It’s been a long time coming, but Jilly Cooper’s Rivals has finally leaped off the page and onto our screens in a high-drama, seductive adaptation. Known for her genre-defining “bonkbusters” filled with sex, scandal, and social satire, Cooper’s books have had readers hooked for decades. But now, with a modernized Rivals TV series taking the world by storm, a new generation is discovering why her novels remain unbeatable in the hearts of readers and viewers alike.

The Legacy of the Bonkbusters

Jilly Cooper is often dubbed the “queen of the bonkbuster” genre—a category of novels that mixed romance, racy scenes, and a biting wit. Her novels, Riders, Rivals, and others, became iconic in the 1980s, presenting a glossy, escapist world of Britain’s upper crust: competitive media moguls, horse-riding aristocrats, and glamorous affairs. Yet, it was more than just a recipe for scandal that made Cooper’s work endure; she filled her books with genuinely well-drawn characters, humorous insights into British society, and plots that teased out the complexities of ambition and relationships.

The Rivals book, in particular, sat at the heart of this Cooper craze, following Rupert Campbell-Black, an irresistible antihero who is both magnetic and cunning, as he clashes with a strong-willed rival, Declan O’Hara. Cooper’s knack for combining charm with a no-holds-barred approach to romantic entanglements and cutthroat professional rivalries made her novels stand out. With that legacy, it’s no wonder Rivals has continued to pull readers in—and why the TV adaptation has only amplified the intrigue.

The lads of Rivals with the Dame herself, Source: The Times

Why Rivals Still Has Us Hooked

Jilly Cooper’s books were never shy about showing readers a heightened reality, a bit like peeking into a soap opera on steroids. They’re unapologetically indulgent, giving us characters who are wealthy, powerful, and deeply flawed, all set against the backdrop of Britain’s media and aristocratic circles. This mix of glamor and scandal is still addictive today because it provides a perfect blend of escapism and drama. Fans keep coming back for the witty prose, the humor, and that unique thrill of Cooper’s no-filter take on British elite life.

The TV series builds on this by dialing up the visual opulence—expect sprawling estates, impeccable 80s-inspired costumes, and a cast of characters as dazzling as they are divisive. But this adaptation doesn’t just rehash the book. It adds fresh dimensions to make Rivals resonate with today’s viewers, reflecting shifting norms around gender roles, media ethics, and the concept of fame. The series has been described as “Downton Abbey with claws,” which is fitting given the cutthroat ambitions and sumptuous visuals at play.

An 80s feast on all levels, Source: Disney+

The Characters Who Make It All Work

A bonkbuster is only as good as its cast, and Rivals delivers on every level. The cast is led by well-known faces who dive headfirst into these juicy, complex characters, breathing new life into Cooper’s creations. Rupert Campbell-Black, the enigmatic bad boy with a wicked sense of humor, is played with undeniable charisma, and his clash with Declan O’Hara, the fiery journalist, remains the center of the story’s drama. The series carefully navigates Rupert’s charm and arrogance, painting him as both despicable and endearing, a villain viewers can’t resist.

The character of Taggie, Rupert’s down-to-earth wife, brings warmth and humor, giving viewers a grounding contrast to the high-octane drama. Declan’s family life also takes center stage, showing the emotional costs of his rivalry with Rupert. Fans of the book will see how the adaptation stays true to Cooper’s sharp characterizations while modernizing certain themes and dynamics for today’s audience.

Anyone for tennis? Source: Disney+

Scandal, Power, and the Clash of Egos

What makes Rivals timeless is its exploration of power and ego. The plot revolves around Rupert and Declan’s ruthless competition to dominate the media landscape—a storyline that feels as relevant now as it did decades ago, thanks to today’s obsession with media moguls, influencers, and public feuds. The TV adaptation takes a hard look at the media industry’s ethical gray areas, adding a new layer to the story’s original themes of ambition and rivalry.

In Cooper’s world, scandal is always just around the corner, and no one is spared. From extramarital affairs to power struggles, Rivals doesn’t pull its punches. The storyline provides a heightened glimpse into a world where status is everything, and reputation can be destroyed in an instant. This combination of moral ambiguity and the allure of power is exactly what makes both the book and the TV series so hard to put down.

The Long-Awaited Adaptation

The TV adaptation of Rivals is more than just an homage; it’s a full-blown revival of the bonkbuster genre. The series reimagines the 80s with enough grit and gloss to captivate modern viewers, using the luxurious sets and vibrant costumes to immerse us fully in this over-the-top world. For fans of the book, it’s an exhilarating nostalgia trip, while for new audiences, it’s a welcome escape from the complexities of modern life into a world where ambition and glamour reign supreme.

But beyond the glitz, Rivals still captures something essential about human nature: our tendency to chase after power, romance, and revenge, no matter the personal cost. This is part of what keeps Cooper’s books so beloved; they’re outrageous, yet relatable on a fundamental level. In the TV adaptation, these timeless themes come to life with a cast of memorable characters and a visual style that’s impossible to resist.

Mount up and enjoy the ride, Source: Disney+

Why Rivals Is the Show We Didn’t Know We Needed

In the age of reboots and revivals, it takes something truly special to stand out, and Rivals does exactly that. Jilly Cooper’s Rivals doesn’t just translate to screen; it dominates it, reminding us why the bonkbuster genre remains undefeated in its ability to entertain. With its irresistible blend of glamor, scandal, and biting wit, Rivals brings back the unapologetic fun that’s been missing from TV for too long. This series may be set in the past, but its appeal is timeless, proving that sometimes, a little scandal and extravagance is exactly what the world needs.