Disney+ has released a teaser trailer and character images for the upcoming series “Rivals,” based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s novel. The series will consist of eight parts and is produced by Happy Prince, part of ITV Studios.
Set in the world of independent television in 1986, “Rivals” explores the dramatic antics and power struggles within the social elite of 1980s England.
The character images introduce us to various characters, including Sarah Stratton (Emily Atack), Caitlin O’Hara (Catriona Chandler), James Vereker (Oliver Chris), Freddie Jones (Danny Dyer), Paul Stratton (Rufus Jones), Valerie Jones (Lisa McGrillis), Bas Baddingham (Luke Pasqualino), Lady Monica Baddingham (Claire Rushbrook), and Maud O’Hara (Victoria Smurfit).
The series also stars Alex Hassell, Bella Maclean, Katherine Parkinson, David Tennant, Aidan Turner, and Nafessa Williams.
“Rivals” is executive produced by Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Alexander Lamb, Felicity Blunt, Olivier Award-winning playwright Laura Wade, Dame Jilly Cooper, and Lee Mason, Disney+ EMEA’s Director of Scripted Content.
The writing team includes Treadwell-Collins, Wade, and writers Sophie Goodhart, Marek Horn, Mimi Hare, Clare Naylor, Dare Aiyegbayo, and Kefi Chadwick. Tray Agyeman and Sorcha Kurien Walsh also contribute as shadow and staff writers, respectively.
The series is directed by BAFTA-nominated Elliot Hegarty, who also serves as executive producer for the first four episodes. Other directors include Eliza Mellor, Dee Koppang O’Leary, and Alexandra Brodski.
“Rivals” is set to debut on Disney+ later this year.
