David Tennant’s Rivals Season 2 Officially Sets An IMDb Record After Devastating New Episode

David Tennant’s new Rivals season 2 episode has fittingly set a ratings high.

This past month, Disney+’s hit adaptation returned with season 2 and revealed that Tennant’s Lord Tony Baddingham survived the hit to the head following a confrontation with Cameron (Nafessa Williams). The latest episodes have unraveled the Corinium boss’s revenge against Venturer and a few romantic scandals. While the series typically leans into comedy and fun, season 2’s mid-season episode has stunned audiences with unexpected tragedy.

Now, Rivals season 2, episode 6 has set a series record, becoming the highest-rated episode on IMDb with a solid 9.3. It’s the only episode to score above 9.0, as the season 1 finale has the second best with an 8.5. Additionally, it’s also one of the highest-rated episodes in Tennant’s overall television career, as only a few of his series have earned above 9.0.

Credit: Disney+/Hulu via MovieStillsDB

Interestingly, his Doctor Who episodes were rated higher, including “Blink” (9.8), “Forest of the Dead” (9.4), “The Day of the Doctor” (9.3), and “Silence in the Library” (9.3). While Tennant’s other shows, such as Takin’ Over the Asylum, have earned ratings above 9.3, most have fewer than 100 audience ratings. Rivals season 2, episode 6, has more than 300.

Based on the Rutshire Chronicles series by Jilly Cooper, the Disney+ series premiered in 2024, with season 1 receiving a strong critical reception and a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Rivals was quickly renewed for season 2, which increased the episode count to 12 and released weekly rather than all at once, as season 1 had. However, the first half would drop in early 2026, and the final six episodes at the end of the year.

The weekly drop has seemingly worked in Rivals season 2’s favor, as each episode built on the competitive feud between Venturer and Corinium to win the franchise deal. The latest episodes provided more depth for players like Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell), Lizzie Vereker (Katherine Parkinson), Tony, and Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner) in both their professional and personal lives. That alone has been complicated by scandals, professional sabotage, and a shocking affair that could ruin many families.

All that ultimately led to the high stakes in season 2, episode 6. As a dangerous storm rages through the county of Rutshire, a literal one occurs as Tony’s biggest secret is discovered. The intense drama ends with the death of a major character, marking a big change from Cooper’s book. As Tennant and his co-star Claire Rushbrook, who plays his on-screen wife Monica, were praised for their emotional performances, audiences anxiously wonder what’s next for the latter half of season 2.

Hulu and Disney+ confirmed that the last six episodes are expected to drop this November. However, an exact date has yet to be announced. Meanwhile, season 2’s mid-season finale concluded on a major cliffhanger, leaving viewers waiting nearly six months to see how the situation resolves. A Rivals season 2 teaser did reveal footage of a funeral and Tony’s next moves following the character’s death.

Rivals season 2 will return in November 2026 on Hulu and Disney+, with the first six episodes now streaming.

Release Date

October 18, 2024

Network

Disney+

Directors

Dee Koppang O’Leary, Alexandra Brodski, Elliot Hegarty

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