Netflix's six-episode period drama My Brilliant Career has become a hit with viewers, who describe it as 'beautiful', 'warm', and 'completely charming', with many saying they 'genuinely didn't want it to end'.
The Australian miniseries, developed by showrunner Liz Doran, who co-wrote it with Sarinah Masukor and Rachael Turk, is adapted from Miles Franklin's 1901 novel of the same name. Alyssa McClelland and Anna Renton each directed three episodes. Philippa Northeast stars in the lead role, supported by Jake Dunn, Christopher Chung, Anna Chancellor, Genevieve O'Reilly, Kate Mulvany, and Alexander England.
Release and Reception
The series was released internationally on Netflix on August 13, 2026, and holds an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The official synopsis reads: "A headstrong farm girl dreams of pursuing a writing career in 1900 Australia; her fierce desire for independence and creative freedom clashes with society's and her family's expectations."
Critics have praised the show, with one writing: "It crackles with intelligence and wit, gives all of its characters room to breathe and, without ever becoming superficial, never loses its lightness of touch. A joy. A brilliant, brilliant joy." Another reviewer noted: "This is a period drama with oomph, bursting with guts and gusto, and it is rare to see television quite so unselfconsciously joyful and heartfelt as this."
Audience Reactions
Viewers have been equally enthusiastic, with one fan commenting: "My Brilliant Career completely surprised me. It is such a beautiful, warm and carefully made series, with so much love and attention to detail. The Australian landscapes and locations are stunning, the costumes and colors are gorgeous and I loved the music." They added: "It looks and sounds beautiful, is funny, emotional and full of heart. By the end, I wasn't ready to leave these characters behind. I would happily spend another season with them."
Another viewer said: "I absolutely loved My Brilliant Career. Philippa Northeast was beautifully wild and alive as Sybylla. The whole thing was funny, romantic, gorgeous, and completely charming. I genuinely didn't want it to end. Watch it. You won't be disappointed."
My Brilliant Career is available to stream on Netflix.
