Rivals renewed for a third series by Disney+
By Carla Feric, Press Association Entertainment Reporter
Hit TV show Rivals, based on the novel by the late Jilly Cooper, has been renewed by Disney+ for a third series.
The award-winning drama features famous faces including Doctor Who star David Tennant, Poldark’s Aidan Turner and former EastEnders actor Danny Dyer.
Set in the 1980s amid the backdrop of the Cotswolds countryside, it follows the high-stakes world of British television as careers, marriages and reputations hang by a thread when professional and personal lives collide.
The second series, which received an extended run of 12 episodes, has received widespread acclaim from both critics and the public.
It depicts the ruthless world of independent television in 1986, and follows a rivalry between Lord Tony Baddingham (Tennant) and former MP Rupert Campbell-Black, played by TV and theatre star Alex Hassell.
The mid-season finale aired earlier this month and shocked viewers with the death of a fan-favourite character, while a further six episodes will be released later this year.
Cooper was an active part of the show’s production and served as an executive producer.
In October last year, during filming for the second series, she died unexpectedly aged 88 after suffering injuries from a fall at home.
Dominic Treadwell-Collins, chief creative officer of Happy Prince, and Alexander Lamb, Happy Prince’s creative director, said: “We’ve been delighted and overwhelmed by the audience’s response to season two of Rivals – testament to the hard work from everyone working on Rivals both on and off screen.
“Our one sadness is that Jilly didn’t get to witness the love for season two.
“But she’s still very much with us in sprit and would be so delighted that season three has been green lit.
“We’re so thrilled to continue to work with Disney as we dive deeper into the Rutshire Chronicles and expand the Cooperverse even further.”
Lee Mason, vice-president, Scripted, Disney+ EMEA, added: “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.”
The second half of Rivals series two will air in November on Disney+ in the UK and internationally, and on Hulu in the US.
Further details about the third season are yet to be revealed.
