How to watch 'Rivals' season 2 — stream the new episodes of the Dame Jilly Cooper drama series

"Rivals" season 2 is the second instalment of Dame Jilly Cooper's novel, first brought to life in superb fashion in 2024. An all-star cast including David Tennant, Emily Atack, Danny Dyer, and plenty more is back in Rutshire for more chaos, drama and bonking.

Below is our guide to watching "Rivals" season 2 from anywhere with a VPN.

Taking us back to the 1980s, this riveting show explores the chaos and carnage of the media and television industry in the U.K. and the cutthroat nature of the social elite in that world.

The conflict between Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) made for enthralling television in season 1 and we can't wait to see more of that unfold with the new season.

With glamorous costumes, stunning scenery, and sizzling sexual undertones, this show is not only technically excellent but is funny and entertaining, too. Oh, and features East End geezer Danny Dyer with the world's best moustache.

Will Venturer survive the wrath of Lord Baddingham? How will Hayley Atwell and Rupert Everett shake things up as they join the cast?

Here is how you can stream "Rivals" season 2 from anywhere in the world to find out how it all plays out.

Watch 'Rivals' season 2 from anywhere

If you are traveling and find your streaming apps or TV services blocked, a VPN (virtual private network) can make it appear as if your device is still in your home country. That usually means you can keep using the same services you already pay for, even when you are abroad.

We have tested a lot of providers, and NordVPN stands out as a great all-around pick. It offers fast speeds, wide device support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out without being locked into a long-term plan.

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Watch your usual streaming service safely and securely with NordVPN to catch "Rivals" season 2 from wherever you may be.

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Watch 'Rivals' season 2 in the U.S.

If you're in the U.S. you can watch new episodes of "Rivals" season 2 on Disney+ and Hulu.

The first three episodes will all be available from Friday, May 15. Episodes will drop weekly over the following three weeks, but then you'll have to wait for season 2 part 2 to arrive later in the year.

You'll need an active subscription to those platforms. Disney+ Basic (with ads) costs $11.99 per month and Disney+ Premium (no ads) will set you back $18.99 per month or $189.99 for the year. You can also bundle the service with Hulu and ESPN Select with prices starting at $29.99 a month.

Watching from outside the U.S.? A VPN, such as NordVPN, can help you securely access your usual streaming services while traveling.

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Watch 'Rivals' season 2 in the U.K.

In the U.K., Disney+ is the streaming platform to watch "Rivals" season 2 on.

Three new episodes drop on Friday, May 15, with another three to follow weekly from Friday, May 22. Season 2 part 2 will land later in the year.

If you are away when it lands, a VPN like NordVPN can help you securely access your usual subscriptions while you are traveling.

Watch 'Rivals' season 2 in Canada

In Canada, you can stream "Rivals" season 2 on Disney+ from Friday, May 15.

If you are away when it drops, a VPN like NordVPN can help you securely access your usual subscriptions while you are traveling.

Watch 'Rivals' season 2 in Australia

"Rivals" season 2 is getting a global release, which means audiences in Australia can also watch the first three episodes on Disney+ from Friday, May 15.

If you are away when it drops, a VPN like NordVPN can help you securely access your usual subscriptions while you are traveling.

'Rivals' season 2 trailer

Rivals Season 2 | Official Trailer | Hulu - YouTube

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'Rivals' season 2 cast

• David Tennant as Tony Baddingham
• Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black
• Aidan Turner as Declan O'Hara
• Bella Maclean as Taggie
• Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones
• Hayley Atwell as Helen Gordon
• Rupert Everett as Malise Gordon
• Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook
• Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker
• Victoria Smurfit as Maud O'Hara
• Claire Rushbrook as Monica Baddingham
• Lisa McGrillis as Valerie Jones
• Emily Atack as Sarah Stratton
• Rufus Jones as Paul Stratton
• Luke Pasqualino as Bas Baddingham

'Rivals' season 2 - synopsis

"In the second season, the battle for the Central South West television franchise reaches fever pitch as the war between Corinium and Venturer enters a dangerous new phase.

"More ruthless than ever, Tony Baddingham is determined to dismantle his rivals piece-by-piece, weaponizing scandal and manipulating those closest to him to maintain his grip on power."

There's more, too, with a more detailed synopsis adding: "Amidst the hedonistic glamour of 80s excess, the personal lives of our Rutshire heroes spiral into chaos. Marriages fracture under the weight of ambition, illicit affairs threaten to shatter families, and long-buried secrets ignite with explosive consequences.

"As rivalries push everyone to the brink, loyalties are tested and hearts are broken in the pursuit of victory. But what is the true cost of war?"

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