Rivals
season 2 gets a new filming update as the David Tennant series eyes its return to Hulu. Created by Dominic Treadwell-Collins and based on the novel by Dame Jilly Cooper, the dark comedy series premiered in October 2024, chronicling the longstanding rivalry between Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Tony Baddingham (Tennant). After season 1 was met with generally positive reviews from critics, Rivals season 2 was confirmed in December, though it hasn’t yet been given a release date.
In a recent interview with The Times, series star Victoria Smurfit, who plays Maud O’Hara, reveals that Rivals season 2 will start filming this summer. Though the star shares that she’s not yet aware of what awaits in terms of the story to come, she does expect some answers for audiences and more Maud antics. Check out Smurfit’s comment below:
“Even if I knew anything about the storyline, I think I’d be shot at dawn if I said anything. Everyone’s dying to know what happens to them all, so I’m going to assume we get some answers and more fun and games. I wonder if I’ll get to ride a donkey? I’ve done a camel … or maybe a giraffe? Let’s go up in height. So I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’m very excited to put Maud’s wig back on and start causing some trouble.”
What Victoria Smurfit’s Update Means For Rivals Season 2
When The Hulu Show Could Return
Warning! Spoilers ahead for Rivals season 1.
Though Smurfit doesn’t share when Rivals season 2 will actually release on Hulu, her filming update does provide a fairly major clue about the timeline for the show’s return. Season 1 started filming in March 2023 and didn’t premiere until October 2024, meaning season 2 is probably looking at a streaming return in late 2026. Though not yet confirmed, season 2 will likely consist of eight episodes, just like season 1.
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Judging from her comments about where the story could go, Smurfit seemingly hasn’t yet read any scripts for season 2, but the season 1 finale leaves some big questions to be answered. Marking a change from the book, season 1 ends with Rupert and Tony getting into a physical fight after the latter learns of his mistress and producer Cameron’s (Nafessa Williams) relationship with Rupert, with Tony ultimately being struck by an award, his fate left up in the air. What becomes of the Rivals cast of characters after this showdown is one major question heading into season 2.
Tennant will be recognizable to many viewers for his role as Doctor Who and for starring in the TV show Broadchurch.
Our Take On Rivals’ Season 2’s Filming Update
Season 2 Needs To Recapture Season 1’s Tone
In addition to glowing Rivals critics’ reviews, the show also seems to have fared well with audiences, boasting a 90% Popcornmeter score. Viewership figures for the show haven’t been released, but it did break into the top 10 TV shows chart for the week of October 24 – 30 from Reelgood, a company that uses real-time engagement and viewership data to determine the most popular titles on streaming. Anticipation for Rivals’ return, then, is sure to be high following the cliffhanger.
Unfortunately, with filming still several months away from starting on Rivals season 2, audiences probably won’t be getting any behind-the-scenes looks at returning characters for a little while. Smurfit’s comment may not reveal any specifics about the plot, but it does speak to the show’s unique balance of genuine drama and more wacky humor, and hopefully that balance will be back in season 2 and beyond.
Source: The Times
Rivals
4/10
- Release Date
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October 18, 2024