How ‘Rivals’ Helped David Tennant Fall for Romance
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- David Tennant stars as Tony Baddingham, a ruthless media executive in the Hulu series "Rivals," which is based on Jilly Cooper’s "Rutshire Chronicles" and returns for its second season.
- Tennant describes Tony as a character who does not see himself as a villain but is driven to achieve his goals amid the class struggles of Thatcher-era Britain.
- The show explores themes of social class and ambition, with Tony striving to rise professionally and socially despite not inheriting wealth or status.
- "Rivals" has been highly successful internationally on Disney+, topping charts in multiple countries and receiving strong critical acclaim in the UK.
- The second season opens following the death of Tony’s wife, Monica, which leaves him without a conscience and free to act without restraint, escalating the drama.
