There’s No Better Time To Watch Rivals, David Tennant’s 95% RT Adults-Only Hulu Drama

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Now is the perfect time to start watching David Tennant’s gripping and popular Hulu drama, with new episodes coming soon. Tennant is known for his versatility, having taken on diverse roles like the iconic 10th (and 14th) Doctor in Doctor Who, a determined detective in the popular series Broadchurch, and a chilling villain in the Netflix Marvel show Jessica Jones. He consistently delivers unique and compelling performances, rarely repeating himself.

The actor is returning to television in Hulu’s new British period drama, Rivals. Set in the 1980s, this series is a scandalous and surprising adaptation of Dame Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles. He’ll play Tony Baddingham, a powerful TV executive and a member of the English upper class. This role is considered one of his most unexpected performances, and critics have praised the show, giving it a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Rivals Features One Of David Tennant’s Darkest Performances

David Tennant is known for playing villains, but his character in Rivals is particularly ruthless. Tony Baddingham isn’t a typical criminal; he doesn’t kill or directly control others. Instead, he’s motivated purely by greed and will destroy anyone who gets in the way of his ambitions – including his wife, colleagues, and even his lover. He craves power and will do anything to achieve it.

Honestly, of all the awful people in this story, Baddingham takes the cake. He’s ridiculously rich and just really hates Rupert Campbell-Black, his competition – you know, the ex-Olympian turned politician (Alex Hassell). It’s gotten to the point where he seems completely incapable of feeling anything for anyone. Even when he’s trying to propose to Cameron Cook, this amazing TV producer (Nafessa Williams), it just feels…forced and totally lacking in sincerity. It’s painful to watch, honestly.

You know, it’s funny. Baddingham has the life, really – a huge mansion, tons of cash, a great job, and a wife who’s way too good for him, honestly. But he acts like he’s completely miserable and has nothing at all! I get that his upbringing probably plays a part – he wasn’t born into wealth like Rupert was – but still, it doesn’t justify his attitude. It’s just… frustrating to watch.

Baddingham is a truly awful character – manipulative, harsh, and even violent. That’s why many viewers felt satisfied when he faced potential consequences in the season one finale of Rivals. However, this isn’t a flaw of the writing, but a testament to David Tennant’s incredible performance, which elevates the entire show. Rivals is full of dramatic, over-the-top characters, and Baddingham perfectly fits that mold.

Rivals Season 2 Premieres Next Month On Hulu And Disney+

David Tennant and the cast of Rivals are returning with new episodes on Hulu and Disney+ starting May 15th. The second season will have 12 episodes – four more than season one – and will be released in two parts. The first six episodes will be available all at once on May 15th, with new episodes then released weekly. The remaining episodes will arrive later in the year, with the exact date to be announced.

David Tennant delivers a wonderfully vengeful performance in Rivals, but the show wisely focuses on the entire cast, who are all equally captivating. Alex Hassell is particularly compelling as the flawed Campbell-Black, and his unexpected romance with Taggie (Bella Maclean), the much younger daughter of his business partner, feels genuinely sweet. This secret relationship complicates his professional partnership with determined journalist Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner of Poldark), adding tension and allowing the show’s more subtle scenes to stand out.

Everyone from the first season of Rivals will be back for season 2, including Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook, Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones, Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker, and other familiar faces like Oliver Chris, Victoria Smurfit, Emily Atack, and Luca Pasqualino. Joining them is Hayley Atwell, known for her roles in Marvel films, and she’s set to stir things up for Taggie and Rupert, as she’s Rupert’s former wife and the mother of his children.

The first trailer for season 2 of “Rivals” prominently featured David Tennant’s character returning after a dramatic cliffhanger, arriving in style via helicopter. With 12 new episodes planned and the possibility of a third season—based on the source material’s 11 books—now is the perfect time to dive into this scandalous and entertaining historical drama on Hulu.

Rivals season 2 will premiere on Hulu and Disney+ on May 15. Season 1 is available to stream now.

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2026-04-10 23:10