Credit: Netflix

Netflix just pulled back the curtain on its ‘What Next?’ slate of original productions from Australia, confirming the arrival of the series adaptation of Miles Franklin’s My Brilliant Career in 2026.

Originally announced in June 2025, Netflix has now confirmed that a scripted series based on Franklin’s 1901 novel, which is regarded as a touchstone of Australian culture and literature, is preparing to touchdown this year.

The novel was previously most famously adapted into the BAFTA-winning 1979 film featuring Judy Davis and Sam Neill. Now, Netflix is warming up to launch the story to a new generation, with an adaptation that’s curiously modern, yet true to its turn-of-the-century setting.

Set in the untamed beauty of rural Australian landscape in 1901, My Brilliant Career follows a rebellious young woman who resists forced assimilation sanctioned by society. The official Netflix synopsis describes the protagonist, Sybylla, as a “shockingly modern young woman” with one irrepressible dream: to become a writer.

Although for free-spirited, fun-loving Sybylla, pulse-pounding adventures always come ahead of a safe marriage, the choice becomes a challenge when she unexpectedly falls in love. My Brilliant Career follows Sybylla as she faces the most difficult questions about whether to marry or take a risk and devote herself to a creative life.

While Netflix maintains the historical setting, the streamer’s Content Director for ANZ, Amanda Duthie, shared that the 2026 slate is all about “revisiting classics with fresh creativity.” So, it’s safe to expect and settle for a tone that bridges the differences between a period and modern drama, portraying a determined woman hell-bent on carving her own path of freedom.

Playing Sybylla in the Netflix version of My Brilliant Career is Phillipa Northeast, who’s accompanied by a talented ensemble, featuring Christopher Chung, Anna Chancellor, Genevieve O’Reilly, Kate Mulvany, Jake Dunn, Alexander England, Sherry-Lee Watson, and Miah Madden. Liz Doran is adapting and writing the script while serving as an executive producer.

Alyssa McClelland and Anne Renton are co-directors of My Brilliant Career. The production team includes Chloe Rickard, Courtney Wise, and Paul Ranford.

Netflix has confirmed a 2026 release for the highly anticipated adaptation, but has yet to reveal a release date. However, considering Netflix released a first-look photo this month, hinting that production is ongoing in South Australia, it shouldn’t be long before the streamer reveals the release window for My Brilliant Career. Until then, stay tuned for more updates.