Rivals Season 2 Arrives This Week—Streaming’s Wildest Hit Is Back

If you think TV these days is all sword fights and strategic nudity, well, you’re not wrong. But even with the likes of Game of Thrones getting the credit (or blame), there are shows out there doubling down on bawdy antics—and I mean that in the most entertaining way. That brings me to Rivals, Hulu’s latest unapologetically steamy drama, which just came back swinging with its second season. If you’ve got Disney+ or Hulu, consider yourself invited to England’s wildest 1980s party. Just maybe don’t watch it with your family, unless awkward silence is your thing.

The Lowdown: Welcome to 'Rivals'

Rivals is Hulu’s (and internationally, Disney+’s) adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s best-selling novels. It’s set in the 1980s English countryside—think sprawling estates, high society with low inhibitions, and nonstop scheming. The basic setup: two aristocrats who absolutely loathe each other. On the one hand, we've got Rupert Campbell-Black, all suave charm and expensive suits; on the other, Tony Baddingham, a guy who seems to have spent his entire upper-class life perfecting the art of being a jerk. The real twist is Irish reporter Declan O'Hara, who wanders into this upper crust Thunderdome and ends up—along with his family—knee-deep in the feud.

The cast is as glitzy as the setting. David Tennant (yes, the Tenth Doctor himself), Alex Hassell (The Gentleman), Aidan Turner (Poldark), and Katherine Parkinson (The I.T. Crowd) all bring their A-game, with a decent chunk of screen time devoted to one-upmanship, emotional turbulence, and, well, activities that definitely qualify this show for its TV-MA rating.

Season 2: Even Wilder (And Hotter?)

Three episodes into Season 2, and it’s already shaping up to be a favorite with fans and critics—the kind of reception most shows only dream about. No word yet on whether Rivals is officially dominating those weekly streaming charts (the stats haven’t dropped), but the critical love is hard to ignore: Season 1 pulled off an almost absurd 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences not far behind at 90%. As of right now, Season 2 is sitting pretty at a perfect 100% fresh from critics. User reviews are still catching up, but the early signs are, frankly, ridiculous: somehow, this show got even better.

Why Should You Actually Watch?

If you’re only here for the scandalous bits, you won’t be disappointed—Rivals wears its R-rated badge with pride. On-screen chemistry? There’s barely a scene without it. Subtlety? That was left back in the 1970s. And yet, there’s more to this series than shagging in castles and love triangles with more edges than a dodecahedron. At its core, the writing is sharp and the acting even sharper. Tennant and Hassell absolutely sell the rivalry, but honestly, no one in the cast drops the ball. It’s all delivered with just enough wit and character depth to make the outrageous antics feel oddly believable.

'Right from the opening scene, it makes it clear this isn’t the kind of show you should watch with your parents.'

Who’s Who: The Standout Cast

• David Tennant as Tony Baddingham – brings the requisite villainy and sneer
• Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black – plays the charming, battle-hardened aristocrat
• Aidan Turner as Declan O'Hara – the Irish journalist who finds himself in the thick of things
• Katherine Parkinson – shows up to remind everyone she can handle drama just as well as sitcoms
• Plenty of other UK TV faces, if you like playing 'spot the character actor'

All in all, Rivals is the kind of show that embraces being over-the-top—sometimes to a ridiculous degree—but absolutely refuses to be dull, either in the bedroom or the boardroom. If your idea of a good time is watching excellent actors chew scenery, feuding and flirting their way through a very soapy, very English drama, go fire up Hulu or Disney+ and dig in. Just maybe keep your finger on the pause button.