Disney+’s highly anticipated adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s 1988 hit Rivals has won over a whole new audience for the author’s literary talents.
Since its release on Friday, those who spent the weekend watching it have shared copious memes praising the cheeky antics and “camping as Christmas” plot, with one viewer suggesting, “This isn’t Walt’s Disney!”
The story is set in 1986 and follows the cut-throat world of television, including the tense rivalry between polo-loving lothario Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant).
During a series of parties and lunches at Lord Baddingham’s country, passionate matters and star-crossed longings are explored.
Some viewers took to social media to rave about the show’s racy scenes, including a completely naked tennis match with Cooper’s most famous scoundrel, Campbell-Black, and Emily Atack’s Sarah Stratton.
Viewers have flocked to social media to praise Disney+’s bold new ‘bonkbuster’ Rivals, with some left speechless by their bold, in-your-face scenes.
One viewer was left speechless and simply declared: ‘THE NAKED TENNIS SCENE!’
Others said they were hooked on the show from the opening scene, explaining: “I was completely hooked the moment RCB emerges from the Concorde bathroom and struts down the hallway to the tune of ‘Addicted to Love.’
“Just perfect.”
Another social media user joked that they were watching Rivals to see “the plot,” along with shirtless photos of Aidan Turner and Hassell.
Most agreed that the Disney+ original was “binge-worthy.” One said: “I don’t normally watch much, but I just finished Rivals.” It’s SO good and I want more.’
The daring eight-part series is based on Dame Jilly’s daring 1988 novel and follows the cutthroat world of independent television in 1986.
The cast includes Poldark heartthrob Aidan Turner, ex-Doctor Who David Tennant, Sex Education actress Bella Maclean and Alex Hassell, from BBC fantasy series His Dark Materials.
The book, part of the Rutshire Chronicles, shot to the top of the charts and sold more than a million copies.
After news of the show was confirmed, executive producer and author Dame Jilly said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be able to announce our all-star line-up for Rivals.”
‘With some of the best acting talent the British Isles has to offer, I couldn’t have dreamed of a better cast.
‘I can’t wait to be on set and see them bring to life the characters I love so much.
“The moment we met Alex we knew he would perfectly embody my all-time hero, the iconic, bold, ruthless and devastatingly handsome Rupert Campbell-Black. The spectators are in luck!’
The long-awaited new Disney+ series, hailed as ‘bonkbuster’, already has an average of 93% on the Tomatometer
One viewer was left speechless and simply declared: ‘THE NAKED TENNIS SCENE!’
The daring eight-part series is based on Dame Jilly’s daring 1988 novel and follows the cutthroat world of independent television in 1986.
The camera momentarily focused on the face of the 87-year-old author, who seemed a little surprised by some of the more daring lines being read aloud.
And screenwriter Dominic Treadwell-Collins has confirmed that he only intentionally adapted the first half of the Rivals book.
A television expert has revealed: “The feeling is that there is still much more to the story that could easily become a sequel.”
‘Disney+ seems to agree, although they have not yet announced an official commission.
‘The streamer’s bosses can see that there is a huge expectation for this show and, having watched the episodes, they know it won’t disappoint.
“So pursuing a sequel is a no-brainer, although these things take money and time, particularly as they have to try to align the very busy schedules of Rivals’ star-studded cast.”
Rivals: what do critics say?
The daily mail
Dame Jilly’s multi-million-selling Rutshire Chronicles opens with so much sex, profanity, nudity and ridiculously brilliant, tongue-in-cheek fun that it almost seems as if, rather than cutting out some of Jilly’s joy, executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins and their brilliant team of writers have added even more.”
‘How much you enjoy Rivals will depend on how much of a fan you are of Jilly Cooper (I think she’s fabulous). But even if you’re not up on the books, you can enjoy a lavish series that takes you back to a decade (it’s set in 1986) before cell phones and when people still got drunk at lunchtime.
‘This is a big bubblegum pink Anglo production and a touch of retro-escapism. Lord knows we all need a little bit of that right now.
The long-awaited new Disney+ series, hailed as ‘bonkbuster’, already has an average of 93% on the Tomatometer
“When the show doesn’t stray too far from sex, money and chicanery, it’s good fun, albeit with a stinking cliffhanger that might leave you foaming at the mouth since we don’t know if Disney will be willing to go under.” another huge budget in addition.
‘You will blush. You will laugh. You will be speechless.
‘Sex, class and the ’80s in one wildly OTT package, and we haven’t even gotten to naked tennis yet. Sit back and enjoy.’
‘There are eight episodes. It sags a bit toward the end, when the script becomes more concerned with the business of regional television franchises than with love, lust, and shirtless dudes. But all in all, it’s a wonderful antidote to modern life.
Rivals has been hailed by critics as a ‘bonkbuster’ as the first reviews of Jilly Cooper’s sexy show have arrived.
“This tumescent adaptation of the hit ’80s Disney+ film is packed with pneumatic talent and begins with a statement of intent.”
‘Is Rivals good television? God, no. It’s bold, obvious, cartoonish. Is it great entertainment? Hell yes!