Disney+ commissions second season of Rivals

Disney+ has confirmed that steamy drama Rivals will return for a second season.

The show – based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s novel of the same name – is set in the 80s in the fictional English county of Rutshire and follows the lives and seedy behaviour of a high-society set involved in the world of network television.

Cooper, who also executive produces the adaptation, said: “Nearly 40 years after my novel Rivals was published, I’ve adored seeing the world fall in love with my beloved characters – Rutshire’s finest.

“And it has been a fairytale come true working with Happy Prince and Disney+ on the first season. I’m orgasmic with excitement and cannot wait for the return of my superhero Rupert Campbell-Black and the rest of the characters in Season 2!”

Lee Mason, Disney+ EMEA’s scripted director, added: “It’s been phenomenal seeing the reaction to Dame Jilly Cooper’s Rivals – this autumn’s most talked about series. We’re thrilled that existing fans of the novels, alongside those new to the Cooperverse, have taken the series to their hearts.

“I can’t wait to get back to Rutshire and see what exciting drama the Happy Prince team have in store for season two – bring on more romance, betrayal, and shoulder pads!”

The show is streamed on Disney+ worldwide except for the US, where it is available on Hulu.