Disney+ teases Rivals, a series set in the opulent and scandalous world of 1980s England’s elite

Disney+ has unveiled the first tantalising teaser trailer for the eagerly awaited series Rivals. This adaptation, drawing from the storied pages of Dame Jilly Cooper’s beloved novel, promises to immerse viewers in the scandalous and opulent world of 1980s England’s social elite, and is set to grace screens internationally later this year.

Rivals plunges into the cutthroat universe of independent television in 1986, featuring a constellation of characters embroiled in a web of romantic entanglements, underhanded dealings and witty exchanges. The show has a star studded line-up including Sarah Stratton played by Emily Atack, Caitlin O’Hara portrayed by Catriona Chandler and James Vereker brought to life by Oliver Chris, plus Alex Hassell, Bella Maclean, Katherine Parkinson, David Tennant, Aidan Turner and Nafessa Williams.

The series is the brainchild of executive producers Dominic Treadwell-Collins, known for A Very English Scandal and EastEnders, and Alexander Lamb, with credits including Ackley Bridge and The Bay. The formidable team also includes Felicity Blunt, Olivier Award-winning playwright Laura Wade, Rivals author Dame Jilly Cooper and Lee Mason, Disney+’s Director of Scripted Content for EMEA. The narrative is penned by Treadwell-Collins and Wade, alongside a talented writers’ room.

As the world of Rivals prepares to unfold its tales of ambition, desire and power, Disney+ invites audiences to delve into a saga defined by its depth of character and the lavish backdrop of 1980s extravagance. 

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Rivals does not have a release date yet.

Watch the trailer for Rivals here: