How to watch Rivals season 2 is the question thousands of fans are asking right now, and the answer is simple: Hulu drops all 6 episodes of part 1 on Friday, May 15 at 12 a.m. ET. The bonkbuster comedy-drama adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s novel returns with David Tennant, Danny Dyer, Emily Atack, Aidan Turner, Katherine Parkinson, and Alex Hassell reprising their roles. Season 1 landed with a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score and became a guilty pleasure hit, so anticipation for this return is sky-high.
Key Takeaways
- Rivals season 2 part 1 releases all 6 episodes on Hulu Friday, May 15 at 12 a.m. ET
- Hulu subscription starts at $7.99/month with a 30-day free trial for new users
- UK viewers can stream on Disney+ (availability for season 2 unconfirmed at launch)
- David Tennant returns as Lord Tony Baddingham, the regional TV magnate at the heart of the drama
- International viewers can access Hulu via VPN services like NordVPN
Streaming Rivals season 2 on Hulu in the US
Hulu is the exclusive US home for Rivals season 2 part 1, with all 6 episodes dropping simultaneously on May 15. You don’t have to wait week-by-week—binge the entire first part immediately. A standard Hulu subscription runs $7.99 per month, and if you’re new to the service, you get your first 30 days free. That’s enough time to power through part 1 and decide if you want to stick around for what comes next.
If you want to skip ads and get faster streaming, Hulu offers an ad-free tier at a higher price point. For those who want live TV bundled in, Hulu + Live TV starts at $76.99 per month and includes over 70 premium channels alongside your full Hulu library and access to Disney+ and ESPN+. That’s a solid cable replacement option if you’re ditching traditional TV.
How to watch Rivals season 2 outside the US
UK viewers have access through Disney+, where season 1 launched on October 18, 2024. Season 2 availability on Disney+ has not been confirmed in official announcements as of the May 15 premiere date, so UK fans may need to wait for a separate rollout window. International audiences beyond the UK can use a VPN service to access Hulu’s US library and stream Rivals season 2 on May 15.
To stream Rivals season 2 internationally via VPN, install a VPN application like NordVPN, then select a US server location in the VPN app before opening Hulu. This masks your geographic location and allows you to access US-only content. Keep in mind that VPN use for streaming may violate some platform terms of service, so proceed at your own discretion.
What to expect from Rivals season 2
Season 2 continues the saga of Lord Tony Baddingham, a ruthless regional TV magnate played by David Tennant, and his bitter rivalry with Rupert Campbell-Black, an ex-Olympian turned MP. The series is set in the fictional English county of Rutshire and thrives on 1980s excess, scandal, and outrageous behavior. Season 1’s success—landing at 93% on Rotten Tomatoes—proved audiences love this deliciously trashy take on Jilly Cooper’s bonkbuster novel.
The ensemble cast is stacked. Alongside Tennant, Danny Dyer, Emily Atack, Aidan Turner, Katherine Parkinson, Alex Hassell, and Claire Rushbrook all return to their roles. If you haven’t watched season 1, now is the time to catch up before diving into part 1 of season 2 on May 15.
Can you watch Rivals season 2 for free?
New Hulu users can watch Rivals season 2 for free during the first 30 days of subscription. After that trial period ends, you’ll need to pay the monthly subscription fee to continue streaming. Existing Hulu subscribers can stream season 2 as part of their regular subscription at no extra cost.
What’s the difference between Hulu and Hulu + Live TV?
Hulu is a streaming-only service at $7.99 per month, giving you access to Hulu’s full library of shows and movies on demand. Hulu + Live TV, at $76.99 per month, adds 70+ live TV channels plus simultaneous access to Disney+ and ESPN+. Choose Hulu + Live TV if you want to replace cable; stick with standard Hulu if you only care about on-demand content.
Is Rivals season 2 available on other streaming services?
Rivals season 2 is exclusive to Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK (pending season 2 confirmation). No other major streaming platform carries the series, so Hulu is your only option for US viewers on May 15.
Rivals season 2 part 1 arrives May 15 on Hulu with all 6 episodes ready to watch immediately. If you loved season 1’s trashy brilliance and Tennant’s scenery-chewing performance as Lord Baddingham, clear your calendar and grab a Hulu subscription—or use that free trial if you’re new to the service. The bonkbuster is back, and it’s not holding back.
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: Tom's Guide
