He should be a bad example, but TV’s biggest love rat is a hit with a surprising audience
The TV series 'Rivals' has gained unexpected popularity among teenagers and young women, despite its themes of sex, money, and power. The central romance between a playboy MP and a naive young woman has captivated a surprising audience. Critics have praised the show for its fun and hedonistic approach, likening it to a blend of Benny Hill and Succession.
- ▪'Rivals' premiered in 2024 and quickly became a hit with critics and audiences alike.
- ▪The show features a romantic storyline between Rupert Campbell-Black and Taggie O'Hara that has resonated with younger viewers.
- ▪Critics have highlighted the series' celebration of excess and its engaging characters.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","dateModified":"2026-05-20T19:30:00Z","datePublished":"2026-05-20T19:30:00Z","description":"Rivals celebrates sex, money and power, but the relationship at the heart of the show is drawing plenty of attention.","headline":"He should be a bad example, but TV’s biggest love rat is a hit with a surprising audience","keywords":"Streaming, Just in, What's on TV, What to watch","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Louise Rugendyke","jobTitle":"National TV…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.