Rivals Season 1: Release Date, Cast, Plot Details, and Essential Information
The highly anticipated new series on Disney+, titled Rivals Season 1, made its debut based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s acclaimed novel of the same name. This eight-episode series started streaming on October 18, 2024, marking the first major television adaptation of the 1988 bestseller.
Rivals delves into the cutthroat realm of independent television during the 1980s, showcasing the perspective of three protagonists. The show features Rupert Campbell-Black, played by Alex Hassell, a former showjumper turned politician, who collaborates with TV presenter Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner) to confront local media mogul Lord Tony Baddingham, portrayed by David Tennant.
Set in the imagined English county of Rutshire, Rivals Season 1 emphasizes the fierce competition between the two central characters. Their families have a long-standing feud, but tensions escalate as they vie for control of a television station.
Meet the Cast of Rivals Season 1
The cast of Rivals Season 1 features a diverse ensemble, showcasing many recognized actors in new roles. Here’s a look at the primary cast:
- Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black (renowned for his roles in The Boys and stage performances with The Royal Company)
- David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham (famous for Doctor Who, Broadchurch, and Jessica Jones)
- Aidan Turner as Declan O’Hara (known for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug)
Additional cast members include:
- Victoria Smurfit as Maud O’Hara
- Bella Maclean as Taggie O’Hara
- Catriona Chandler as Caitlin O’Hara
- Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook
- Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker
- Oliver Chris as James Vereker
- Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones
- Lisa McGrillis as Valerie Jones
- Claire Rushbrook as Lady Monica Baddingham
- Luke Pasqualino as Basil “Bass” Baddingham
- Louis Landau as Archie Baddingham
- Emily Atack as Sarah Stratton
- Rufus Jones as Paul Stratton
- Lara Peake as Daysee Butler
- Annabel Scholey as Beattie Johnson
- Maggie Steed as Lady Gosling
- David Calder as Fergus Penney
- Hubert Burton as Gerald Middleton
- Guy Siner as Bishop Brenton
- Brendan Patricks as Henry Hampshire
- Rich Keeble as Brian Hetherington
Overview of Rivals Season 1’s Plot
Rivals offers a nostalgic nod to the melodramatic television series of the 1980s. The on-screen rivalry between David Tennant and Alex Hassell is laced with both humor and tension, enlivening the storyline. The initial episodes focus on developing the unique world and intricate relationships of the characters.
As the groundwork is set, the series evolves, showcasing dramatic narratives and character developments. The ’80s-inspired aesthetics, including fashion, music, and visuals, elevate the overall viewing experience.
The show’s description provided by Hulu states:
“Set in an era defined by power-hungry social elites, ‘Rivals’ plunges into the unforgiving domain of independent television in 1986, where hairstyles are voluminous and ambitions even grander. Power plays unfold in boardrooms and bedrooms alike, leaving uncertainty about who will ultimately prevail. In a world where everyone looks out for themselves, is it possible for genuine love to thrive?”
Production Insights for Rivals Season 1
The series is produced by executive producers Jilly Cooper and her literary agency, Felicity Blunt. Writing and production are led by Dominic Treadwell-Collins, with Elliot Hegarty serving as the main director and executive producer for the first trio of episodes. The project is produced by Happy Prince.
Additionally, executive producers Lee Mason, Laura Wade, and Alexander Lamb contribute to the series’s creation. Other writers include Marek Horn, Sophie Goodhart, Dare Aiyegbayo, Kefi Chadwick, Tray Agyeman, Mimi Hare, Clare Naylor, and Sorcha Kurien Walsh.
Fans can catch Rivals Season 1, now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
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