My Brilliant Friend: Season 1

2018 · 8 episodes · ★ 7.4

What Season 1 of My Brilliant Friend

Naples, 1950s. Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo grow up in a poor neighborhood where every family struggles to get ahead. The two share a bond that the season follows from childhood, but tensions soon emerge. Both want to become writers, but their families won't pay for their education: Elena manages to stay in school, while Lila has to drop out. Lila quickly stands out for how much she reads and for her beauty, and several boys in the neighborhood take notice of her. Elena, for her part, fights not to fall behind. Everything begins when Lila vanishes without a trace and Elena starts writing the story of their friendship.

8episodes

Nov 27, 2018Aired

Dec 18, 2018final episode

7.8 hrtotal runtime

Season 1 Episodes

1x01 The Dolls
Nov 27, 2018 · 56 min · ★ 6.7
The disappearance of her old friend, Lila Cerrullo, causes 60-year-old author Elena Greco to reflect on the early days of their friendship in 1950s Naples, when Elena and Lila are two very different girls at the top of their class. When the girls discover the lair of Don Achille, a criminal figure who controls the neighborhood, they decide to confront him.
Writing: Saverio Costanzo, Laura Paolucci, Elena Ferrante · Starring: Antonio Milo, Michele Di Costanzo, Federica Guarino, Gioele Maddi
1x02 The Money
Nov 27, 2018 · 63 min · ★ 6.9
As fourth grade draws to an end, Elena and Lila fight with their families for the chance to continue their education. Later, a trip out of town becomes a day Elena will never forget, and a death changes things in the neighborhood forever.
Writing: Saverio Costanzo, Laura Paolucci, Elena Ferrante · Starring: Antonio Milo, Dora Romano, Antonio Pennarella, Valentina Arena
1x03 The Metamorphoses
Dec 4, 2018 · 60 min · ★ 7.7
Now a teenager, Elena grapples with the onset of puberty, her studies, and her friendship with Lila, who now works in her family's shoe-repair store. After a library awards ceremony reveals what Lila has been keeping secret, Elena learns what her friend's grand plans might be. Lila takes a stand against the dangerous Solara brothers.
Starring: Antonio Milo, Alessio Gallo, Federica Sollazzo, Eduardo Scarpetta
1x04 Dissolving Margins
Dec 4, 2018 · 52 min · ★ 7.9
Entering high school, Elena vows to stay ahead of Lila, academically and romantically. Lila eschews a parade of suitors vying for her affection, choosing instead to focus on her ambitions in the shoe shop. Promising a better future for the neighborhood, Stefano Carracci invites Elena, Lila and their families over for New Year's Eve, but things take a dark turn.
Starring: Antonio Milo, Alessio Gallo, Francesco Serpico, Federica Sollazzo
1x05 The Shoes
Dec 11, 2018 · 55 min · ★ 7.8
Elena grows tired of Gino, while Lila rejects two potential suitors at a cost. A rare outing into the city turns violent. Elena worries about not being there for Lila after accepting an invitation to spend the summer away from the neighborhood and her family.
Starring: Alessio Gallo, Francesco Serpico, Eduardo Scarpetta, Gennaro De Stefano
1x06 The Island
Dec 11, 2018 · 59 min · ★ 8.0
On the island of Ischia, Elena runs into the Sarratore family, reigniting her childhood crush on Nino, who is at odds with his father, the charming Donato. Back in Naples, Lila's resistance to Marcello's pressing courtship reaches a breaking point. On the day of Elena's 15th birthday, an unexpected encounter leaves her shaken.
Starring: Francesco Serpico, Gennaro De Stefano, Raffaele Nocerino, Nunzia Schiano
1x07 The Fiances
Dec 18, 2018 · 60 min · ★ 7.7
Elena returns to Naples to find Lila has made a romantic connection with Stefano, despite the looming presence of Marcello. As Lila embraces a more glamorous life at Stefano's side, Elena warns her about what people are saying around the neighborhood. Later, in hopes of keeping up with her friend, Elena encourages one suitor and rebuffs the advances of another.
Starring: Alessio Gallo, Francesco Serpico, Federica Sollazzo, Eduardo Scarpetta
1x08 The Promise Season Finale
Dec 18, 2018 · 61 min · ★ 6.4
With sales of Cerullo shoes lagging, Stefano cuts a business deal with the Solaras against Lila's wishes. After Elena gets kicked out of a class for voicing her opinion, Nino encourages her to write an article for his magazine about her experience. Later, Elena and Lila get unwelcome surprises.
Starring: Alessio Gallo, Francesco Serpico, Federica Sollazzo, Eduardo Scarpetta