Netflix has added another period drama to its growing collection, and viewers are already racing through the episodes.
The new adaptation of Miles Franklin’s 1901 novel My Brilliant Career has earned enthusiastic reactions from audiences, with some calling the series “sensational” and even “one of the best shows of the year.”
Set in early 20th-century Australia, the coming-of-age story centers on Sybylla, an ambitious young woman determined to become a writer despite the expectations placed upon her.
For viewers looking for another sweeping period drama after Bridgerton, the combination of romance, independence and striking Australian scenery is proving particularly appealing.
Viewers Are Already Calling for Season Two
Social media reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with several viewers admitting they quickly became hooked.
“How fantastic is Netflix’s #MyBrilliantCareer. I cannot recommend it highly enough,” one person wrote.
Another had already finished the first season, posting: “I need season two of this. Watched the first season in 2 days so good.”
One viewer suggested the series “might just be one of the best shows of the year,” while another was already five episodes into the drama after starting it that morning.
That viewer described it as “SENSATIONAL,” comparing its atmosphere to Anne of Green Gables meeting Little Women in Australia.
Professional critics have also responded warmly.
The Guardian awarded the series five stars and called it “witty, intelligent and absolutely glorious to watch.”
Variety described the adaptation as “vibrant, sexy and energetic,” while The Telegraph gave it four stars and praised it as a “charming coming-of-age tale.”
What Is ‘My Brilliant Career’ About?
At the center of the story is Sybylla, a fiercely independent aspiring writer whose ambitions put her at odds with the conventional future her family imagines for her.
While her relatives want to see her married, Sybylla is determined to find a story that can help her build an independent creative life.
She challenges the conventions of Australian society in 1900 as she pursues freedom, adventure and the possibility of becoming a writer.
But her certainty becomes more complicated when she falls in love.
That leaves Sybylla facing the central conflict of the story: whether to choose marriage or risk everything for the creative independence she has always wanted.
The Netflix series arrives nearly half a century after Gillian Armstrong’s acclaimed 1979 film adaptation, which starred Judy Davis and Sam Neill.
Who Stars in the Netflix Series?
Australian actress Philippa Northeast, known for Home and Away, Paper Dolls and The Newsreader, takes the leading role as Sybylla.
She is joined by Slow Horses actor Christopher Chung as Harry.
The ensemble also includes Anna Chancellor as Mrs Bossier, Genevieve O’Reilly as Helen and Jake Dunn as Frank.
Elsewhere, Kate Mulvany appears alongside Alexander England as Julius, Sherry-Lee Watson as Nell and Miah Madden as Betty.
With viewers already bingeing the first season and critics delivering strong reviews, My Brilliant Career appears to have found an enthusiastic new audience more than a century after Franklin’s novel was first published.
My Brilliant Career is available to stream on Netflix now.