Hulu's Raunchy '80s Period Drama Is So Good, It's Already Renewed For Another Season

Published Sep 12, 2026, 5:45 PM EDT El is a Junior TV Features Editor for ScreenRant, with previous experience as The Mary Sue's UK and Weekend Editor. She holds a Bachelor's in International Media and Entertainment Management, as well as an MA and Ph.D. in Creative Writing. There is little she loves more than discussing her favorite TV shows with fellow fans. One day, she hopes to publish an original fantasy novel. Hulu's raunchy '80s period drama is so good, it's already been renewed for another season before the current season has finished airing. The best period dramas are those that not only immerse viewers in the era but use that innate nostalgia to tell relatable, compelling, character-driven stories, even if they are dramatized and exaggerated to a hilarious and perhaps even scandalous degree. This is exactly what Hulu's critically acclaimed British drama Rivals offers. Based on the bestselling Rutshire Chronicles novels by the late Dame Jilly Cooper, Rivals follows a cutthroat battle between two opposing production teams as they vie for control of the region's network TV franchise. It's family dysfunction, sexual politics, actual politics, and forbidden romance all rolled into one disturbingly fun, heartbreaking drama. It's by far one of Hulu's best book adaptations. The series, currently halfway through its second season — the remaining episodes are slated to premiere in November after the mid-season finale's absolutely devastating cliffhanger — boasts an undeniably impressive 95% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes. Rivals was renewed for season 3 in June, and it's a good thing too; there are 11 Rutshire Chronicles books in total, with plenty more stories to be told in Cooper's rich, fictional county. Rivals Is One Of Hulu's Most Exciting Original Dramas Rivals is one of Hulu's most exciting original dramas, unlike anything else on TV. It fully leans into the absurdity of the '80s entertainment industry, the bitter rivalries between producers, and the sexual chemistry among its ensemble cast. Somehow, despite multiple equally important storylines and character relationships, Rivals keeps everything afloat, anchored by the animosity between its leading men: David Tennant's Lord Tony Baddingham and Alex Hassell's former Olympic equestrian and current politician, Rupert Campbell-Black. Tony is one of the most villainous roles Tennant has ever played — that's saying something, considering his roles in shows like Jessica Jones and Des — and his past with Hassell's Rupert fuels the entire show. Still, while the other characters have all been forced to pick a side in their rivalry, either professionally or personally, they each have their own motivations, too. None of the characters feel entirely flat or underdeveloped, a real feat in a show with such star power and such a dramatic, absurdist premise. Rivals won the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series in 2025. Though the show is filled with hatred, jealousy, greed, and even infidelity, there's also a lot of genuine, complicated love. Many characters grow and become better because of it. Rupert has changed since meeting aspiring chef Taggie (Bella Maclean), but his development feels earned and natural. Romance author Lizzie Vereker (Katherine Parkinson) learns to stand up for herself and her right to be happy after meeting tech wizard Freddie Jones (Danny Dyer). These characters aren't perfect — in fact, they're incredibly messy — but that's also what makes them so wonderfully human. Rivals strikes a great balance between comedy, soap opera-level drama, gut-wrenching honesty, and real emotional stakes. Rivals Features One Of The Streamer's Most Impressive Casts Credit: Disney+/Hulu via MovieStillsDB The talent in Rivals' largely British ensemble is off the charts. Of course, David Tennant is exceptional in the role. Every scene has an undercurrent of hatred and jealousy, even in interactions with his wife and children. He's driven entirely by greed, and Tennant plays it masterfully. Hassell completely holds his own against him, too, as does Poldark's Aidan Turner, who plays TV presenter and investigative journalist Declan O'Hara. Who knew Danny Dyer could be such a compelling romantic lead? Still, I'd argue it's the women who truly make this show so special. Nafessa Williams' Cameron Cook is a force to be reckoned with. Williams plays her character with incredible grit and determination, so much so that viewers can't help but root for her, even when she acts vindictive. She gives as good as she gets, and she's not afraid to speak her mind and fight for her right to exist in the workplace. Katherine Parkinson, who, while normally known for her comedic talents, becomes one of the warmest, most emotionally resonant, and vital characters in Rutshire. Her meeting with Tony's wife, Monica (Claire Rushbrook), in season 2, episode 6, is among the show's most moving scenes. Then there's Bella Maclean's Taggie, one of the few genuinely good people in the entire show. Maclean plays her with an innocence that never feels overly saccharine, and her chemistry with Hassell is electric. Of course, the cast also includes Victoria Smurfit, who shines as Taggie's spiraling actress mother, even when she's at her lowest. The cast plays off each other so well, elevating each other's performances and the show as a whole. All in all, Rivals is truly one of a kind, and this is the perfect time to catch up on the series. Rivals season 2, part 2 premieres with three episodes on November 11, exclusively on Hulu and Disney+. Release Date October 18, 2024 Network Disney+ Directors Dee Koppang O'Leary, Alexandra Brodski, Elliot Hegarty Cast Aidan Turner Declan O'Hara Writers Clare Naylor, Mimi Hare, Kefi Chadwick, Dare Aiyegbayo, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Laura Wade, Marek Horn, Sophie Goodhart