The highly anticipated British drama series Rivals, starring David Tennant, has finally premiered, captivating audiences with its sharp portrayal of the ruthless 1980s TV industry. Adapted from Jilly Cooper’s popular 1988 novel, Rivals brings the fierce competition and scandalous drama of British television to life. The show debuted on October 18, 2024, and is available for streaming on Disney+ in the UK and Hulu in the US.

Plot Overview

Set in 1986, Rivals unfolds in the high-stakes world of television, where ambition, egos, and grudges drive the industry’s elite. The drama centers on the intense rivalry between two powerful figures: Rupert Campbell-Black, played by Alex Hassell, a charming ex-Olympian and Member of Parliament; and Lord Tony Baddingham, portrayed by David Tennant, a ruthless and cunning TV executive. Their feud not only fuels personal vendettas but also impacts the careers and lives of those around them.

With its campy, over-the-top style, Rivals promises a mix of drama, humor, and biting satire that captures the spirit of the original novel. The series dives deep into the glamor and grit of the 80s TV world, presenting a landscape where loyalty is scarce, and power dynamics shift with every episode.

Cast Highlights

Rivals boasts an impressive ensemble cast:

• David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham, a powerful and merciless executive
• Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black, a charismatic MP with a complicated past
• Aidan Turner as Declan O’Hara, a journalist-turned-talk-show host navigating the cutthroat TV industry
• Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook, a bold American TV producer bringing fresh perspectives to British TV
• Emily Atack as Sarah Stratton, the Deputy Prime Minister entangled in the web of industry politics
• Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker, adding depth to the character-driven storyline
• Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones, contributing his signature charm and wit

With Tennant’s portrayal of Baddingham at the heart of the story, the cast has received widespread acclaim for bringing Jilly Cooper’s larger-than-life characters to the screen with energy and depth.

Critical Reception

Critics have responded enthusiastically to the series’ bold take on the world of 1980s TV, with praise for its mix of campy, dramatic, and humorous elements. Described as “gloriously crass” and “delightfully nasty,” Rivals has won fans over with its unapologetic look at the power plays that defined the era. Reviewers have noted the series’ ability to balance satire and drama, creating a show that’s as much a nostalgic throwback as it is a scathing critique of the television industry.

Where to Watch

Fans of Rivals can stream the series on Disney+ in the UK and Hulu in the US, making it widely accessible to a global audience eager to experience the drama. The show’s release has been eagerly anticipated by fans of Jilly Cooper’s novels and newcomers alike.

Final Thoughts

Rivals delivers everything fans of Jilly Cooper’s novel could hope for: power struggles, scandal, and unforgettable characters brought to life by a talented cast led by David Tennant. With its nostalgic yet satirical take on British TV’s most dramatic era, the show is poised to become a hit with viewers who enjoy a mix of grit, glamor, and high-stakes drama.

Check out Rivals to immerse yourself in the world of 1980s British television and witness David Tennant in one of his most captivating roles to date.