David Tennant stars in this upcoming series, reminiscent of popular shows like Succession and The Gentlemen. Premiering on October 18th, Rivals promises a thrilling mix of ambition, power struggles, and romance set against the backdrop of 1980s British television.
What’s it About?
Based on Jilly Cooper’s novel, Rivals explores the cutthroat world of independent television in 1986. It centers on the intense rivalry between two powerful men: Rupert Campbell-Black, a charismatic ex-Olympian and Tory MP, and Lord Tony Baddingham, the driven controller of Corinium Television. Their long-simmering conflict escalates as they clash over the future of the network.
Star-Studded Cast and Crew
- David Tennant (Doctor Who, Good Omens) as Lord Tony Baddingham
- Alex Hassell (The Boys, The Tragedy of Macbeth) as Rupert Campbell-Black
- A stellar supporting cast includes Aidan Turner, Victoria Smurfit, and many more.
- Directed by Elliot Hegarty (Ted Lasso), Dee Koppang O’Leary (The Crown), and Alexandra Brodski (Somewhere Boy).
- Scripted by Dominic Treadwell-Collins (EastEnders) and Laura Wade.
Will it Succeed?
Rivals has the potential to become a hit, capitalizing on the audience’s appetite for complex characters and high-stakes drama. Its blend of political maneuvering, romantic entanglements, and social commentary could make it a compelling addition to Disney+’s lineup. While its success remains to be seen, the show’s strong cast, talented crew, and intriguing premise suggest it’s worth watching.
Tune in on October 18th to see if Rivals lives up to the hype!