Rivals fans have been left unimpressed as it has been rumoured that part 2 of the beloved series is set to be released in ‘late 2026’ with Disney refusing to confirm release
TV hit Rivals has come under fire from fans as the the last scheduled mid-season finale episode is set to be released next week, and Disney+ has yet to confirm when the next six episodes will be streaming.
The first three episodes of the series were launched on May 15, with a new episode released every Friday in the weeks following, with the sixth episode in part one slated for June 5.
However, Disney+ has yet to reveal when the final six episodes of the 12 episode series is set to be released, and multiple outlets have referenced a ‘late 2026’ release date and an October air date. Fans have been less than impressed by these rumours and can’t quite believe they may have to wait months to see more drama unfold in Rutshire.
“Finally starting season 2 of #Rivals , which I heard has been split into 2 parts?? And the other half doesn’t come out until October?? Does Hulu think it’s Netflix now?,” said one fan on X.
“Rivals release schedule is terrible. they’re gonna kill the momentum of the show and I doubt they will do a lot of promo during the break. I would rather wait for a late summer release instead of waiting for 6 months between the two parts,” said another.
“I’m always against bullying but I may need to make an exception for Hulu and Disney+ because having a 5 month break between part 1 and 2 of the new season of rivals should be illegal. like wtf were they thinking? and honestly why kill the momentum like that?,” said another fan.
The Mirror approached Disney for comment on the release dates and was informed that they don’t currently have an update about the release date of part two.
As part of SXSW David Tennant and Claire Rushbrook are set to appear at a screening of the finale of part one season two in London, further adding to speculation that this will be a big mid-season finale and fans may be waiting for some time for part two.
While many viewers are frustrated, some have speculated that there is a deeper meaning behind the long wait, and feel as though this is like getting two seasons for the price of one.
“I’m going to be crashing out daily but I fully expected season two to be out in October anyway so it really is an extra treat to have some eps now!! from the sounds of it they’ve set ep6 up to be a proper mid season finale and I’m so sat for it,” said one fan on X.
“The rivals break is gonna be rough but considering they did a 10 month shoot, announced the premiere date before wrapping, AND we got episodes way before we all thought we would..i feel like they have their reasons for it (it’ll be torture but i know all about waiting),” said another.
“My unpopular opinion is that people are massively overreacting about the rivals season split. wdym people won’t care? it ended on a cliffhanger last time and we were gagging for s2. 12 episodes is a lot for a british show — it’s like getting two seasons in a year!” said another.
For now, it’s unclear when part two of the beloved series will be released, but fans can be sure to expect something explosive and tantalising given the positive reaction to the series so far. Rotten Tomatoes has given season two a 100% approval rating so far, with fans completely hooked on the sexy Cotswolds drama.
Rivals is streaming now on Disney+












