Netflix's six-part period drama My Brilliant Career has been described by fans as 'beautiful', 'warm', and 'completely charming', with many saying they 'genuinely didn't want it to end'. The Australian miniseries, currently streaming on Netflix, has been hailed as a must-watch by audiences of the beloved genre.
A Faithful Adaptation with a Modern Touch
The series is adapted from Australian author Miles Franklin's 1901 novel of the same name, with additional characters and storylines woven into the television adaptation. Showrunner Liz Doran co-wrote the series alongside Sarinah Masukor and Rachael Turk, while directors Alyssa McClelland and Anna Renton each helm three episodes.
The cast features Philippa Northeast in the lead role, with support from Jake Dunn, Christopher Chung, Anna Chancellor, Genevieve O'Reilly, Kate Mulvany, and Alexander England, amongst a wider ensemble cast.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
The miniseries debuted 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 been thoroughly won over, 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 said: "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."
One critic noted: "It's a genuine delight, and Philippa Northeast is the engine driving it all -- an invigorating screen presence who never, not once, compromises her values for propriety or a man." Another reviewer added: "It's a joy to watch - and yet it's not as good as the 1979 film adapted from the same source material."
Viewers Want More
Audiences have been equally charmed. One viewer wrote: "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 fan 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."
One viewer's review reads: "A rare mix of past and present, old and new, bound together by a love story old as time and new as the dawn. A show this rare has plenty to like and hate, but never forget our past and present to look forward to a better future."
My Brilliant Career is available to stream on Netflix.
