Rivals: A Fun TV Show of the Year

At the end of the year, many entertainment websites are buzzing with their best-of lists for television shows. You might see familiar titles like FX’s Shogun, Prime Video’s Fallout, or AMC’s Interview with the Vampire making the rounds as fan favorites. But in the midst of all these stellar series, one gem seems to have flown under the radar: Hulu’s Rivals.

Rivals may not be the most serious show out there, and it didn’t make it onto many top lists this year. However, what it lacks in prestige, it more than makes up for in pure entertainment value. This series is all about fun and taking viewers on a wild ride full of lavish sets, blockbuster casts, and juicy plotlines that are anything but subtle.

In a TV landscape filled with complex dramas and heavy themes, Rivals stands out by simply focusing on being a good time. It harkens back to the days of classic “nighttime soaps”, where the storyline is full of extravagant affairs, scandalous betrayals, and over-the-top characters that you can’t help but love (and sometimes love to hate).

The central rivalry between two larger-than-life characters—Olympic showjumper turned politician Rupert Campbell-Black and TV executive Lord Tony Baddingham—sets the stage for a whirlwind of drama and decadence. But what really sets Rivals apart is its self-awareness and willingness to embrace the excess and indulgence of the ’80s era it portrays.

Yes, there’s a lot of sex in this show, but it’s all part of the larger narrative about pleasure and living life to the fullest. The characters in Rivals may be flawed and sometimes downright awful, but they’re also relatable in their own ways, and the show allows us to enjoy their escapades without judgment.

From sweet romances to over-the-top scheming, Rivals weaves together a tapestry of relationships and storylines that keep viewers hooked from start to finish. And while it may not be the top show of 2024, it’s definitely the most entertaining, promising viewers a wild and enjoyable ride that they won’t soon forget.