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Rivals Season 2 Episodes 1–3 | Thatcherite Treachery and the Tale of the 1987 Exposé
Published 4 days, 7 hours ago
Description
The 1980s independent television dogfight has officially escalated into a war of total corporate annihilation, and the snark squad is unpacking the high-stakes, three-episode premiere of Rivals Season 2. Premiering on May 15, 2026, the series wastes absolutely no time diving back into the relentless, country-estate-shaking hostility between the deliciously corrupt Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) and his permanent aristocratic headache, Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell). As Rutshire gears up for a pivotal general election, the battlefield expands directly into the offices of the new television venture, Venturer. Tony is back to doing what he does best: weaponizing a scandalous, highly public exposé regarding Rupert’s chaotic past to aggressively sabotage his empire. We’re asking: is Tony actually executing a brilliant corporate counter-strike, or is his obsession with crushing Rupert destined to bankrupt his own broadcasting stronghold?
While the series retains its addictive, "exquisite bonkbuster" soap-opera qualities, critics are already raising flags over a sprawling ensemble cast and a deeply fragmented, batch-style release schedule on Hulu and Disney+. The premiere also marks a massive creative shift with the introduction of Hayley Atwell, who injects an elite dose of toxic resentment into the narrative as Rupert’s frustrated ex-wife, Helen Gordon. Alongside her new husband Malise (Rupert Everett), Helen's arrival has completely upended the social layout, steering supporting figures toward much darker, vindictive character arcs. Between polo match spy games, white-collar corporate espionage, and complex romantic entanglements, Season 2 has established itself as a bold, beautifully messy continuation of pure Thatcherite escapism.
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LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: Catch every episode of The Snark Side Podcast on your favorite streaming platform:
While the series retains its addictive, "exquisite bonkbuster" soap-opera qualities, critics are already raising flags over a sprawling ensemble cast and a deeply fragmented, batch-style release schedule on Hulu and Disney+. The premiere also marks a massive creative shift with the introduction of Hayley Atwell, who injects an elite dose of toxic resentment into the narrative as Rupert’s frustrated ex-wife, Helen Gordon. Alongside her new husband Malise (Rupert Everett), Helen's arrival has completely upended the social layout, steering supporting figures toward much darker, vindictive character arcs. Between polo match spy games, white-collar corporate espionage, and complex romantic entanglements, Season 2 has established itself as a bold, beautifully messy continuation of pure Thatcherite escapism.
LOVE THE DRAMA? JOIN THE SNARK SQUAD!
If you’re obsessed with reality TV recaps, roasting your favorite TLC and Bravo stars, and messy tea, make sure to subscribe! We dive into the wildest dating shows and reality drama every week.
LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE: Catch every episode of The Snark Side Podcast on your favorite streaming platform:
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-snark-side-the-chaotic-world-of-tlc-bravo-and-reality-tv/id1846240963
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Qt1mPbJ3eH1VlEyQYTqfO