Series Description:
Rivals is a captivating drama series streaming on Hulu, adapted from Jilly Cooper’s 1988 novel. Set in the opulent English countryside of the 1980s, the show delves into the fierce rivalry between two powerful figures: Rupert Campbell-Black, a former Olympian turned politician, and Lord Tony Baddingham, a media mogul overseeing the independent television station, Corinium.
The narrative unfolds amidst the glamorous and often scandalous lives of England’s social elite, highlighting the intense competition within the burgeoning independent television industry. As Rupert and Tony vie for control and influence, their personal and professional conflicts intertwine, leading to a series of manipulations, alliances, and betrayals. The series masterfully captures the era’s hedonism, with lavish parties, intricate romantic entanglements, and the relentless pursuit of power.
Beyond the central rivalry, Rivals offers a satirical glimpse into the excesses of 1980s British society, exploring themes of ambition, desire, and the complexities of human relationships. The ensemble cast delivers compelling performances, bringing depth and nuance to a world where the line between personal ambition and moral compromise is often blurred.
With its blend of drama, wit, and nostalgia, Rivals provides an indulgent escape into a bygone era, appealing to viewers who appreciate richly woven narratives set against a backdrop of societal change and personal intrigue.
Additional Details:
Cast:
- Alex Hassell: Rupert Campbell-Black
- David Tennant: Lord Tony Baddingham
- Aidan Turner: Declan O’Hara
- Victoria Smurfit: Maud O’Hara
- Bella Maclean: Taggie O’Hara
- Catriona Chandler: Caitlin O’Hara
- Nafessa Williams: Cameron Cook
- Katherine Parkinson: Lizzie Vereker
- Oliver Chris: James Vereker
- Danny Dyer: Freddie Jones
- Lisa McGrillis: Valerie Jones
- Claire Rushbrook: Lady Monica Baddingham
- Luke Pasqualino: Basil ‘Bas’ Baddingham
- Emily Atack: Sarah Stratton
- Rufus Jones: Paul Stratton
- Lara Peake: Daysee Butler
- Annabel Scholey: Beattie Johnson
- Maggie Steed: Lady Gosling
- David Calder: Fergus Penney
- Hubert Burton: Gerald Middleton
- Luke S Roberts: Unnamed Character
- Guy Siner: Bishop Brenton
- Brendan Patricks: Henry Hampshire
- Rich Keeble: Brian Hetherington
Crew:
- Screenplay: Dominic Treadwell-Collins
- Director: Elliot Hegarty
- Producer: Eliza Mellor