Rivals series 2: Disney+ confirms start date for part two and first look at upcoming episodes after devastating mid-season death
"The residents of Rutshire have been left reeling from tragedy, scandal and betrayal"
Rivals will return with new episodes this winter, and Disney+ has finally confirmed the exact start date of series 2 part 2 as well as teasing new details of what is to come.
It’s the news all Rivals have been longing to hear after the truly devastating mid-season cliffhanger at the end of episode 6. It’s the first time the Jilly Cooper adaptation has been split into two parts, with Disney+ making us wait for more.
Not everyone has loved the decision, but it’s certainly left us gagging for the final six episodes. Here’s everything we know…
***Warning: spoilers from the ending of Rivals series 2 episode 6 ahead***
Rivals series 2 part 2 returning this November
Part two of Rivals series 2 sees the return of the full cast as “affairs, alliances and rivalries reach new heights”. As well as some classic Cooperverse set pieces – including a Hunt Ball, a chaotic Bonfire Night and a Christmas Party, the second half of the season promises plenty more drama. Most notably, the characters will all be reeling from the shock death in episode 6.
Rivals killed off Monica Baddingham in devastating scenes at the end of episode 6. And her husband Tony has blood on his hands. Although he didn’t kill her, he was the reason she drove into a dangerous storm.
Having discovered her husband was having an affair with Maud O’Hara, something inside Monica broke. But it finally gave her the strength to leave him. And we all gave a collective whoop of joy as she told him some home truths.
But our elation soon turned to tears. Monica got in her car with the intention of telling Declan about his wife Maud’s affair. Tragically, she didn’t make it to the O’Hara’s house. A tree fell on the car while she was driving, killing her instantly.
Of course, we all know that Monica was Tony’s rock. And a grieving Tony is a dangerous Tony. He has nothing to lose now.
Disney+ tell us: “The stakes have never been higher.”
The confirmed start date of Rivals series 2 part 2 and release schedule
Rivals series 2 continues with part 2 on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Episodes generally drop at 8am.
That day, fans will be able to watch a three-episode premiere in the UK. The final three episodes will air on consecutive Wednesdays.
- Rivals series 2 part 2 episodes 6, 7, and 8 will stream from Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
- Episode 9 will be released on Wednesday, November 18.
- Episode 10 will follow on Wednesday, November 25.
- The penultimate episode – episode 11 – is expected to land on Wednesday, December 02, 2026.
- Finally, the series 2 finale will land on Disney+ on Wednesday, December 09, 2026.
All episodes of season 1 and the first six episodes of season 2 are available to stream now on Disney+.
How many episodes is part 2?
The critically acclaimed series 2 will resume with six brand new episodes of 60 minutes each.
The format for Rivals season 2 is different to its first run in 2024. First of all, it’s a longer series, with 12 episodes instead of 8. A spokesperson for Disney+ told us: “The drama returns with an extended season of 12 episodes – and even more wit, desire, and dramatic twists.”
The first season of the hit Jilly Cooper adaptation debuted in October 2024, with all episodes available to stream at once. This time around, the show is shaking things up with season 2 arriving in two separate six-episode batches.
The first set of episodes landed in May 2026 with a three-episode premiere. The second batch will follow in November.
What is the plot of episodes 7 and beyond?
The trailer for Rivals’ return teases five game-changing revelations, including the budding relationship between Bas and Taggie, and the appearance of Monica’s sister.
Disney+ tell us: “As Tony Baddingham and Declan O’Hara’s contest for the Cotswolds crown hits a fever pitch, Rupert Campbell-Black is forced to confront his own personal demons.
“Against a backdrop of hedonistic parties, Bonfire Night chaos, the Hampshire Hunt Ball and a turbulent Christmas, affairs unravel, alliances fracture and rivalries intensify. Caught in the middle of the frenzied franchise battle, Taggie O’Hara must find the courage to follow her heart while everyone else faces the consequences of ambition, power and secrets that they can no longer hide.”
The series also introduces new cast member Rachael Stirling as Araminta Pemberton, Lady Monica Baddingham’s vampish younger sister. The new episodes also see the introduction of Gone’s Rupert Evans as erudite headmaster David Hawkley. Lastly, Big Little Lies’ Santiago Cabrera will join the cast as Argentinian Polo legend Alejandro Mendoza.
Read more: Taggie and Rupert who? This is the couple everyone’s obsessed with in Rivals
