There may be a bit of a learning curve for Americans when watching Rivals. An adaptation of Dame Jilly Cooper’s “bonkbuster” book series of upper class, Cotswolds-set debauchery that began in the ‘80s, the show already seems to be stimulating a strong sense of nostalgia in England—one that doesn’t quite translate across the pond. And despite what British cultural stereotypes may have you believe, the series is anything but buttoned up and polite.

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While the frequent sexcapades are sure to capture your attention more than the actual story, Rivals essentially revolves around longtime foes Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) and Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell). Both are rich, though Rupert’s status is more longstanding; beyond his renowned family name, he’s also an Olympic gold medalist in showjumping and a prominent member of Margaret Thatcher’s conservative government. Tony, meanwhile, has staked his claim on the........

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