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This post contains spoilers<\/strong> for the Hulu series, “Rivals.”<\/em><\/p>\n The mainstream popularity of Netflix’s “Bridgerton” might seem baffling at first glance, but it actually makes perfect sense. The show encapsulates the allure of a traditional period piece morphed by postmodern sensibilities, which allows the story to accommodate a more inclusive socio-cultural outlook<\/a>. While things can get needlessly dramatic at times, “Bridgerton” keeps things interesting by positively redefining Regency-era romance, especially when compared to Julia Quinn’s often-problematic source material. It is the ideal escapist fantasy grounded in faux-realism, where you can lose yourself in the everyday toils of the Ton and sway to the ballroom-suited instrumental renditions of upbeat pop tracks. For those interested in a period drama series with a similar bent<\/a>, look no further than “Rivals,” which examines 1980s high society with pulpy irreverence, funneled through the excess of primetime soap operas.<\/p>\n Calling the world of “Rivals” hedonistic would be an understatement. After all, the show is based on Jilly Cooper’s eponymous novel series (dubbed the Rutshire Chronicles), which combines salacious romance with the ruthlessness of corporate competitiveness. These novels were an immediate success upon publication, topping every bestseller chart while being praised for their unapologetic verve. The scandals that shake up the Ton in “Bridgerton” are very<\/em> tame in comparison<\/a> to the events that transpire in Rutshire, and “Rivals” captures this heightened, absurd tone with great success. As a result, even serious topics are treated with less weight than expected, but the series (mostly) manages to toe the line between self-aware comedy and tone-deaf caricature.<\/p>\n Much like “Bridgerton,” this Hulu series boasts a stacked cast of characters sharing complex relationships and alliances, as they navigate a world where affections change on a whim. Without further ado, let’s dive right into the sickeningly affluent, voyeuristic world of “Rivals.”<\/p>\n