Hold onto your riding boots, Rutshire fans — the scandalous world of Rivals is far from over. Hulu and Disney+ have officially ordered a third season of the hit adaptation of Jilly Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles, just weeks after the show's jaw-dropping mid-season finale left viewers reeling.
The renewal comes on the heels of Season 2, Part 1, which aired its final episode on June 5 and delivered a gut-punch twist: the death of a fan-favorite character. Meanwhile, David Tennant's scheming Lord Tony Baddingham somehow managed to dodge total collapse yet again. The series, which premiered its second season last month, has been praised for raising the stakes — and the temperature — even higher than its debut run.
Critics have been swooning. In a review for Collider, Therese Lacson declared that Rivals Season 2 “surpasses Season 1 on nearly every front,” helping the NSFW drama earn a near-perfect 97% Rotten Tomatoes score. That critical heat, combined with a devoted fanbase, made the renewal a no-brainer for the streamers.
What's Next in Season 3?
The third season will consist of 12 episodes, and the official logline teases even more chaos: “As the dust settles post the scandalous revelations in Season 2, we see the stakes become higher and the alliances more fragile, with nothing staying buried for long. New romances blossom, old flames rekindle and shocking secrets will be spilled in this third series which takes everyone’s favourite rivalries to the next level. In a world of power, passion and betrayal, everyone has something to lose.”
If that sounds like a recipe for more steamy affairs, backstabbing, and high-society drama, you're right on the money. The show, produced by Happy Prince, has become a flagship for Disney+ and Hulu's adult-oriented content — a space where the streamers are increasingly investing, as seen with other buzzy titles like Adventure Time: Side Quests.
Who's Coming Back?
Most of the core cast is expected to return, including Tennant, Aidan Turner as Declan O'Hara, Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook, Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black, Bella Maclean as Taggie O'Hara, Danny Dyer as Freddie, and Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie. Fans are also hoping to see Season 2 newcomers Rupert Everett and Hayley Atwell reprise their roles.
Lee Mason, Disney+ EMEA VP for scripted, said in a statement: “The phenomenal response to ‘Rivals’ is a credit to the bold, irreverent and endlessly entertaining world created by Dame Jilly Cooper, our cast, creative team and production partners at Happy Prince. We’re delighted to be bringing audiences a third season on Disney+/Hulu. Expect more ambition, more romance, more rivalries and, of course, more scandal as we return to Rutshire for another irresistible chapter.”
For those who want to dive deeper into Cooper's universe, check out our guide to 9 Jilly Cooper Characters We're Dying to See in 'Rivals' Season 3.
When Will Season 3 Air?
While no premiere date has been announced yet, production is expected to begin later this year. In the meantime, Rivals Season 2, Part 2 is set to continue this November, so viewers won't have to wait long for more Rutshire mischief. The show's ability to blend high drama with genuine heart — and a healthy dose of debauchery — has made it a must-watch for fans of prestige soap operas.
As the streaming landscape gets more crowded, Rivals has carved out a unique niche. It's a reminder that sometimes the best entertainment comes from watching the rich and ruthless tear each other apart — and maybe fall in love along the way. For more on what's hot in streaming, don't miss our roundup of 10 New Animated Series That Are Flawless From First Frame to Finale.
