David Tennant Returns: The Unmissable New Chapter of Rivals Hits Hulu with a Captivating Trailer

David Tennant Lights Up the Screen Again as ‘Rivals’ Returns

British television is poised for another electrifying season as David Tennant steps back into the opulent, treacherous world of ‘Rivals’, the period series that’s transformed the Jilly Cooper bestseller into one of the streaming world’s most addictive dramas. Renowned for his roles as the Tenth and Fourteenth Doctor in Doctor Who, DI Alec Hardy in Broadchurch, and the endlessly charismatic Crowley in Good Omens, Tennant now brings razor-sharp wit and ruthless ambition to Lord Tony Baddingham.

The World of ‘Rivals’: Decadence, Ambition, Scandal

Set in a vividly realized 1980s Britain, ‘Rivals’ pits media moguls and parliament members against one another amid an intoxicating swirl of glamour, excess, and cutthroat competition. With the Central South West TV franchise at stake, the boardroom becomes a battlefield and no secret is safe from exploitation. Season 2 picks up just as tensions between Corinium and Venturer reach fever pitch. After a shocking cliffhanger left Lord Baddingham’s fate in question, fans can expect Tennant’s character to re-emerge more ruthless than ever—his strategies darker, his manipulation even more cunning, and his drive for dominance unchecked.

The emotional stakes in Rutshire’s high society have never been higher. Marriages unravel beneath the pressure of ambition, clandestine affairs threaten to wreak devastation, and long-buried secrets are destined to explode. Expect the personal and the political to collide spectacularly, with every scandal and betrayal magnified by the relentless glare of television cameras and tabloid flashbulbs.

An Ensemble Cast — Returning Favorites & Exciting New Faces

The new trailer reveals that beloved cast members are picking up precisely where they left off: Danny Dyer, Aidan Turner, Katherine Parkinson, Emily Atack, and scene-stealer Alex Hassell all return. Each brings depth and edge to their roles, amplifying the caustic humor and emotional stakes that made the first season unmissable. Season 2 welcomes acclaimed talents Hayley Atwell and Rupert Everett, whose arrival is set to upend established alliances and introduce unexpected twists in an already volatile narrative.

Critical Acclaim & Pop Culture Buzz

From day one, ‘Rivals’ achieved what few book adaptations manage: a dazzling Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score of 95%, with audiences nearly as smitten at 90%. Critics cite its biting satire, snappy dialogue, and the ability to turn class rivalries and petty feuds into pure entertainment. The chemistry among the ensemble cast and the show’s sly period nostalgia have spawned a devoted online following and regular trending conversations across social platforms.

Season 1’s explosive cliffhanger—where Tony Baddingham was attacked with his own award—left viewers in suspense over his fate. The new season wastes no time plunging back into the fray: Tony survives, his rivals are circling, and the gaming for control of the airwaves and reputations has only grown fiercer.

When and Where to Watch

Fans won’t have to wait long for the next chapter in this high-stakes saga. ‘Rivals’ season 2 premieres exclusively on Hulu on May 15. If you’re craving a blend of sharp comedy, period decadence, and biting political intrigue, mark your calendar now: this is appointment television, perfect for anyone who loves their dramas layered with scandal and their comedies served with a twist of venom.