Rivals season 2 and 12 12 12 are among the seven best shows to stream this week, offering a mix of melodrama and high-stakes action. From the return of Disney+’s bonkbuster to Apple TV’s inventive heist thriller, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
Rivals Season 2: Mourning, Melodrama, and 80s Power Ballads
The first part of Rivals season two ended with Monica’s death, and the show wastes no time diving back into the chaos. Bereavement hasn’t softened Tony Baddingham; if anything, he’s more vicious than ever.
From Maud’s partial culpability for the fatality to a looming battle between Venturer and Corinium over the TV rights for Lizzie’s book, flashpoints abound. Rivals manages to blend sadness, scandal, and hilarity all at once—what a show.
Where to watch: Disney+, from Wednesday 11 November.
12 12 12: A Daring Heist Thriller Across Multiple Timelines
A borderline impossible Christmas Eve raid on a bank vault beneath Zurich is at the heart of this thriller. The title refers to the planning (12 months), the heist (12 hours), and the police operation (12 days).

The robbery is the brainchild of Paul Galvin (Jamie Dornan), who is plotting one last job before marriage and fatherhood. FBI agent Jack Strickland (Anthony Mackie) is on his tail, looking to redeem himself as career ignominy looms.
While the characters could be more fleshed out, the plotting is inventive and there are plenty of spectacular action set-pieces.
Where to watch: Apple TV, from Friday 13 November.
Why These Shows Matter This Week
Rivals and 12 12 12 represent two very different strands of television: one is a lavish, character-driven drama with a cult following, the other a high-concept thriller with star power. Both are vying for your attention in a crowded streaming landscape.

For Rivals, the challenge is sustaining momentum after a shocking death. The show’s ability to balance grief with its signature raunchiness will be key to keeping viewers hooked.
For 12 12 12, the multi-timeline structure is a gamble, but early buzz suggests it pays off. Jamie Dornan and Anthony Mackie bring gravitas to roles that could otherwise feel formulaic.
What to Watch Next: More Streaming Picks
If you’re looking for more recommendations, consider our roundup of Tyson to VisionQuest: Seven Best Shows to Stream This Week. It covers a diverse range of genres, from sports documentaries to supernatural dramas.
Another strong option is Black Doves Returns: Seven Best Shows to Stream This Week, which features the return of the hit spy thriller. Keira Knightley leads a stellar cast in a story of espionage and betrayal.

For something completely different, Seven Best Shows to Stream This Week: Meet the Owens & Dog Park offers a mix of reality and comedy. It’s a lighter watch that still delivers plenty of drama.
More Top Picks from Our Archive
Fans of British drama should check out Slow Horses Season 6 and the Seven Best Shows to Stream This Week. The Gary Oldman-led series remains one of the sharpest spy shows around.
If you enjoy animated fare, Get Jiro and Below Lead the Seven Best Shows to Stream This Week highlights two very different but equally compelling series. Get Jiro is a culinary adventure, while Below is a tense underwater thriller.
Finally, for a literary adaptation, East of Eden to Kill Jackie: Seven Best Shows to Stream This Week covers the classic Steinbeck novel and a true-crime documentary. It’s a mix of prestige and pulp that’s hard to resist.

Key Takeaways
- Rivals season 2 returns to Disney+ on 11 November, picking up after Monica’s death.
- 12 12 12 premieres on Apple TV on 13 November, starring Jamie Dornan and Anthony Mackie.
- Both shows offer distinct pleasures: one is a melodramatic romp, the other a twisty heist thriller.
- Our archive has plenty more streaming recommendations to explore.
Comparison Table: Rivals vs. 12 12 12
| Show | Genre | Where to Watch | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rivals | Drama | Disney+ | 11 November |
| 12 12 12 | Thriller | Apple TV | 13 November |