Rivals Season 2 (2026) Soundtrack Guide
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 can be sure who will come out on top. With every man and woman out only for themselves, can true love really blossom?
Rivals Season 2 soundtrack includes a selection of tracks from Simple Minds, David Bowie and others, along with an original score by Natalie Holt and Jack Halama. This guide provides the complete list of soundtrack songs and scene descriptions, along with details on the composers and music supervisors involved in the 2026 Disney+ production. For more information on soundtrack songs and track listings, check the series section.
Set against the competitive backdrop of the late 1980s television industry, this installment continues the power struggle between two ruthless media tycoons. The show utilizes a combination of upbeat tunes and background tunes to capture the excess and ambition of the era's independent broadcasting world. As the project follows the fallout of high-stakes scandals and personal vendettas, the musical choices incorporate vocal tracks and melodic tunes from artists like Sade to reflect the sophisticated yet cutthroat environment of the release.
Popular Songs from Season 2
Episode 1 Songs (May 15, 2026)
Tony Baddingham is scarred, but alive, and more dangerous than ever. As Declan pitches a new documentary to the BBC and attempts to rebuild his marriage to Maud, a heartbroken Taggie pines for Rupert who vanished without a trace. At a fiercely contested Rutshire Cup polo match, our rivals are pulled back into open war and the battle lines redrawn. But who will pay the price?
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Alive and Kicking
Scene Context: Lord Tony Baddingham found dead in his office is news in the "Uncensored" news
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Scene Context: Making devilled eggs and going to Bella Vista Penscombe
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It's So Nice to Have a Man Around the House
Della Reese
Scene Context: Music playing while a party is happening
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Scene Context: Patrick jumps into the pool
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Your Love Is King
Scene Context: Group performing Sade's song at the bar
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Scene Context: Music playing before the polo match
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Crazy Horses
Demented Are Go
Scene Context: Song played when the polo game starts
Episode 2 Songs (May 15, 2026)
Tony Baddingham is scarred, but alive, and more dangerous than ever. As Declan pitches a new documentary to the BBC and attempts to rebuild his marriage to Maud, a heartbroken Taggie pines for Rupert who vanished without a trace. At a fiercely contested Rutshire Cup polo match, our rivals are pulled back into open war and the battle lines redrawn. But who will pay the price?
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Rivals Titles
Natalie Holt , Jack Halama
Scene Context: Rivals Theme Opening Music
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Scene Context: Radio host begins the program by wishing Rutshire a good morning
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Scene Context: People starting their day, taking a shower, making coffee, etc
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Daddy's In Trouble Again
Natalie Holt , Jack Halama
Episode 3 Songs (May 15, 2026)
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.
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Making Your Mind Up
Bucks Fizz
Scene Context: People reading the newspaper on the street
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The Chicken Song
Philip Pope
Scene Context: People drinking champagne and celebrating victories at the polls
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Scene Context: Last song in Rivals episode 3
Episode 4 Songs (May 22, 2026)
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.
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The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Tight Fit
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Live It Up
Mental As Anything
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A Midsummer Night's Dream
Jack Halama
Scene Context: Opera playing in the theater play
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I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)
Scene Context: In the pool, kissing and having passionate moments.
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Scene Context: Music playing in the bar and people dancing
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99 Red Balloons
Scene Context: Music playing in the bar while people dance.
Episode 5 Songs (May 29, 2026)
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.
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So Macho
Sinitta
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Stories
Natalie Holt , Jack Halama
Scene Context: Filming the scene while riding a horse
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Crunchy Nut
Jack Halama
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Super Freak
Scene Context: Music playing on the jukebox LP in the bar.
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Scene Context: Dancing in the pub
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Ging Gang Goolie
Kids Now
Scene Context: Children singing as they walk to school.
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Scene Context: Band performing at the Golden Gauntlet
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Stand and Deliver
Adam & The Ants
Scene Context: People cheering for Declan
Episode 6 Songs (Jun 5, 2026)
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Rupert Alone
Natalie Holt , Jack Halama
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Daddy's In Trouble Again
Natalie Holt , Jack Halama
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Pietà Delle Mie Pene
Natalie Holt , Jack Halama
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Lavender
Marillion
Episode 7 Songs (Jun 12, 2026)
Rivals Season 2 Trailer Songs
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Mony Mony
Rivals Season 2 Official Teaser Music
Rivals Season 2 Original Soundtrack
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Guess Who's Back
Jack Halama
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Crunchy Nut
Jack Halama
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Welcome to Rutshire
Jack Halama
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Secrets
Jack Halama
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Red Dress
Jack Halama
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Taggie's Longing
Jack Halama
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Hurting My Heart
Jack Halama
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Trouble Brewing
Jack Halama
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Dirty Tactics
Jack Halama
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Rupert's Lament
Jack Halama
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Bella Vista
Jack Halama
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Charles' Theme
Jack Halama
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Dangerous Liaisons
Jack Halama
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The Pantry
Jack Halama
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Sempre
Jack Halama
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A Midsummer Night's Dream
Jack Halama
David Tennant and Alex Hassell lead the cast in this release, portraying characters caught in an escalating battle for influence and control. The musical score highlights the tension of the boardroom maneuvers and social intrigue through instrumental pieces that accompany the fast-paced dramatic sequences. Simon Astall and Sadie Matthew integrated specific tracks to maintain the authentic period sound across all episodes, focusing on the cultural impact of 1980s pop and rock throughout the installment.
Main Cast
- Alex Hassell Rupert Campbell-Black
- Nafessa Williams Cameron Cook
- Bella Maclean Taggie O'Hara
- Katherine Parkinson Lizzie Vereker
- Victoria Smurfit Maud O'Hara
- Claire Rushbrook Lady Monica Baddingham
- Oliver Chris James Vereker
- Lisa McGrillis Valerie Jones
- Emily Atack Sarah Stratton
- David Tennant Tony Baddingham
Official Trailer
Soundtrack Crossovers
Complete Soundtrack List - All Songs Played in Every Episode
| Episode | Song Title | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| E1 | Alive and Kicking | Simple Minds |
| E1 | Only You | Yaz |
| E1 | It's So Nice to Have a Man Around the House | Della Reese |
| E1 | Bamboleo | Gipsy Kings |
| E1 | Your Love Is King | Sade |
| E1 | Let's Dance | David Bowie |
| E1 | Crazy Horses | Demented Are Go |
| E2 | Rivals Titles | Natalie Holt, Jack Halama |
| E2 | We Got the Beat | The Go-Go's |
| E2 | Venus | Bananarama |
| E2 | Daddy's In Trouble Again | Natalie Holt, Jack Halama |
| E3 | Making Your Mind Up | Bucks Fizz |
| E3 | The Chicken Song | Philip Pope |
| E3 | Love Will Tear Us Apart | Joy Division |
| E4 | The Lion Sleeps Tonight | Tight Fit |
| E4 | Live It Up | Mental As Anything |
| E4 | A Midsummer Night's Dream | Jack Halama |
| E4 | I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) | Aretha Franklin, George Michael |
| E4 | Walk Like an Egyptian | The Bangles |
| E4 | 99 Red Balloons | Nena |
| E5 | So Macho | Sinitta |
| E5 | Stories | Natalie Holt, Jack Halama |
| E5 | Crunchy Nut | Jack Halama |
| E5 | Super Freak | Rick James |
| E5 | Word Up! | Cameo |
| E5 | Ging Gang Goolie | Kids Now |
| E5 | Gold | Spandau Ballet |
| E5 | Stand and Deliver | Adam & The Ants |
| E5 | I Think We're Alone Now | Tiffany |
| E6 | Rupert Alone | Natalie Holt, Jack Halama |
| E6 | Daddy's In Trouble Again | Natalie Holt, Jack Halama |
| E6 | Pietà Delle Mie Pene | Natalie Holt, Jack Halama |
| E6 | Lavender | Marillion |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed the music for Rivals: Season 2?
The score for Rivals: Season 2 was composed by Jack Halama, Natalie Holt.
How many songs are in the soundtrack for Rivals: Season 2?
There are 50 songs featured in the soundtrack for Rivals: Season 2. SeekerTune lists all of them with detailed scene descriptions.
What are the genres of Rivals: Season 2?
The main genres for Rivals: Season 2 include Drama.
How many seasons does Rivals have?
The TV show Rivals currently has 2 seasons.
What is the classical music / opera piece playing when Tony Baddingham gets off the helicopter and meets Cameron?
Hello Terry, We don't yet know which song played. As soon as we find out, we'll add it to the playlist.
What is the classical (opera) music playing in episode 5 of Rivals when they are doing the tug of war?
Hello Helen, We still haven't discovered which opera it was that played.
Community Q&A
Terry says:
What is the classical music / opera piece playing when Tony Baddingham gets off the helicopter and meets Cameron?
SeekerTune says:
Hello Terry, We don't yet know which song played. As soon as we find out, we'll add it to the playlist.
Helen Smith says:
What is the classical (opera) music playing in episode 5 of Rivals when they are doing the tug of war?
SeekerTune says:
Hello Helen, We still haven't discovered which opera it was that played.