Rivalscast members and executive producer have given their views on the possibility of returning for season 2 of the Disney+ show. Theadaptation of Jilly Cooper’s 1988 novel of the same name focuses on conflicts between the richand beautiful in the fictional English county of Rutshire.Rivalsfeatures an ensemble cast, including David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Alex Hassell, Bella Maclean, VictoriaSmurfit, Danny Dyer, Emily Atack, and Williams. The first season has enjoyed a successful stint on Disney+, so season 2 seems like it will be inevitable.
In interviews withRadiotimes.com, Smurfit and Dyer spoke about the show’s success and their hopes for the future. They shared that they would both be open to returning for season 2 and subsequent seasons that might happen. Dyer is intimated that he might be able to do season 2 alongside filming British soapEastenders, whileSmurfit even spoke of wanting a third and fourth season. Check out the actors' comments on the matter below:
Dyer:“We might be busy on the second series of Rivals so you know, Walford or Rivals – maybe I can do both.”
Smurfit:“I’d want a season 3 and 4. You’ve got so many glorious characters to follow.”
Cameron actor NafessaWilliams gave an interview withTV Insider, where she spoke about her hopes for the future direction of her character and how her relationship with Rupert could unfold. TheBlack Lightningstar stated that she would wantseason 2 to focus on her character’s relationships and career trajectory, and whether she might end up in jail. Check out Williams’s comments below:
“I would really like to explore where the relationship is going to go with Rupert and also see where her career is going to go. She’s got herself in some hot s**t, and I’d like to really see, I mean, first just see how we get out of this pickle with, is he dead or is he alive? And if so, I think we either see her in jail or we see her kind of dodge whatever Tony is going to throw her way.”
In a separate interview withTV Insider, the show’s co-executive producer and screenwriter Dominic Treadwell-Collins also gave some insight into what a potential season 2 could look like. He revealed that he is always planning and left some Easter eggs to tackle in future episodes. He also notedthat episode 4 had some unresolved questions, hinting that those details could become integral to the show’s future. Read his comment below:
There’s more of the book. I’m always planning. I’ve laid down bombs throughout. At the end of Episode 4, when Declan has been interviewing Rupert, he’s got this envelope and we don’t know what’s in this envelope. And you see when he burns it, the name Perdita. We’ve talked about the Cooperverse and always thought, how can we hopefully run with these characters and see more from them? We’ve laid down a lot of Easter eggs.
WillRivalsSeason 2 Happen?
It Seems Very Likely The Show Will Return
The successful run thatRivalshas enjoyed should bode well for the show’s future and the stories of these characters. The fact thatRivalshad a strong Rotten Tomatoes debutshows it has been a hit with critics and viewers, andit feels like only a matter of time before Disney decides to put season 2 into development. Streaming platforms are always looking for successful shows that can run several seasons, and achieve strong viewership levels, andRivalscan certainly achieve this.
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Boasting a strong cast, lavish locations, and strong production value,Rivalsis a period piece that capitalizes on the success of shows likeBridgerton, and if season 2 is picked up,there is no reason why the show cannot flourish and run for multiple seasons. There are plenty of characters who can help to advance the plot, and many interpersonal relationships could be explored in future seasons.
What Could The Storyline Be ForRivalsSeason 2?
There Is A Wealth Of Source Material To Choose From
Cooper wrote several novels set in Rutshire, known as the ‘Rutshire Chronicles,’ and, as such, there are plenty of storylines that could be explored for season 2, and even for future seasons. I would expect much of the cast from season 1 to return. I would think a new season would be focused on more affairs, corporate espionage, and plenty of the same formula that madeRivalsseason 1 a success.
Rivals
Cast
Set in the high-stakes world of 1980s British television, a bitter rivalry between two powerful men reaches its boiling point. Declan O’Hara, a TV presenter, vows revenge on Lord Tony Baddingham after feeling betrayed. Amidst romantic entanglements and corporate backstabbing, the drama unfolds with intense personal and professional clashes.
