Entertainment
Netflix’s New 6-Part Series Gives This Romantic 125-Year-Old Novel a Modern Makeover
In the past few years, romantic period TV shows have swept millions of viewers off their feet. From Netflix’s gift-that-keeps-on-giving Bridgerton, which is currently in production for Season 5, to Apple TV’s The Buccaneers, which gives a modern, refreshing take on the genre, these are shows that not only transport viewers into a new era, but have them at the edge of their seats with the drama, romance and intrigue.
So, of course, Netflix will likely have a new hit on their hands when the upcoming series My Brilliant Career lands on the platform on August 13, 2026. Set in Australia at the turn of the 20th Century, the series, adapted from the 1901 novel written by Miles Franklin, is set to have a feisty female protagonist, dashing love interests, and the sprawling Australian countryside as its backdrop. It’ll be the first of its kind on the platform, and it’ll surely climb the streaming charts.
What Is ‘My Brilliant Career’ About?
The novel, and subsequently the series, follows main character Sybylla (Philippa Northeast), described as a “fiercely modern young woman” who, instead of wanting to follow her family’s desires for marriage, aspires to become a writer instead. “I’m sure you’ll make someone a lovely wife,” a voice states in the trailer. “That’s Granny’s plan, not mine,” Sybylla responds. Throughout the episodes, she attempts to derail her family’s designs, as well as society’s expectations, while trying to stay true to who she is. That is, however, until she falls in love. “Will she marry, or risk it all for a creative life?” the official synopsis questions.
In addition to Northeast, the series will also star Christopher Chung as Harry, Anna Chancellor as Mrs Bossier, Genevieve O’Reilly as Helen, Kate Mulvany as Augusta, Jake Dunn as Frank, Alexander England as Julius, Sherry-Lee Watson as Nell and Miah Madden as Betty. The series is developed and written by Liz Doran, who’s also been a writer for Barons and Please Like Me. “It’s been a privilege to work with so many incredible creatives on this reimagining of Miles Franklin’s rollicking tale of a young woman’s quest to determine her own life,” Doran said in a statement to Netflix. “My Brilliant Career is a timeless Australian story with themes as relevant today as when it was originally published,” said Minyoung Kim, Netflix Vice President, Content APAC. “We’re excited to be partnering with some of Australia’s best creatives and talent to bring this story to a whole new generation on Netflix, and with its stunning locations, there’s no better home for this production than South Australia.”
The TV Series Won’t Be the Novel’s Only Adaptation
While the upcoming six-episode series will certainly be the first time Franklin’s novel has been highlighted on such a global stage, My Brilliant Career has been adapted onscreen before. Most famously, the novel was made into a feature film in 1979. The movie was directed by Gillian Armstrong and starred Judy Davis and Sam Neill, who sadly passed away earlier this month. The movie was beloved by critics and holds an 86% on Rotten Tomatoes. “It’s hard to imagine a film filled with more quiet integrity, intelligent passion, realistic drama and genuine entertainment than Gillian Armstrong’s My Brilliant Career,” states one review. “My Brilliant Career is not only a good plot – in the full Victorian sense of that word – but is also a shimmering impressionistic gem to behold,” echoed another.
With only a few weeks until the TV version of My Brilliant Career gets released, it’s clear that Netflix could have another hit in their hands. In a genre that has been booming, and with an original source material that is such an Australian classic that it’s taught in schools around the country, My Brilliant Career will surely be another heartwarming coming-of-age story blending love, humor and just enough Australian flair to win over its viewers.
- Network
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Netflix
- Directors
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Alyssa McClelland, Anne Renton
Cast
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Philippa Northeast
Sybylla
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Anna Chancellor
Señora Bossier
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