Rivals viewers fume 'this is painful' as season 2 new episodes spark complaints

Jill Cooper's Rivals has sparked frustration among viewers just days after it returned to screens. Disney+ released three episodes of the 1980s-set drama on Wednesday (November 11). Rather than making the remaining instalments available together, the streaming service is switching to weekly releases, leaving some viewers disappointed. The new series follows the battle for supremacy in the Cotswolds between Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) and Declan O'Hara (Aidan Turner) amid the fallout from Lady Monica Baddingham's death. Monica (Claire Rushbrook) was struck by a falling tree in the mid-season finale after running into a storm, having discovered Tony's affair with Maud (Victoria Smurfit).

As those around her grapple with their grief, the synopsis also teases: "Rupert Campbell-Black is forced to confront his own personal demons". It continues: "Against a backdrop of hedonistic parties, Bonfire Night chaos, the Hampshire Hunt Ball and a turbulent Christmas, affairs unravel, alliances fracture and rivalries intensify. Caught in the middle of the frenzied franchise war, Taggie O'Hara must find the courage to follow her heart, while those around her face the consequences of ambition, power and secrets that can no longer remain hidden."

Following this week's three episodes, Rivals will release a new instalment every Wednesday until December 2, reports the Mirror. Taking to Reddit to vent their frustration, one viewer said: "Okay but why...? Why do we have to wait even longer for the rest of the series to drop?

"All these months waiting for part two and we only get the first half of that for now as well? Not a big fan of this move." The show's mid-season finale aired in June, leaving fans waiting five months for fresh episodes. By contrast, the entire first series was made available in one go.

Someone else echoed the sentiment, posting: "It's ruined the momentum for me." Another disgruntled viewer wrote: "Making us wait this long for part 2 and only dropping half of it is painfullllll."

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Some viewers had even assumed the series had ended, with one admitting: "Omg guys I thought that was the end of the series."However, others defended the weekly release format, saying it helped sustain their interest.

"I like it. Keeps me excited. I miss episodes dropping week to week for shows it keeps me interested longer and actually makes me retain what happens. I get bored binging!!," said one viewer.

Another added: "I like weekly release. It gives you time to think about the show, "be" in it. If you binge you forget about it two days after."

Rivals season 2, part 2 is streaming now on Disney Plus