Netflix’s New Period Drama Is Winning Over Viewers Who Say They ‘Need Season Two’

Netflix has found another way to make audiences fall for a period drama — and this time, the story belongs to a young woman who refuses to let society decide what her life should look like.

My Brilliant Career, the latest adaptation of Miles Franklin’s beloved 1901 novel, is quickly winning praise from viewers who have already raced through the series and are demanding more.

Set in early 20th-century Australia, the coming-of-age drama follows Sybylla, a fiercely independent aspiring writer determined to build a life around her creativity rather than surrender to the expectations placed on women of her time.

For anyone missing Bridgerton after its fourth season, this could be the next period drama worth getting completely swept up in.

‘One of the best shows of the year’

Viewers have been quick to praise the series, with some calling it “sensational” and one of the standout shows of the year.

One fan wrote: “How fantastic is Netflix’s #MyBrilliantCareer. I cannot recommend it highly enough.”

Another admitted they had already raced through the first season and was desperate for more: “I need season two of this. Watched the first season in 2 days so good.”

A third viewer declared that it “might just be one of the best shows of the year”.

Another described discovering the series and immediately becoming absorbed, writing that they were already five episodes in and calling it “SENSATIONAL”, while comparing its feel to Anne of Green Gables and Little Women — but transported to Australia.

The critics have been equally enthusiastic.

The Guardian awarded the series five stars, describing it as “witty, intelligent and absolutely glorious to watch”. Variety praised it as a “vibrant, sexy and energetic adaptation”, while The Telegraph gave the drama four stars and called it a “charming coming-of-age tale”.

A young woman determined to write her own future

At the heart of the story is Sybylla, a headstrong young woman whose greatest ambition is to become a writer.

Her family, however, has very different plans for her.

Set in Australia around 1900, the series follows Sybylla as she pushes against conventions and searches for the story that could give her the independence she craves.

Her hunger for adventure and creative freedom makes the choice seemingly simple: marriage or a life of her own.

Then she falls in love.

Suddenly, the future she thought she understood becomes far more complicated.

The central question becomes whether Sybylla will choose the security and expectations of marriage — or risk everything for the creative life she has always dreamed of.

From classic novel to Netflix drama

The series is based on Miles Franklin’s 1901 coming-of-age novel and arrives almost five decades after Gillian Armstrong’s acclaimed 1979 film adaptation, which starred Judy Davis and Sam Neill.

This new version places a fresh cast at the centre of Franklin’s story.

Philippa Northeast leads as Sybylla, with Christopher Chung as Harry, Anna Chancellor as Mrs Bossier, Genevieve O’Reilly as Helen and Jake Dunn as Frank.

The ensemble also includes Kate Mulvany, Alexander England as Julius, Sherry-Lee Watson as Nell and Miah Madden as Betty.

A period drama with something more

There may be beautiful costumes, romance and sweeping Australian scenery, but My Brilliant Career is ultimately driven by a much more personal struggle.

Sybylla is fighting for the right to decide who she becomes.

That makes the romance at the centre of the story all the more compelling. Love may be exactly what she wants — but it could also threaten the independence she has spent so long chasing.

And judging by the reaction from viewers who have already finished the series, Netflix may have found another period drama that is very difficult to stop watching.

My Brilliant Career is available to stream on Netflix now.