TVTV NewsRivalsNeed to knowRivals is back on Disney+ with David Tennant returning as the villainous Lord Tony Baddingham in season 2.20:13, 28 May 2026Updated 20:13, 28 May 2026Things look uncertain for Taggie in Rivals season 2 so far(Image: Disney+)Inside Rivals season 2 release date schedule and episode countThe steamy television drama Rivals has returned to Disney+ for a second season, bringing viewers back to the fictional Cotswolds county of Rutshire.Based on Dame Jilly Cooper's 1988 novel, the Emmy-winning show stars David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Katherine Parkinson, and Danny Dyer in a tale of political and media rivalry. The series follows an MP battling a TV station owner in the glamorous 1980s setting.Season two launched its first three episodes on Friday, May 15, followed by episode 4 on Friday, May 22. There will be two more weekly releases, with episode 5 airing on Friday, May 29 and episode 6 airing on Friday, June 5.The series will then take a break, before returning to complete is 12-episode second season. The remaining six episodes are expected to air later this year.The star-studded cast returns with new additions including Hayley Atwell as Helen Gordon and Rupert Everett as Malise Gordon. David Tennant reprises his role as the villainous Lord Tony Baddingham despite his apparent demise in season one.The synopsis from Disney+ reads: "The battle for the Central South West television franchise reaches fever pitch as the war between Corinium and Venturer enters a dangerous new phase. Marriages fracture under the weight of ambition, illicit affairs threaten to shatter families, and long-buried secrets ignite with explosive consequences."READ THE FULL STORY: Rivals season 2 release date, cast and where to watch as David Tennant returns‌