Rivals on Netflix is a vibrant and scandalous drama set in the cutthroat world of 1980s British television, adapted from Jilly Cooper's beloved novel. It delves into the lives of the powerful, charismatic, and often morally ambiguous elite in the fictional English county of Rutshire, where ambition, rivalry, and desire collide.
The High-Stakes World of Rutshire
The series transports viewers to the glamorous yet treacherous landscape of 1980s Britain, a period ripe with social change, burgeoning media empires, and unapologetic excess. In this world, fortunes are made and lost, and reputations are constantly under scrutiny.
Key aspects of the setting and themes include:
- Fictional English County: The story unfolds in Rutshire, a quintessentially British setting that serves as a backdrop for both lavish lifestyles and intense personal conflicts.
- 1980s Media Landscape: The plot is deeply entrenched in the competitive environment of television broadcasting, reflecting the power struggles and innovations of the era.
- Themes of Power and Ambition: At its heart, Rivals explores the relentless pursuit of power, the sacrifices made for success, and the intricate dance of ambition within high society.
- Scandal and Romance: True to Jilly Cooper's style, the series promises a rich tapestry of passionate affairs, hidden secrets, and public scandals that keep the characters, and viewers, on edge.
Central Characters and Their Battle
The narrative pivots around two formidable figures whose destinies are intertwined through a complex web of business and personal animosity.
The Protagonists
| Character | Portrayed by | Role and Dynamic |
|---|---|---|
| Lord Tony Baddingham | David Tennant | The charismatic yet increasingly vulnerable chairman of Corinium Television, facing immense pressure to save his network. |
| Rupert Campbell-Black | Alex Hassell | A powerful, successful, and notorious businessman and local MP, often crossing paths with Baddingham. |
Lord Tony Baddingham finds his television network, Corinium, in a precarious position. Despite his significant mark in the business world, the network is at a delicate stage, requiring a strategic pivot to survive. In a twist of fate and circumstance, Baddingham finds himself needing the assistance of his longtime adversary, Rupert Campbell-Black, to overcome this critical hurdle. Their intense rivalry forms the core conflict, fueling both their personal and professional battles.
Beyond the Rivals
While Baddingham and Campbell-Black are at the epicenter, the series features a broad ensemble of vibrant characters from various facets of society—politicians, journalists, socialites, and jockeys—whose lives become entangled in the central power struggle, leading to dramatic confrontations and unexpected alliances.
Adaptation of a Bestselling Novel
Rivals is an adaptation of the beloved novel by Jilly Cooper, part of her iconic "Rutshire Chronicles." Cooper's works are renowned for their witty observations of British high society, their memorable characters, and their blend of humor, romance, and scandal. The Netflix series aims to bring this celebrated world to life with all its charm, drama, and audacious spirit.
For more details on the show's development and cast, you can often find information on official Netflix Tudum pages or reputable entertainment news sites.
