Disney+ readies more Rivals

Disney+ UK is returning to the residents of Rutshire for a second run of Rivals.  

Produced by ITV Studios label Happy Prince, Rivals is based on the second novel of Jilly Cooper’s bestselling Rutshire Chronicles. The book series follows the lives and loves and romantic entanglements of the social elite of Rutshire, a fictional county based in the Cotswolds.  

Set in the ruthless world of independent television in the 1980s, the first series of Rivals proved a smash for Disney+, with the first two episodes each accumulating a 28-day consolidated audience of 2m. It landed particularly well with women, who made up two-thirds of its audience. 

The series was recommissioned by Lee Mason, executive director of scripted originals, EMEA. It is executive produced by Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Alexander Lamb, Felicity Blunt, Elliot Hegarty, Laura Wade, Jilly Cooper and Disney+ EMEA senior manager of scripted content, Jonny Richards. 

Mason said the show was “this autumn’s most talked about series”. 

He added: “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!” 

Happy Prince’s Treadwell-Collins and Lamb said: “It’s been magical to receive the love back from viewers that we put into Rivals. The Rivals team set out to create people’s favourite television show, something enduring that our audience would take to their hearts and watch and rewatch. We’re delighted that we’re returning to Rutshire with Jilly and Disney+. It’s a special place to be.”