Netflix Viewers Hail Six-Part Period Drama ‘My Brilliant Career’ as ‘Sensational’ and One of the Best Shows of the Year
© Ian Routledge/NetflixThe series is available to stream on Netflix now
Netflix has found another period drama winning over viewers, with its new six-part adaptation of Miles Franklin’s 1901 novel My Brilliant Career already drawing comparisons to beloved coming-of-age classics and inspiring calls for a second season.
Set in early 20th-century Australia, the series stars Philippa Northeast as Sybylla, a fiercely independent aspiring writer determined to build a creative life rather than accept the future society — and her own family — expects her to choose.
For audiences searching for another lavish period drama after Bridgerton, the combination of romance, independence, sweeping Australian landscapes and a heroine unwilling to follow convention appears to be striking a chord.
Viewers Are Calling the New Netflix Drama ‘Sensational’
© Ian Routledge/NetflixViewers have hailed the series as “sensational”
Reaction to My Brilliant Career has been enthusiastic, with some viewers admitting they raced through the six episodes almost immediately.
“How fantastic is Netflix’s #MyBrilliantCareer. I cannot recommend it highly enough,” one viewer wrote on social media.
Another had already started hoping the story would continue, writing: “I need season two of this. Watched the first season in 2 days so good.”
Others went even further in their praise.
“#MyBrilliantCareer might just be one of the best shows of the year,” one viewer declared.
Another found themselves five episodes into the series shortly after starting it, writing: “Just started this brand new show this morning and oh my word… 5 episodes deep. It’s SENSATIONAL. Think of Anne of Green Gables meets Little Women in Australia. So many beautiful fresh faces!!!!”
The positive response has extended beyond audiences.
In a five-star review, The Guardian called the adaptation “witty, intelligent and absolutely glorious to watch,” while Variety described it as “a vibrant, sexy and energetic adaptation.”
The Telegraph awarded the series four stars, praising it as a “charming coming-of-age tale.”
What Is ‘My Brilliant Career’ About?
© Ian Routledge/NetflixThe series is based on Miles Franklin’s 1901 coming-of-age novel
At the center of the story is Sybylla, a headstrong young woman whose ambitions place her at odds with the expectations surrounding women in 1900 Australia.
She has one overriding goal: to become a writer.
Her family, however, has other plans and is determined to see her married.
According to the official synopsis, Sybylla is “a shockingly modern young woman with one searing ambition – to be a writer, while her family is determined to marry her off.”
“With an irrepressible taste for fun, Sybylla breaks every convention of 1900 Australia as she searches for a story that will allow her to write her way to independence.”
For Sybylla, choosing adventure and creative independence over marriage initially appears straightforward. That certainty becomes more complicated when she falls in love, forcing her to confront the tension between romance and the independent future she wants to create for herself.
The Netflix series arrives nearly five decades after director Gillian Armstrong brought Franklin’s novel to the screen in her acclaimed 1979 film adaptation, starring Judy Davis and Sam Neill.
Philippa Northeast Leads the Cast as Sybylla
© NetflixThe series follows Sybylla, a sharp-witted aspiring writer in early 20th-century Australia
Australian actress Philippa Northeast, known for Home and Away, Paper Dolls and The Newsreader, takes on the central role of Sybylla.
She is joined by Slow Horses star Christopher Chung as Harry.
The ensemble also includes Anna Chancellor, known for Spooks and The Crown, as Mrs Bossier, while Andor star Genevieve O’Reilly plays Helen and Renegade Nell actor Jake Dunn appears as Frank.
Further members of the cast include Kate Mulvany, whose credits include Hunters and Elvis, and Alexander England, known for Black Snow and The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, as Julius.
Sherry-Lee Watson, from Thou Shalt Not Steal and Heartbreak High, plays Nell, while Paper Dolls and The Clearing actress Miah Madden portrays Betty.
Another Period Drama Finding an Audience on Netflix
© Ian Routledge/NetflixChristopher Chung and Phillipa Northeast star in My Brilliant Career.
Netflix has developed a strong following for romantic and visually rich period dramas through series including Bridgerton and The Empress, and My Brilliant Career offers a distinctly Australian addition to that lineup.
Rather than relying solely on romance, the six-part series places Sybylla’s desire for authorship and independence at the heart of its coming-of-age story, while exploring what happens when those ambitions collide with love and the conventions of her era.
With viewers bingeing the series in days, critics delivering strong reviews and some fans already asking for another season, My Brilliant Career has quickly emerged as one of Netflix’s most talked-about new period dramas.
My Brilliant Career is available to stream on Netflix.
