Hulu's 'Rivals,' a raunchy Disney+ series set in the late '80s English countryside, is making its highly anticipated return for Season 2 after a successful debut in October 2024. Based on Jilly Cooper's 'Rutshire Chronicles,' specifically the second book of the same name, the show delves into the glamorous, chaotic lives of the rich and famous amidst a TV production company franchise war. Filming near Corsham, England, at locations like Neston Park (standing in for Lord Tony Baddingham's Falconry) and the fictional town of Cotchester, the series transports audiences back to a world of hairspray, shoulder pads, and classic '80s music. Having earned an International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series, 'Rivals' is set to expand its scope and deepen its character explorations.

Season 2 sees the return of the O'Hara family, who serve as the audience's anchor into the foreign world of the Cotswolds. Comprising journalist and TV producer Declan O'Hara (Aidan Turner), actress Maud O'Hara (Victoria Smurfit), and their daughters Taggie (Bella Maclean) and Caitlin (Catriona Chandler), alongside their brother Patrick (Gabriel Tierney), the family faced significant challenges in Season 1, with Maud leaving Declan. Bella Maclean teases that in Season 2, "everyone grows up in their own dysfunctional way... and I think that everyone's pulled apart and pulled back together and pulled apart again." The cast, including Maclean and Chandler, express that while Season 1 focused on finding the show's unique tone, Season 2 allows them to delve "deeper and darker into your characters."

The second season not only received an additional four episodes but also boasts an expanded cast. New additions include the "Heavenly Twins" Sebbie (Maxim Ays) and Dommie Carlisle (Bobby Lockwood), known from Cooper's novels, alongside Hayley Atwell as Rupert's ex-wife, Helen, and Rupert Everett as Malise Gordon. These new characters, particularly the polo players, inject "a little buzz" into the show and influence existing characters' behaviors. A significant plot point involves the introduction of polo, with Alex Hassell's character, Rupert Campbell-Black, returning to the horse, this time with a mallet. Hassell describes the experience of learning polo and riding the specialized ponies as a "steep learning curve, but it's really, really fun." The polo match, a leading set piece in the first episode, promises a "sense of occasion" with most of the cast involved, showcasing the show's commitment to impressive, classy visuals.

At the heart of 'Rivals' is the legacy of author Jilly Cooper, who was deeply involved in the production as an executive producer before her passing in October 2024. The cast praises her passionate and sensitive involvement, noting that she "really cares and is really deeply thrilled, excited, and invested." Cooper's characters, many based on real people from her life, resonate strongly with audiences. For Cooper, Rupert Campbell-Black and Taggie O'Hara were particularly cherished. Bella Maclean explains that Cooper was "very protective of Taggie" to maintain her moral compass amidst morally dubious characters. Alex Hassell, who plays Rupert, initially faced apprehension from fans due to his dark hair, as the character is canonically blonde, but won over Cooper with his portrayal. David Tennant, who plays Tony Baddingham, notes that the series has brought Cooper a "new way" of being "admired and taken seriously," dispelling the notion that her work is merely "bonkbuster" literature. He emphasizes that her characters are "rooted in the human condition" and her books are "really well written."

The relationship between Rupert and Taggie, a highlight of Season 1, will face new complexities in Season 2. Their kiss, a deviation from the books, significantly impacted the show. Maclean teases "a lot of yearning" as they navigate their feelings in a world that often opposes their union. Hassell reveals that Rupert is "torn between two different women," Taggie and Cameron (Nafessa Williams), to whom he made a promise after her attack on Tony. Despite Rupert's notorious womanizing past, his feelings for both women are deeper than mere flings. The series carefully handles the 17-year age gap between Rupert and Taggie, avoiding stereotypes and emphasizing a "genuine, pure place of two people really caring about the other person." Maclean notes Taggie's wisdom and non-judgmental nature, which leads Rupert to question his past actions. Hassell explains that Rupert's initial predatory nature is juxtaposed with Taggie's maturity, creating a balanced dynamic where they sometimes swap roles, making for "really clever writing." Maclean was surprised by the positive audience reception to the age gap, noting that viewers perceive it as a "genuine, pure relationship" based on love, not just lust.

The complicated and multifaceted character of Rupert Campbell-Black remains central to the series. David Tennant praises Alex Hassell's "magical" ability to inhabit the role of this "James Bond meets Casanova" figure, making a "living, breathing human being" out of what could have been a cipher. Rupert's long-standing rivalry with Tony Baddingham will continue, with Tennant promising "a bit more of that coming." Hassell describes his approach to the character as an ongoing experiment, noting that Rupert is "still constantly being drawn and developing." While the show meets Rupert at a possibly more emotionally mature point than in the books, he remains complex and often juvenile. Hassell assures that Rupert is "definitely still a total prick at times in this season," embracing his "multitudes"—a deep down nice person, yet privileged, fucked up, and prone to assuming he gets what he wants.

'Rivals' ultimately presents a world of privileged and problematic individuals, serving as a "tabloid" into their lives, but it also unearths a wealth of emotion beneath the surface. It explores clashes between old money, new money, and no money, strained relationships due to infidelity and temptation, and families crushed by ambition. This blend of camp, fun, and deeply human storytelling makes for an "addictive watch" and explains its resounding success. 'Rivals' Season 2 is scheduled to premiere on May 15 on Hulu in the U.S.