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The Best Episodes of Rivals

Every episode of Rivals ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Rivals!

Binge this in 12h 39m•Peaking at 9.2/10

It is 1986 and Britain is booming. "Rivals" dives headfirst into the cutthroat world of TV where hair-dos are big and ambitions are even bigger. Deals are brokered in boardrooms, as well as bedrooms. Nobody

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Rivals Season 2 Episode 6 - Episode 6
    9.2/10(728 votes)

    #1 - Episode 6

    S2:E6

    A storm descends on Rutshire as a sordid secret is exposed and the night takes a dark turn.

    Director:Jamie Jay Johnson
    Writer:Laura Wade

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  2. Rivals Season 1 Episode 8 - Episode 8
    8.5/10(713 votes)

    #2 - Episode 8

    S1:E8

    Paranoid, Tony demands loyalty, but can he trust those closest to him? Corinium and Venturer prepare for a gladiatorial public meeting to decide if Rupert, Declan, and Freddie can contend for the franchise against Tony. Both teams pull out all the stops to impress local residents and the IBA, but as fissures appear, could Tony and his dirty tricks derail Venturer before they have really started? With secrets exposed, which relationships will survive, and which rival will ultimately win out?

    Director:Alexandra Brodski
    Writers:Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Laura Wade

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  3. Rivals Season 2 Episode 2 - Episode 2
    8.3/10(392 votes)

    #3 - Episode 2

    S2:E2

    Rupert launches his General Election campaign and struggles to balance public ambition and tensions at home. Sarah's career hangs in the balance when Tony pressures her while Venturer is pressured by Corinium.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Rivals Season 1 Episode 4 - Episode 4
    8.2/10(696 votes)

    #4 - Episode 4

    S1:E4

    Keen to punish Rupert, Declan prepares to interview and obliterate him live on television. Meanwhile, Tony invites Freddie to his prestigious pheasant shoot, eager to recruit him to the Corinium board. With a little nudge from Rupert, Taggie starts to assert herself, but she worries that Declan has lost his way. The nation waits with bated breath for Rupert and Declan's showdown. Will Tony finally get his wish to bring down Rupert Campbell-Black?

    Director:Elliot Hegarty
    Writer:Marek Horn

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  5. Rivals Season 1 Episode 5 - Episode 5
    8.2/10(643 votes)

    #5 - Episode 5

    S1:E5

    It is a busy week at Corinium Studios. Preparations are underway for the first beauty pageant and a historic interview with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Declan's ego is growing with each successful show, but he strives for journalistic glory and to prove his integrity. As Tony breathes down his neck, will he play ball? If not, is Corinium big enough for both of them?

    Director:Dee Koppang O'Leary
    Writers:Mimi Hare, Clare Naylor

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  6. Rivals Season 2 Episode 4 - Episode 4
    8.0/10(300 votes)

    #6 - Episode 4

    S2:E4

    Maud returns to Rutshire, igniting fury from Declan as Tony draws her into Corinium. Rupert tries to find a way forward, only for old sins to resurface. Venturer land a lucky break, but as A Midsummer Night’s Dream descends into chaos, Tony seduces Maud with the promise of stardom and her spellbinding turn as Titania makes it clear that ambition comes with a greater cost than she bargained for.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of Rivals

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  7. Rivals Season 1 Episode 3 - Episode 3
    7.9/10(731 votes)

    #7 - Episode 3

    S1:E3

    It is Christmas time and everyone is celebrating except Declan, who worries about Maud's extravagant party plans for their son's twenty-first birthday on New Year's Eve. Taggie is eager to reunite with an old flame and works to make the night perfect, but the evening is full of surprises as worlds collide. A serious event shocks Taggie and she is taken aback when Rupert offers help. Will Taggie accept Rupert's apology? Where will the chips fall for all concerned when the hangovers fade?

    Director:Elliot Hegarty
    Writer:Sophie Goodhart

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  8. Rivals Season 2 Episode 3 - Episode 3
    7.9/10(332 votes)

    #8 - Episode 3

    S2:E3

    A scandalous Corinium exposé sends shockwaves through Rutshire and Westminster and Rupert faces mounting pressure on election day over the future of his political career. Declan and Venturer reel from the fallout. As Venturer’s future is threatened, Tony exploits their growing divisions and Rupert is forced to confront the true cost of the scandal.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Rivals Season 2 Episode 5 - Episode 5
    7.9/10(289 votes)

    #9 - Episode 5

    S2:E5

    In Ireland, Declan clashes with Cameron as his marriage unravels. Back home, Rupert turns disgrace into opportunity, securing a prime time slot for Venturer. While Monica withdraws, Tony doubles down on his desire for power and control while Declan and Cameron discover the true limits of a professional working relationship. As Venturer battle for the Golden Gauntlet, who will emerge victorious?

    Director:Jamie Jay Johnson
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Rivals Season 1 Episode 7 - Episode 7
    7.8/10(570 votes)

    #10 - Episode 7

    S1:E7

    When Tony learns that Rupert, Declan, and Freddie have formed Venturer to challenge his bid for the television franchise, he is furious. Things look up when Corinium is nominated for another prestigious award, and his relationship with Cameron deepens. Meanwhile, Taggie offers to help campaign for Venturer, which means a chance to get closer to Rupert. But with Rupert linked to Cameron, can Taggie ever really get close?

    Director:Dee Koppang O'Leary
    Writer:Kefi Chadwick

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  11. Rivals Season 1 Episode 6 - Episode 6
    7.7/10(594 votes)

    #11 - Episode 6

    S1:E6

    Cameron attends an awards ceremony in Spain alone, and is surprised to bump into Rupert staying at the same hotel. Out of Rutshire and away from prying eyes, could this be the start of something new, and what could it mean for Tony or Taggie? Meanwhile, Rupert takes a gamble to help new company Venturer take on rival Tony's Corinium. Will it pay off or will Declan and Freddie think Rupert has finally gone too far?

    Director:Alexandra Brodski
    Writer:Dare Aiyegbayo

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  12. Rivals Season 2 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    7.7/10(389 votes)

    #12 - Episode 1

    S2:E1

    Following the events of the previous season, Rupert shelters Cameron whilst Tony, having survived his injury, seeks justice. A polo match takes place with both Corinium and Venturer filming for broadcast. Despite pressure from Tony, Cameron sides with Rupert. Tony promises revenge.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Rivals Season 1 Episode 2 - Episode 2
    7.6/10(736 votes)

    #13 - Episode 2

    S1:E2

    Declan feels the pressure to deliver a new hit show for Tony and his company, Corinium, with producer Cameron on hand to help despite their fractious relationship. Keen to recruit businessman Freddie Jones, Tony agrees to attend a dinner party, but the guest list holds nasty surprises. Taggie gets her first catering job, but the evening is fraught with incidents. When the dinner party descends into chaos, can Tony salvage the situation and kill two birds with one stone?

    Director:Elliot Hegarty
    Writer:Laura Wade

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  14. Rivals Season 1 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    7.3/10(959 votes)

    #14 - Episode 1

    S1:E1

    To ensure the success of his TV company, Corinium, Tony Baddingham hires brilliant interviewer Declan O'Hara and ambitious American producer Cameron Cook. As the O'Haras move to the countryside, Declan has a rude awakening on his first day on the job, while Declan's daughter, Taggie, and wife, Maud,must adjust to their new life and neighbors. As the O'Haras find themselves caught in the cross-fire between rivals Tony and Rupert Campbell-Black, will Declan regret his new career move?

    Director:Elliot Hegarty
    Writer:Dominic Treadwell-Collins

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Best Episodes Summary

"Episode 6" is the best rated episode of "Rivals". It scored 9.2/10 based on 728 votes. Directed by Jamie Jay Johnson and written by Laura Wade, it aired on 6/5/2026. This episode scored 0.7 points higher than the second highest rated, "Episode 8".