David Tennant is back in another chaotic round of power games, scandals, and sharp-tongued drama as Disney+’s hit series returns with a second season. Early reactions suggest the new episodes push the story even further, and critics are already praising the show’s mix of messy relationships, satire, and retro style. The latest reviews have also helped the series land a major Rotten Tomatoes milestone.
What critics are saying about Rivals Season 2
Critics say Rivals Season 2 doubles down on the wild energy that made the first installment stand out. Set in 1980s England, the story follows a bitter clash between influential men operating inside a world packed with ambition, media politics, and personal rivalries. David Tennant returns as Tony Baddingham alongside Alex Hassell, Aidan Turner, and Nafessa Williams.
Several reviewers praised the show’s confidence and over-the-top storytelling style. Collider’s Therese Lacson wrote that Season 2 improves on nearly every level and called it “a resounding win.”
Amelia Harvey from Movies We Texted About described the series as “trashy TV for grownups,” while adding that it is smarter than it first appears because of how it explores the excess and selfishness of the 1980s.
Not every review was completely glowing, though. Financial Times critic Rebecca Nicholson felt some TV-industry storylines slow the pace down and said the series could use “more slapstick” to keep its lighter tone balanced. The Daily Telegraph’s Ed Power compared the show to “a Mexican telenovela meets a po-faced BBC period drama.”
Rivals Season 2 gets a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes
Despite mixed opinions on certain plot threads, Rivals Season 2 currently holds a rare 100 percent Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes based on early critic reviews.
Reviewers also highlighted the show’s strong retro presentation. Metro’s Rebecca Cook praised the soundtrack featuring artists like David Bowie, Sade, and Shocking Blue. She also noted the deliberately flashy costumes, oversized hairstyles, and tacky production design that help the series fully embrace its setting.
