Pack your bags and pull out your most expensive 1980s knitwear, because we are officially heading back to Rutshire. The critically acclaimed, unapologetically scandalous British drama Rivals has been greenlit for a highly anticipated third season. Making a massive flex, Disney+ announced the advanced renewal months before the second half of Season 2 is even scheduled to premiere.
The adaptation of Dame Jilly Cooper’s iconic Rutshire Chronicles novels has captivated audiences globally, evolving into one of the streaming platform’s most successful ventures. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of what fans can expect from Rivals Season 3, the phenomenal success of the series, and what the creators have to say about continuing the legacy of the “Cooperverse.”
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Disney+ Doubles Down on the Drama
Most streaming platforms make audiences sweat out a renewal announcement for months, but Disney+ is fully committed to the unhinged excess of Rutshire. The platform handed down a generous 12-episode order for Rivals Season 3, matching the expanded episode count of the second season.
This early renewal stems from the show’s massive viewership numbers and critical acclaim. Season 2 recently broke records by becoming the biggest-ever original premiere for Disney+ in the UK and Ireland across the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region.
Series Overview at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Rivals |
| Streaming Platform | Disney+ (Internationally) / Hulu (U.S.) |
| Renewal Status | Renewed for Rivals Season 3 |
| Episode Count | 12 Episodes |
| Source Material | The Rutshire Chronicles by Dame Jilly Cooper |
| Production Company | Happy Prince |
What to Expect in Rivals Season 3
If you thought the country-house bed-hopping and corporate television backstabbing had reached their absolute limits, think again. The drama is set to escalate significantly.
According to the official synopsis provided by the streamer: “As the dust settles post the scandalous revelations in season two, 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. It will take everyone’s favourite rivalries to the next level. In a world of power, passion and betrayal, everyone has something to lose.”
At the center of it all remains the bitter feud between the ruthless Lord Tony Baddingham and fiery television presenter Declan O’Hara, complicated by the chaotic and philandering Conservative MP Rupert Campbell-Black.
Returning Rutshire Royalty
While the official cast list for the third season is still subject to twists from the upcoming Season 2 finale, fans can expect the powerhouse ensemble to return and bring the drama to life.
| Actor | Character | Role in the Drama |
|---|---|---|
| David Tennant | Lord Tony Baddingham | Ruthless television executive and franchise antagonist. |
| Aidan Turner | Declan O’Hara | Passionate TV presenter fighting for his family and career. |
| Alex Hassell | Rupert Campbell-Black | Philandering MP and Tony’s ultimate rival. |
| Bella Maclean | Taggie O’Hara | Declan’s daughter, caught in a complicated romantic web. |
Other expected returning cast members include Nafessa Williams, Katherine Parkinson, Emily Atack, Danny Dyer, Rupert Everett, Victoria Smurfit, and Annabel Scholey.
A Bittersweet Celebration for the Creators
The renewal comes with a bittersweet note for the cast and crew following the passing of the original author, Dame Jilly Cooper. Executive producer and Chief Creative Officer of Happy Prince, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, alongside Creative Director Alexander Lamb, shared their emotional reaction to the news.
“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,” the duo stated. “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 spirit and would be so delighted that season three has been greenlit.”
Lee Mason, Vice-President of Scripted for Disney+ EMEA, echoed this enthusiasm, promising fans an irresistible next chapter. “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,” Mason said. “Expect more ambition, more romance, more rivalries and, of course, more scandal as we return to Rutshire.”
Don’t Forget: Season 2 Part 2 is Coming!
While we wait for production to officially kick off on Rivals Season 3, the immediate focus shifts back to the highly anticipated second half of Season 2. The first six episodes are currently available to stream, and the remaining six episodes are locked in to premiere this November. The fallout from those final episodes will set the stage for the dramatic alliances and shocking secrets slated for the third season.
Read More: ‘The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy’ Renewed For Season 4 At Apple TV
FAQs
Has Rivals been renewed for Season 3?
Yes! Rivals Season 3 has been officially confirmed with a massive 12-episode order.
Where can I stream the series?
The series is available to stream exclusively on Disney+ in the UK, Ireland, and other international markets, and on Hulu for viewers in the United States.
When does the rest of Season 2 air?
The second batch of six episodes for Season 2 is scheduled to premiere this November.
What is the show based on?
The series is based on the iconic and delightfully scandalous Rutshire Chronicles novels written by the late Dame Jilly Cooper.
What will the third season be about?
The third season will pick up after the scandalous revelations of Season 2, promising higher stakes, fragile alliances, new romances, rekindled flames, and deeply buried secrets being spilled across Rutshire’s television landscape.
