Let me just say that I planned on watching one episode of Rivals —but before I knew it, I’d devoured the entire season in two days. It’s a show that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go (in a good way). So if you’re wondering if Rivals alone is worth the £8.99 Disney+ subscription, I’m here to say: absolutely. It's based on Jilly Cooper's hit 1988 novel of the same name, and between the intense rivalries, juicy secrets and wild 80s vibes, this series has me hooked.
First off, we’ve got David Tennant as Rupert Campbell-Black, a ruthless publishing mogul who’s equal parts charming and terrifying. Watching Tennant play this kind of morally grey, power-hungry character is a ride in itself. Opposite him is Aidan Turner as Declan O’Hara, the fiery, scrappy underdog in the media world. The rivalry between them is just… explosive. It’s impossible to pick a side, and you can tell both actors are loving every second of this onscreen feud.
But there’s more to Rivals than just these two main names. Emily Watson plays Fiona Grant, a journalist caught in the crossfire. She’s someone you can really root for. Plus, Katherine Kelly as Gina, Rupert’s wife, is just brilliant. She’s glamorous, unapologetic, and honestly, I don’t know whose side she’s on but I’m living for the chaos she brings. You'll even spot Inbetweeners' Emily Atack in the star-studded line-up, who plays opportunistic Sarah Stratton. And yes, that tennis scene really does happen, and she looks incredible.
READ MORE:Rivals author Jilly Cooper shares Disney+ drama changes including raunchy opening scene
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(Image: PA Wire))The '80s setting really takes things up a notch, too. I'm from a fashion background, so the retro costumes are a real standout for me. The show doesn’t shy away from the glam, scandal and ruthless ambition. Every character’s out for blood, but they do it in style. It’s the kind of show that makes you feel like you’ve stepped right into this world where stakes are high, and nobody’s playing nice.
If you’re after something that’s juicy, dramatic and impossible to pause (I only did the first night because I had to be up at 6am and I started the series too late in the night!), Rivals will not disappoint. With that Disney+ subscription, you’re getting all this plus tons of other shows. But for me, Rivals alone justifies the price.
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From £8.99 - ad-free and lets you stream on two devices
From £12.99 - ad-free and lets you stream on four devices
It's worth noting that if you can't see Rivals on your Disney+, you might want to check the parental settings. Mine needed adjusting before I was able to see the show.
English (US) ·