Tony Baddingham is Back: Hulu Drops Explosive First Teaser for ‘Rivals’ Season 2
- Je-Ree
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Buckle up, Rutshire. Hulu has officially pulled back the curtain on the Rivals Season 2 teaser and it is every bit as champagne-soaked and venomous as we hoped. If you spent the last year recovering from that Season 1 cliffhanger, it’s time to pour a stiff drink and prepare for more power suits and poor decisions.
A Headache for the Ages
The teaser wastes no time addressing the elephant in the room or rather, the shovel to the head. Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) returns in peak form, stepping off a helicopter with the kind of smugness only a billionaire with a god complex can muster. His opening line? "Sorry I’m late, darling. I’ve had a terrible headache."
It’s the kind of meta-nod to his near-death experience that confirms Rivals Season 2 isn't losing its sharp, satirical edge. But don't let the jokes fool you; the stakes for the Central South West television franchise have moved past mere professional competition and into a "fever pitch" of total psychological warfare.
New Blood in the Cotswolds
While the core ensemble is back to reclaim their thrones, the teaser introduces some heavy hitters that are sure to stir the pot. Hayley Atwell joins the cast as Helen Gordon, looking every bit the formidable disruptor the series needs. Alongside her, Rupert Everett steps in as Malise Gordon, adding even more gravitas (and likely more secrets) to the mix.
Of course, it wouldn't be Rivals without the triangle of chaos involving Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell), the brooding Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner), and the ever-determined Taggie O’Hara (Bella Maclean). The footage hints at more "sizzling romance" which is Jilly Cooper-speak for "absolute romantic disaster" and plenty of 80s excess.
When Can You Watch?
Mark your calendars for May 15, 2026. Hulu is opting for a supersized season this time around, expanding the order to 12 episodes. The rollout will happen in two parts, with the first three episodes dropping in May to kick off the summer of scandal, followed by a second batch later in the year.
The battle between Corinium and Venturer is no longer just about television licenses. As Baddingham tells his staff in the clip: "We are at war." And frankly? We can’t wait to watch the casualties pile up.
For more deep dives into the Rutshire Chronicles and exclusive cast updates, keep your eyes on The TV Cave.