This charming, retro romp is some of the best TV of the summer.11:53, 09 Jun 2026My typical television diet consists of dark crime thrillers, harrowing documentaries, or cerebral dramas - but with balmy summer evenings on the horizon, I've abandoned all my standard choices. Instead, my present fixation is flamboyant, bitchy and decidedly risqué.‌Rivals, adapted from Jilly Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles novel of the same name, is vastly different from my conventional favourites, but I've been riveted to the screen.‌This steamy drama unfolds within the picturesque and pastoral Cotswolds countryside, a backdrop that contrasts sharply with the cutthroat drama of the television franchise war raging within it. Set during the 80s, hedonism takes centre stage in Rivals, and it's thoroughly entertaining to watch.‌Lord Tony Baddingham, portrayed by David Tennant at his finest, is a certified villain - and not in the Gen Z 'oh my god he's so hot' sense. Lord Baddingham is a real villain, locked in battle with newcomer Declan O'Hara (Aiden Turner) and playboy MP Rupert Campbell Black (Alex Hassel) to secure the franchise rights.As they clash, sordid and steamy drama erupts all around them because everyone is sleeping with everyone else, from illicit workplace encounters through to slow-burning forbidden affairs.‌The wardrobe is absolutely magnificent, as is the backdrop. Women mingle in elegant, stately homes with power-suited shoulders, dungaree-clad figures dash along shag-carpeted television studio corridors, and Barbour-jacketed men brandish shotguns on pheasant shoots while attempting to secure the favour of high society.Bursting with vibrant colour, razor-sharp wit and outstanding performances, this series truly delivers.While Tennant is wonderfully loathsome as Lord Baddingham, the standout performance belongs to Danny Dyer as self-made tech mogul Freddie Jones.‌Utterly charismatic throughout, his devotion to his wife, Valerie Jones, portrayed by Lisa McGrillis, is an absolute delight. Valerie cuts a gloriously garish figure in fluorescent polyester, and her performance is brimming with cringey moments, yet you simply cannot resist her charm.That said, Freddie isn't entirely resistant to temptation, and his budding affair with Lizzie Vereker (Katherine Parkinson) ranks among the most enjoyable storylines. It carries the innocent feel of a schoolyard romance, filled with lingering touches and stolen glances across the room.Taken as a whole, Rivals is a remarkable series that has brought some much-needed light relief into my life - and I'm far from alone in that sentiment. The first season of the show received a 95% critics' rating and a 90% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with one fan hailing it a “true masterpiece”. The second series received a 97% critics' rating and a 66% audience rating.Article continues belowOne viewer enthused: "I couldn't get enough of Rivals as I binged watched this guilty pleasure of a series. Gorgeous to look at, I quickly became enamoured with each character. What fun!!"It's a world away from my usual viewing habits, yet I'm already halfway through season two with absolutely no intention of stopping.Rivals is available to stream on Disney+ now.