Rivals

Disney+ · 2024-present · 1 Season · 8 Episodes · Returning Series
Drama
60
Fan Heat

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About Rivals

Adapted from Jilly Cooper's beloved bonkbuster novel, Rivals plunges into the gloriously naughty world of 1980s independent television in the fictional English county of Rutshire. At its heart is a corporate war between two formidable men: the ruthless, social-climbing television mogul Tony, Lord Baddingham, and the dashing former Olympic showjumper turned Tory minister, Rupert Campbell-Black. Their feud spills across boardrooms, bedrooms, and the manicured lawns of the Cotswolds.

When abrasive, brilliant Irish broadcaster Declan O'Hara is lured to Tony's struggling regional station Corinium, the stage is set for ambition, betrayal, and a great deal of very enthusiastic adultery. Affairs ignite, alliances shatter, and a fierce battle for a coveted television franchise turns neighbour against neighbour. Beneath the shoulder pads and champagne, the series finds real tenderness in its tangle of marriages, friendships, and yearning hearts.

Lush, witty, and unashamedly sexy, Rivals revels in period excess while taking its characters' longings seriously. The ensemble is anchored by Alex Hassell as the irresistible Rupert Campbell-Black, David Tennant as the scheming Tony Baddingham, and Aidan Turner as the principled, passionate Declan O'Hara.

Production Details & Legacy

Rivals was created by Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Alexandra Cunningham and originally aired on Disney+, with streaming available on Disney+. The series ran for 1 season and 8 episodes from 2024-present, establishing itself as a landmark entry in the drama genre. The series continues to captivate audiences with each new season, maintaining strong viewership and active fan engagement across social media platforms and streaming.

The series features a rich ensemble of characters that have become iconic within television fandom. TVCeleb profiles 3 key characters from Rivals, including Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell), Tony, Lord Baddingham (David Tennant), Declan O'Hara (Aidan Turner). Each character has inspired dedicated fan communities, extensive analysis, and passionate debate about their motivations, relationships, and story arcs throughout the series.

Rivals holds a Fan Heat Score of 60 out of 100 on TVCeleb, reflecting the intensity and passion of its fanbase. The show has built a committed and enthusiastic community of viewers who continue to engage with and champion the series. The series is notable for its drama, british, period qualities, which have contributed to its enduring appeal and cross-generational viewership.

Characters (3)

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? Frequently Asked Questions

Rivals is a steamy period drama set in the cut-throat world of 1980s independent television in the fictional English county of Rutshire. It follows a bitter rivalry between mogul Tony Baddingham and former Olympian Rupert Campbell-Black, full of ambition, scandal, and affairs.

Rivals stars Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black, David Tennant as Tony, Lord Baddingham, and Aidan Turner as Declan O'Hara, leading a large ensemble cast adapted from Jilly Cooper's novel.

Rivals streams on Disney+ (Hulu in the US). Availability varies by region, so check your local streaming guide for current options.