New York: The fourth and final TV adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s “My Brilliant Friend” series has been recognized by the New York Times as one of the top ten “TV to love” for 2024. The series, based on Ferrante’s Neapolitan novels, has captured audiences with its profound storytelling and character depth.
According to Ansa News Agency, James Poniewozik, the television critic for the New York Times, expressed surprise at the series’ modest viewership in the United States despite its critical acclaim. Describing the Rai-HBO production as “a marvel from start to finish,” Poniewozik highlighted the series’ hypnotic adaptation of Ferrante’s popular novels.
The fourth and final installment, “Story Of The New Name,” premiered globally in August at the MoMA during the Tribeca Film Festival and has been airing on Italy’s Rai 1 since November 11. This season continues the saga of Elena Greco and her best friend Raffaella ‘Lila’ Cerullo, exploring their lives over sixty years amid personal challenges and historical ev
ents in Italy. The narrative delves into their adult years, marked by motherhood, betrayals, and natural disasters, drawing them back together in their old neighborhood.
The New York Times emphasized the abundance of “good television” this year, yet distinguished “My Brilliant Friend” and other shows on its list as exceptional examples of “TV to love.” Alongside Ferrante’s series, titles such as “English Teacher,” “Fantasmas,” “The Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show,” “John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in L.A,” “Say Nothing,” “Shogun,” “Somebody Somewhere,” and Peacock’s coverage of the Paris Olympics were featured.
