TV series
A friendship that defined a lifetime.
When the most important friend in her life seems to have disappeared without a trace, Elena Greco, a now-elderly woman immersed in a house full of books, turns on her computer and starts writing the story of their friendship.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Sep 2, 2026
My Brilliant Friend is available to stream on HBO (Via Hulu), HBO Max, HBO Max (Via Amazon Prime), and YouTube TV in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play, Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
When the most important friend in her life seems to have disappeared without a trace, Elena Greco, a now-elderly woman immersed in a house full of books, turns on her computer and starts writing the story of their friendship.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Elena considers moving back to Naples after being chastised by both Immacolata and Adele. Lila shares shocking news about Nino.
Written by Francesco Piccolo, Elena Ferrante, Saverio Costanzo, Laura PaolucciGuest stars Anna Rita Vitolo, Daria Deflorian, Gabriele Vacis, Pier Giorgio Bellocchio, Vittoria Cozza, Fatima Credendino, Gaia Girace, Stefano Dionisi
Episode 2
Unable to forgive Nino’s betrayal, Elena takes Dede and Elsa to stay in Milan with Mariarosa and Franco. Following a tragic event, Elena gives in and moves into Nino’s place in Via Petrarca.
Written by Francesco Piccolo, Elena Ferrante, Saverio Costanzo, Laura PaolucciGuest stars Daria Deflorian, Pier Giorgio Bellocchio, Vittoria Cozza, Fatima Credendino, Stefano Dionisi, Sonia Bergamasco, Alice Piano
Episode 3
On a visit to the neighborhood for the first time in years, Elena attempts to make peace with Immacolata and learns that her mother has been unwell. Later, when Elena and Nino return from a trip to New York, she and Lila grow closer after revealing that they’re both pregnant.
Written by Francesco Piccolo, Elena Ferrante, Saverio Costanzo, Laura PaolucciGuest stars Anna Rita Vitolo, Luca Gallone, Valentina Acca, Antonio Buonanno, Fabrizia Sacchi, Emanuele Valenti, Vittoria Cozza, Fatima Credendino
Episode 4
Elena and Lila spend the day together in the neighborhood, where Elena sees how well-respected Lila has become...as well as the peril brought on by Marcello’s drug running operation. Later, Lila and Elena desperately try to reunite with their families after a sudden earthquake forces residents to flee the city.
Written by Francesco Piccolo, Elena Ferrante, Saverio Costanzo, Laura PaolucciGuest stars Anna Rita Vitolo, Luca Gallone, Sarah Falanga, Pina Di Gennaro, Lucia D'Ambra, Pio Stellaccio, Lino Musella, Renato De Simone
Episode 5
After Elena’s daughter Imma is born, Lila brings Elena’s mother to see the baby, but the visit is unexpectedly cut short when Immacolata collapses. When Nino and Lila take Immacolata to the hospital, Elena finds herself plagued with jealousy. Later, Marcello causes a scene when he insists Immacolata be moved to a clinic.
Written by Francesco Piccolo, Elena Ferrante, Saverio Costanzo, Laura PaolucciGuest stars Anna Rita Vitolo, Vittoria Cozza, Fatima Credendino, Lino Musella, Renato De Simone, Claudia Tranchese, Lucio Provenza, Fabiana Fazio
Episode 6
As Lila goes into labor, Alfonso confides in Elena while accompanying her to the clinic to visit Immacolata. After a tragic loss – and stunned by Nino’s actions yet again – Elena decides to focus on herself and takes refuge with her daughters at Lila’s, who finally reveals the truth about Nino.
Written by Francesco Piccolo, Elena Ferrante, Saverio Costanzo, Laura PaolucciGuest stars Anna Rita Vitolo, Luca Gallone, Valentina Acca, Antonio Buonanno, Sarah Falanga, Pina Di Gennaro, Pier Giorgio Bellocchio, Vittoria Cozza
Episode 7
Still reeling from her breakup, Elena reconnects with Antonio, who shares the full extent of Nino’s betrayals. Later, Elena discovers that her newest book is a success, and tensions run high at Elisa and Marcello’s wedding, as Elena learns the Solaras are ready to wage war against her for smearing their family name.
Written by Francesco Piccolo, Elena Ferrante, Saverio Costanzo, Laura PaolucciGuest stars Luca Gallone, Vittoria Cozza, Fatima Credendino, Lucia D'Ambra, Francesca Solombrino, Pio Stellaccio, Lino Musella, Renato De Simone
Episode 8
After Elena discovers that Carmen has been pressured into suing her for slander, she and Lila decide to work together on an exposé of the Solaras’ affairs. Later, Elena learns that their article may not be enough to put the brothers behind bars.
Written by Francesco Piccolo, Elena Ferrante, Saverio Costanzo, Laura PaolucciGuest stars Pina Di Gennaro, Pier Giorgio Bellocchio, Lucia D'Ambra, Adalgisa Manfrida, Pio Stellaccio, Lino Musella, Renato De Simone, Salvatore Striano
Episode 9
During Nino’s long overdue visit to see Imma, a sudden and mysterious disappearance rocks the neighborhood. Though the Solaras help organize a search, Enzo remains suspicious of their involvement, while Lila becomes consumed by her own conspiracies. Later, Lila is driven further to the brink by her son’s drug habit and another sudden loss.
Written by Francesco Piccolo, Elena Ferrante, Saverio Costanzo, Laura PaolucciGuest stars Eduardo Scarpetta, Giorgia Gargano, Lucia D'Ambra, Pio Stellaccio, Lino Musella, Claudia Tranchese, Giorgio Pinto, Salvatore Striano
Episode 10
After learning that Pasquale and Nadia have been arrested, Lila informs Elena that Gennaro has run away. Though Lila is unphased, Elena tries to manage the crisis when she learns Elsa has gone with him as well. Many years later, Lila manages to surprise her friend yet again.
Written by Francesco Piccolo, Elena Ferrante, Saverio Costanzo, Laura PaolucciGuest stars Daria Deflorian, Gabriele Vacis, Elisabetta De Palo, Pier Giorgio Bellocchio, Lucia D'Ambra, Pio Stellaccio, Ludovica Rita Di Miglio, Alessio Galati
Episode information updated Sep 12, 2026
Margherita MazzuccoElena Greco
Anna Rita VitoloImmacolata Greco
Luca GalloneVittorio Greco
Valentina AccaNunzia Cerullo
Antonio BuonannoFernando Cerullo
Alessio GalloMichele Solara
Francesco SerpicoNino Sarratore
Irene MaiorinoLila Cerullo
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