Disney+ and Hulu Renew 'Rivals' for a Third Season

Disney+ and Hulu have officially greenlit a third season of the hit drama *Rivals*, a significant vote of confidence for the series ahead of its upcoming second-season return. The show, which adapts Dame Jilly Cooper’s beloved *Rutshire Chronicles* novels, has become a standout performer for the streamers, particularly within the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) markets. The upcoming third season is slated for a 12-episode run, promising to further escalate the high-stakes drama and interpersonal conflicts that have defined the series.

The early renewal underscores the commercial and critical success of the production, which features a high-profile ensemble cast including David Tennant, Aidan Turner, and Alex Hassell. Following its debut, the series set records as Disney+’s most-watched original premiere in the U.K. and Ireland, proving that the "Cooperverse" holds substantial appeal for global audiences. By securing a third season before the second installment even airs, the platforms are signaling a long-term commitment to the franchise as a cornerstone of their scripted content strategy.

For the industry, this move highlights the continued value of established literary IP in driving subscriber engagement. Produced by Happy Prince, a label under ITV Studios, the series has successfully balanced prestige production values with the irreverent, scandalous tone of the original novels. As the narrative moves into its third chapter, the focus will remain on expanding the complex web of power and betrayal that has captivated viewers, ensuring that *Rivals* remains a key pillar of the Disney+/Hulu international content portfolio.