Netflix has released the official trailer for My Brilliant Career, its new Australian period drama starring Philippa Northeast as aspiring writer Sybylla. The six-part series arrives globally on 13 August 2026. Based on Miles Franklin’s classic 1901 novel, the series follows Sybylla, a fiercely independent young woman living in 1900 Australia with one clear ambition: to become a writer. While her family is determined to find her a suitable husband, Sybylla is far more interested in building a creative life of her own.
The trailer introduces a restless and sharp-witted heroine who refuses to accept the future planned for her. Sybylla breaks with convention as she searches for a story that could give her the independence she wants, although that choice becomes more complicated when she falls in love.
Philippa Northeast, known for Territory and The Newsreader, leads the cast alongside Christopher Chung (Slow Horses) as Harry. Anna Chancellor plays Mrs Bossier, with Genevieve O’Reilly as Helen, Kate Mulvany as Augusta and Jake Dunn as Frank. Alexander England, Sherry-Lee Watson and Miah Madden also star.
The series was developed and written by Liz Doran, whose previous credits include Please Like Me and Barons. Doran also executive produces alongside Chloe Rickard and Alyssa McClelland, with McClelland directing the opening three episodes. Anne Renton directs Episodes 4 to 6.
Filmed across South Australia, the adaptation brings Franklin’s story back to the screen more than four decades after Gillian Armstrong’s acclaimed 1979 film starring Judy Davis and Sam Neill. The novel has remained one of Australia’s best-known literary works, with Sybylla’s struggle between marriage and creative freedom continuing to resonate well beyond its original period.
For CultureCues, My Brilliant Career already has the potential to become one of our new favourite Netflix period dramas. Sybylla has the wit and determination to make her easy to root for, while the conflict between romance and the life she wants gives the story plenty to work with. We are always here for a heroine refusing to behave as expected, particularly when beautiful costumes and complicated feelings are involved.
My Brilliant Career launches globally on Netflix on 13 August 2026.
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