Compare It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1 vs My Brilliant Career

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Most viewers value the wholesome tone, limited profanity, restrained sexual content, and focus on family. Mature themes and a few moral objections mean it is not universally suitable for children.

21 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

Family-oriented sources advise caution, mainly because of sexual material, suggestive language, substances, and the show’s adult themes.

2 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The eight-episode order frustrates viewers in opposite ways: one critic thinks the middle is padded, while another believes the season is far too short.

2 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

Six episodes is widely seen as the right size: compact, filler-free, and short enough not to overstay its welcome.

2 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Profanity is minimal and generally viewed as refreshingly restrained, although faith-focused guides still note occasional swearing as a content caveat.

4 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

The language is not universally family-friendly; suggestive phrasing and TV-14 content warnings prompted caution from family-focused outlets.

2 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The finale is the clearest source of frustration, particularly Lori's romantic choice and the last-minute reversal of the hoped-for pairing.

2 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

The ending is broadly seen as purposeful and satisfying, but not unanimously: some find it syrupy, bittersweet, or slowed by its structure.

5 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The series often avoids an easy romantic resolution and can surprise viewers, but familiar child arcs, predictable tropes, and one strongly negative response limit the praise.

5 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

My Brilliant Career

The Australian setting and heroine give the series personality, but several critics think the love triangle and familiar modern-period-drama formulas blunt its originality.

4 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Sex is discussed or implied without graphic depiction, and several viewers praise the restraint. More conservative responses still object to dating and intimacy outside marriage.

3 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

Reactions depend heavily on expectations: family-oriented sources dislike the suggestive and explicit material, while other critics think the show is comparatively restrained and usefully frank.

4 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The premiere moves confidently for some viewers, but others felt it races through exposition and romance before the relationships have enough time to settle.

4 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

Pacing is often praised as brisk and engaging, though the premiere’s rhythm and some structural choices receive occasional criticism.

3 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The middle episodes are the weakest stretch for pacing, with criticism that the season becomes low-key, uneven, and less compelling week to week.

2 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

Opinions split on pace. Some find the progression brilliant and thematically intentional, while others complain of sluggish stretches or a finale that drags.

3 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Conflict resolution is usually presented as compassionate and constructive, but the drunk-driving crash drew sharp criticism for lacking police consequences or meaningful intervention.

2 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

My Brilliant Career

The finale leaves a small accountability gap around Sybylla’s father: one critic wanted a clearer acknowledgment or thank-you after she helps resolve his debt.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Grief, divorce, parenting, and faith usually feel messy, relatable, and emotionally honest. Negative responses question the pastoral behavior, consequences, and volume of issues packed into the story.

41 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

My Brilliant Career

Despite its hopeful tone, the story’s economic pressures and difficult tradeoffs are praised for giving Sybylla’s choices a practical grounding.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Grief, faith, divorce, addiction, parenting, and second chances are explored with compassion and few easy answers. Some viewers found the sheer number of issues excessive.

25 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

Ambition, independence, gender expectations, money, race, and creative identity give the series substantial thematic material, though a few critics think the feminist message is either too blunt or overshadowed by romance.

8 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The cast is one of the clearest strengths, with customers repeatedly praising believable performances. A small minority found the acting poor or disliked specific casting choices.

21 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

My Brilliant Career

Performances are a major strength, with the ensemble repeatedly described as excellent, luminous, or all-in; even otherwise negative takes praise the acting.

4 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Scott Foley and Erinn Hayes generate natural, lived-in chemistry that anchors the series, while the wider ensemble often feels like a believable interconnected family.

14 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

Several pairings click immediately, especially Sybylla’s key relationships and the Nell-Charlie dynamic, though one mixed review found some chemistry forced or underdeveloped.

4 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

A major drunk-driving crash is criticized for vanishing without a police report or consequences, creating a conspicuous break in narrative follow-through.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

My Brilliant Career

One ending-focused critique finds a small timeline/continuity problem in how Sybylla’s completed writing and her decision about marriage are presented.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The pilot wins viewers over despite a noticeable explainer-heavy setup that sometimes feels like conventional premiere groundwork.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

My Brilliant Career

The premiere’s format feels organic and engaging overall, but its time jumps are a noticeable source of friction.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The opening episode is repeatedly described as charming, compelling, and an excellent start, even when its exposition feels compressed.

4 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

The premiere makes a strong impression through Sybylla’s personality, plot reversals, and modern feminist direction, even with some structural roughness.

2 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Several viewers finished the season in two days or said they could not stop watching. Even a more critical response still watched the full run in hopes of a stronger payoff.

7 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

The six-episode run is easy to keep watching, helped by strong relationships, lively pacing in the most positive takes, and a compact format.

2 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Faith is usually praised as sincere, welcoming, and naturally woven into modern family life rather than preachy. A vocal minority rejects the inclusive Christian portrayal as inauthentic or overly progressive.

28 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

My Brilliant Career

First Nations, Chinese-Australian, gay, and female perspectives expand the period setting in ways many critics found thoughtful and resonant, though a few wanted some side stories developed further.

8 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Writing is repeatedly praised as beautiful, humane, and emotionally layered, with faith and family issues woven together naturally. A few critics call it sappy, shallow, or clichéd.

14 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

My Brilliant Career

The writing is often praised as sharp, witty, polished, and thematically smart, though occasional exposition and reduced subtlety draw criticism.

8 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The strongest responses call the dialogue realistic and human, especially around grief and family conflict. One critic found it too close to sentimental or unnatural.

3 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

My Brilliant Career

The language often lands as sharp, witty, authentic, and restrained, but one episode review criticizes moments that over-explain characters instead of trusting the subtext.

4 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The intertwined family story is widely praised as heartfelt, relatable, and compelling, with strong balance between adults and children. Critics cite clichés, overcrowded issues, and disappointing late choices.

29 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

My Brilliant Career

The coming-of-age story is usually praised as witty, bold, and satisfying, though detractors argue the romance can dilute the sharper ambition-and-independence focus.

11 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Tearful, heartfelt moments are a defining strength, with grief and family scenes repeatedly described as moving, hopeful, and earned rather than manipulative.

27 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

The coming-of-age journey earns strong emotional investment, with the gradual relationships and Sybylla’s self-discovery repeatedly described as moving.

3 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

It is widely seen as a welcome revival of warm multigenerational family drama, combining comfort-viewing appeal with contemporary emotional complications.

14 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

For viewers who like period romance and coming-of-age drama, the series is frequently described as a standout, including by some critics who normally dislike the genre.

10 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Light banter, awkward family moments, and Foley's easy humor keep the grief-heavy story from becoming oppressive without turning it into a broad comedy.

6 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

Its irreverent comedy and Sybylla’s chaotic energy give the period setting a light, modern pulse that several viewers found refreshing.

2 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The adults and children receive distinct emotional struggles that make most of the ensemble easy to invest in. Detractors found some children unlikable and wanted serious problems addressed more responsibly.

24 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

My Brilliant Career

Sybylla and many supporting characters gain meaningful nuance, although a few critics find the suitors comparatively shallow or wish the heroine’s internal insecurity were explored more deeply.

9 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The girls' wrestling storyline may feel contemporary and inclusive to some viewers, but it was also criticized as propaganda.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

My Brilliant Career

The show’s overt feminist framing will not suit every viewer; one values-based review found its celebration of rebellion too forceful and at odds with that outlet’s worldview.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The changing relationships and twists keep the story lively and increase anticipation for another season.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

My Brilliant Career

The premiere’s romantic revelations and family betrayal are praised for keeping the story moving and entertaining.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The restrained presentation suits many families with teens, but grief, self-harm, addiction, divorce, and other mature themes make it a questionable choice for younger children.

5 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

My Brilliant Career

Family-focused coverage cautions that the series’ sex, substances, language, and smoking make it a questionable choice for younger teens.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Its warm, accessible style reaches beyond a strictly faith-based audience and resonates especially with families and viewers who have experienced grief or divorce.

14 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

The show is positioned as highly accessible to modern period-drama fans, with strong recommendations and a contemporary tone that several critics expect younger viewers to embrace.

5 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Strong critical notices reinforce the show's appeal beyond its enthusiastic customer audience.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

My Brilliant Career

Critical reception is described as exceptionally strong, with one article explicitly calling the series a hit with critics.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The broad response is highly positive, with many calling it refreshing, comforting, and easy to enjoy. The harshest critics found it unrealistic, overstuffed, or not worth finishing.

65 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

My Brilliant Career

Most takes find the series lively, fun, and highly watchable, even when they criticize its romance-heavy or modernized choices.

12 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Parents appreciated the way the show encourages conversations about difficult issues, and one older viewer found its parenting lessons personally revealing.

4 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

The series can spark curiosity about Australian literature and history; one viewer specifically said it pushed them to learn more about Australian writing.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The overall production is described as polished and well made, reinforcing the sense that this is a higher-quality entry in faith-oriented television.

2 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

The locations and interiors are repeatedly praised as gorgeous, vibrant, and richly differentiated, with the library and estates standing out as especially considered spaces.

5 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The interconnected households, church, school, and neighborhood feel fully formed quickly, making it easy to settle into the characters' shared lives.

3 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

Distinct homes, landscapes, class spaces, and color palettes give the series a vivid sense of place, especially across Possum Gully, Caddagat, and Five Bob Downs.

2 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Clean imagery and thoughtful framing support the emotional tone, including a restrained apparition device that keeps Jenny's absence visually present.

3 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

Australian landscapes, sun-drenched estates, and bold period styling make the series visually striking, even for critics who find some modern flourishes excessive.

7 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Scott Foley and Erinn Hayes earn especially strong praise for vulnerability, warmth, and emotional clarity. One critic tired of Foley repeating the same tearful expression.

11 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

Philippa Northeast is the clearest consensus strength, repeatedly called magnetic, radiant, convincing, high-voltage, and perfectly suited to Sybylla.

17 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The younger cast often earns standout praise for warmth, realism, and emotional range, particularly Cary Christopher and Caleb Baumann. One hostile response disliked how the children were presented.

9 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

My Brilliant Career

The ensemble is consistently strong, with Anna Chancellor, Kate Mulvany, Christopher Chung, Jake Dunn, Sherry-Lee Watson, and others adding warmth, humor, and texture.

11 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

My Brilliant Career

Inclusive casting is treated as part of the story rather than decoration, with race and social position meaningfully shaping characters’ lives.

2 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

My Brilliant Career

Casting is widely praised, from Philippa Northeast’s central performance to Anna Chancellor and a strong ensemble that fits the heightened period tone.

2 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

My Brilliant Career

The ensemble often gets meaningful side stories and distinct motivations, but some critics wanted more room for Nell, other marginalized characters, and secondary plots to develop.

7 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Malcolm's choices are the main sticking point: critical viewers felt his behavior did not match the responsibilities of a pastor or attentive father.

3 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

My Brilliant Career

The cast of characters is easy to become attached to, with Sybylla, Nell, and the broader women’s ensemble singled out as especially appealing.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The picture is described as clean, steady, and professionally filmed, with clear visuals that avoid the murky darkness common in some dramas.

2 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The unresolved ending clearly points toward another season, though its payoff depends on future episodes following through.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

My Brilliant Career

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Brad Silberling's direction is singled out for helping the slice-of-life material feel polished, emotionally clear, and impactful.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

My Brilliant Career

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The series balances grief, romance, parenting, and faith with warmth and meaningful stakes. Its quieter, earnest style can feel too sappy or subdued for viewers wanting sharper drama.

9 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

My Brilliant Career

Editing draws mixed reactions: early time jumps can feel jarring, while the finale is praised for a nuanced, show-don’t-tell construction.

2 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

My Brilliant Career

The adaptation preserves the novel’s rebellious core for many critics while freely modernizing characters, romance, and tone; a minority argues those changes weaken the original feminist emphasis.

9 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

My Brilliant Career

Sets, costumes, landscapes, and much of the dialogue create a convincing Australian period world, while anachronistic music and deliberately modern sensibilities make the authenticity selective rather than strict.

6 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The large ensemble is introduced clearly, while David's motives and parts of the marital history remain underexplained.

2 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

My Brilliant Career

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Demand for another season is exceptionally strong, with many viewers explicitly asking for Season 2 and some wanting several more seasons.

48 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

My Brilliant Career

The slow-burn connections can be charming and convincing, but the expanded love triangle is also the adaptation’s most divisive choice and can overshadow Sybylla’s ambition.

6 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The script is praised as carefully thought out, with layered characters and emotional moments that serve more than the central romance.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

My Brilliant Career

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The finale delivers an intense, tissue-worthy emotional experience, even though its romantic outcome divides the audience.

1 supporting review · Limited evidence

My Brilliant Career

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Unpredictable choices and unanswered relationship questions keep viewers wondering what will happen next, supporting continued interest without turning the show into a thriller.

2 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

My Brilliant Career

At its best, the show balances intelligence, lightness, and messy youthful energy; the syrupier finale and heightened modern touches can make the tone feel less controlled for some viewers.

2 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

The limited violence is generally appreciated, with only school wrestling and bullying flagged as mild concerns rather than dominant content.

3 supporting reviews

My Brilliant Career

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

My Brilliant Career

The period wardrobe is a standout: lavish, beautiful, and carefully balanced between historical silhouettes and a slightly modern edge.

4 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

My Brilliant Career

A rewatch can deepen appreciation of the finale’s editing and nuance, and one critic said the ending made them want to start the series again immediately.

2 supporting reviews

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

Included Prime access makes the series feel like an excellent value and worthwhile use of time. Its initial add-on placement was harder to justify for less enthusiastic viewers.

4 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence

My Brilliant Career

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

It’s Not Like That, Chapter 1

No review summary available for this feature. Missing evidence does not mean the feature is absent.

My Brilliant Career

The anachronistic pop soundtrack is one of the clearest taste splits—often praised as energetic and cleverly reworked, but sometimes called jarring or damaging to period immersion.

10 supporting reviews · Mixed evidence