Hulu’s show Rivals, based on the 1988 novel by Jilly Cooper, takes us back to 1986, showing the intense rivalry between two powerful men – Tony Baddingham and Rupert Campbell-Black. Tony runs Corinium Television, and Rupert, a former Olympian and Tory Minister for Sport, is now divorced and lives a fast-paced life. Both of them want control over the TV network, and their battle is full of drama, from glamorous parties to tense meetings and secret romances. The series is set in beautiful green areas, especially in the Cotswolds, with grand old estates and mansions adding a rich visual feel to the show.
Where was Rivals filmed?
The filming of Rivals was done in many beautiful places in England like Gloucestershire, Bristol, and Salisbury. They even went to Spain for some scenes. The main shooting started in March 2023 and went on till late August 2023. In September 2023, they went to Spain for more filming. The cast and crew worked closely for six months, and actress Emily Atack said she made friends for life during the filming.
Bristol, England
One of the important places for filming Rivals is Bristol. The team shot scenes both in real locations and in a studio. The show was the first to be filmed at the newly built Bottle Yard Studios 2, located on Whitchurch Lane. The studio is part of the famous Bottle Yard Studios in Hengrove and is the largest in West England with 12 sound stages.
The very first episode shows an aircraft interior, which is actually from a real Concorde named Alpha Foxtrot, the last Concorde to fly. This aircraft is kept at the Aviation Museum Aerospace on Hayes Way, Patchway.
For a scene set in a restaurant, the production team chose the Battleaxes pub in Wraxall. This pub, located on Bristol Road, is housed in an old Tudor building, making it perfect for the show’s rural setting. Though the pub had to close down after COVID-19, there are plans to reopen it. Another restaurant used in Rivals is Cosy Club on Corn Street, Bristol. This place used to be a banking hall and has beautiful interiors, making it a perfect spot for showing wealth and luxury in the series.
By the Harbourside, the lovely Queen Square in Bristol becomes a fictional street called Russet Street in London. One important scene – the award ceremony – was shot outside the Harbour Hotel on Corn Street. In Clevedon, a charming town near Bristol, some office scenes were filmed at Castlewood offices on Tickenham Road.
Gloucestershire, England
Gloucestershire is the most important location for filming Rivals, as it represents the fictional town of Rutshire and its surroundings. The beautiful green landscapes of the Cotswolds region, known for its rolling hills and charming countryside, are featured in many scenes. The town of Tetbury, located in the Cotswolds, becomes the fictional Cotchester village in the show.
One of the main filming locations in Gloucestershire is Chavenage House, an old Elizabethan manor built in the 16th century. This grand house is shown as Lord Tony Baddingham’s residence in the series. The show also used the town of Corsham in Wiltshire, where the production team filmed on Corsham High Street. This street is lined with white historical houses, adding to the show’s authentic feel.
Another beautiful mansion used in Rivals is Neston Park, located just south of Corsham. This over 200-year-old country estate is one of the most impressive locations seen in the show.
Salisbury, England
The team also filmed at Wilton House in Salisbury. This is another big and grand estate built in the 16th century. It adds a touch of aristocratic elegance to the show’s storyline. Wilton House has been used in other popular shows and films too, like The Crown, Bridgerton, and Barry Lyndon. It is open to visitors during certain seasons, and people can tour the house and its gardens.
Motril, Spain
After finishing most of the filming in England by early September 2023, the Rivals production team went to Motril in Spain. Motril is a beautiful town on Spain’s southern coast. The team started filming again on September 18, 2023. They shot scenes on the beaches of Motril, especially Playa de Motril. The stunning coastal scenery and the shimmering blue waters made a perfect backdrop for the romantic and luxury-filled moments of the show.
In conclusion, Rivals used many picturesque and grand locations across England and Spain to bring the world of power, rivalry, and romance to life on screen. These filming spots added depth and beauty to the intense drama, making it even more captivating for the audience.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) – Rivals
Q: Where was Rivals filmed?
A: Rivals was filmed in multiple locations across England, including Bristol, Gloucestershire, and Salisbury. The stunning Cotswolds region provided the backdrop for many scenes, with historic estates like Chavenage House and Wilton House being used. Additionally, some beach scenes were filmed in Motril, Spain.
Q: When was Rivals filmed?
A: The filming of Rivals began on March 6, 2023, and continued until late August 2023. The production resumed in September 2023, when the crew went to Spain to film additional scenes in Motril.
Q: When is the release date of Rivals?
A: Hulu’s Rivals was released on October 18, 2024.
Q: Who are the main cast members of Rivals?
A: The main cast of Rivals includes Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black, David Tennant as Tony Baddingham, and Emily Atack. These talented actors bring the drama and rivalry between the key characters to life in the show.
Q: What is Rivals about?
A: Rivals is a drama series based on Jilly Cooper’s 1988 novel. The story revolves around a fierce rivalry between Tony Baddingham and Rupert Campbell-Black as they battle for control of Corinium Television, set against a backdrop of glamorous parties, power struggles, and romance in 1986 England.
