David Tennant has done it again. The beloved Scottish actor, best known for his iconic turn as the Tenth Doctor in Doctor Who, is currently riding high with not one but two major streaming hits. His historical drama Rivals has become a bonafide global phenomenon, dominating Disney+ charts worldwide and setting the stage for an even bigger international rollout in June 2026.
Premiering on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally, Rivals quickly became one of the most talked-about shows of 2024. The series, set in the cutthroat world of 1980s British television, follows the fierce rivalry between Tennant's Tony Baddingham and Aidan Turner's Declan O'Hara. Tennant's portrayal of the scheming network boss has drawn widespread acclaim, with critics praising his ability to make audiences love to hate him.
Season 2, which dropped recently, has only amplified the show's success. The new episodes ramp up both the steamy romance and the emotional stakes, earning a near-perfect 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have called it "audacious and delicious" and "perfect escapist entertainment." Collider's Therese Lacson wrote that "Rivals Season 2 surpasses Season 1 on nearly every front."
The cast for Season 2 is stacked with returning favorites, including Turner's Declan, Nafessa Williams' Cameron Cook, Alex Hassell's Rupert Campbell-Black, Bella Maclean's Taggie O'Hara, Danny Dyer's Freddie, and Katherine Parkinson's Lizzie. New additions this season include Rupert Everett and Hayley Atwell, adding even more star power to an already impressive ensemble.
Currently, Rivals ranks among the top ten most-streamed shows on Disney+ globally, a remarkable feat for a period drama that originally premiered on Hulu. The show's success is a testament to Tennant's enduring appeal and the universal appetite for high-quality, character-driven storytelling. For U.S. viewers, the series remains available on Hulu, but Disney+ subscribers worldwide can catch all the drama now.
In a surprising twist, Tennant also recently popped up in one of Netflix's biggest hits. He appeared in the final episode of The Four Seasons Season 2 as Gianpero, a role that has fans buzzing about a potential recurring part in a potential third season. The series, an adaptation of the 1981 film, is currently the second most-watched show on Netflix in the U.S., trailing only Michael Jackson: The Verdict.
For those who can't get enough of Tennant's villainous turn, Rivals is streaming now on Hulu and Disney+. And with the show's global footprint set to expand even further in June 2026, it's clear that this historical drama is only just getting started.
Looking for more binge-worthy content? Check out our coverage of Netflix's 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' or the upcoming 'Resident Evil Veronica' remake. And don't miss our exclusive on Haim Mazar's 'Scary Movie Suite' teasing the 2026 soundtrack.
