the opposition has made him a formidable enemy, with their professional dispute carrying increasingly personal consequences.

Alex Hassell returns as Rupert Campbell-Black, whose involvement in Venturer leaves him caught between business ambition and his complicated private life. The remaining episodes will also force him to confront his own problems as the fight around him intensifies.

For Bella Maclean’s Taggie O’Hara, the question is whether she can follow her heart amid those competing interests. Her feelings and decisions remain part of the story as the people around her struggle with secrets, loyalty and the consequences of their choices.

The action moves through Bonfire Night, the Hampshire Hunt Ball and Christmas, all within the show’s 1987 setting. Those occasions bring Rutshire’s residents together as relationships unravel and alliances become harder to maintain.

Danny Dyer is back as Freddie Jones, the electronics millionaire whose wealth has brought him into a social world that does not always welcome him. Katherine Parkinson returns as novelist Lizzie Vereker, alongside Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook and Victoria Smurfit as Maud O’Hara.

Watch official trailer here:

The second season also features Hayley Atwell as Rupert’s former wife Helen Gordon and Rupert Everett as her husband Malise, Rupert’s former showjumping coach. Their connections to his past add another complication to a life already entangled with Rutshire’s television battle.

Based on Jilly Cooper’s novel, Rivals will continue beyond the approaching season finale. A third season has already been commissioned for 12 episodes, with its release date still to be announced.

UK viewers can catch up with the complete first season and the first six episodes of season two on Disney+ now. The next three episodes arrive on 11 November 2026, while US viewers can watch the series on Hulu.