Streaming's most scandalous drama is officially back on the calendar. Rivals, Hulu's raunchy adaptation of Jilly Cooper's beloved novels, has confirmed the return date for the second half of its sophomore season, and it's sooner than you might think.
Season 2, Part 2 will premiere on November 11, 2026, with a three-episode drop on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ in the U.S., followed by three more episodes to complete the six-episode run. The announcement came with a fresh batch of first-look images, giving fans a glimpse of the chaos, romance, and rivalry that awaits.
The stakes have never been higher
When Rivals returned in May, it picked up right where the first season left off—with David Tennant's scheming Lord Tony Baddingham licking his wounds and plotting his comeback. His bitter feud with Declan O'Hara (Aidan Turner) has escalated into a full-blown corporate war between Corinium Television and Venturer, and the mid-season finale left viewers reeling with a cliffhanger that set the stage for a somber funeral and plenty of unresolved tension.
The first half of Season 2 earned rave reviews, with many calling it an improvement on the already-beloved debut. The mid-season finale, in particular, scored a series-high 9.2/10 on IMDb, and anticipation for the November return has been building ever since.
What's next for the Cotswolds crew?
The second half of the season promises to deliver even more of the show's signature mix of hedonism and heartbreak. According to the official synopsis, Tony and Declan's battle for the Cotswolds crown reaches a fever pitch, while Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) is forced to confront his own demons. Meanwhile, Taggie O'Hara (Bella Maclean) must decide whether to follow her heart amid the chaos of Bonfire Night, the Hampshire Hunt Ball, and a turbulent Christmas.
Returning alongside Tennant and Turner are Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook, Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie, Danny Dyer as Freddie, and more. The new episodes will also explore the fallout of secrets that can no longer stay buried, with alliances fracturing and rivalries intensifying as the season hurtles toward its conclusion.
More Rutshire chaos is already on the way
For those worried about saying goodbye to the Cotswolds after this season, fear not—Rivals has already been renewed for a third installment. Disney confirmed the renewal back in June, and the logline teases even higher stakes, new romances, and shocking revelations. With 11 books in Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles series, there's no shortage of source material to draw from.
If you're looking for more binge-worthy TV in the meantime, check out our list of Stephen King's TV adaptations that are absolutely perfect or dive into DC's Vertigo imprint and the TV shows that redefined genre storytelling. And for more on Tennant's other projects, including his acclaimed BritBox drama, see David Tennant's Time Season 3.
Mark your calendars—November 11 is going to be a wild ride.
