How a neurodivergent teen's story became a global streaming hit for Netflix
In short: Harriet Manners is an awkward teenager who unexpectedly lands a modeling career during London Fashion Week. Based on Holly Smale's popular young adult novel, this British-Canadian production explores the complexities of identity and friendship, earning praise for its authentic portrayal of neurodivergence and its wholesome, feel-good approach to storytelling.
The television adaptation of Holly Smale’s 2013 novel Geek Girl follows Harriet Manners, a socially awkward teenager who navigates the high-pressure world of fashion modeling after being scouted at London Fashion Week. Produced as a British-Canadian co-production, the series features Emily Carey as Harriet, a character whose experiences resonate with many viewers due to her neurodivergent coding. Both Carey and Smale, the author, are autistic, a fact that Smale has highlighted to defend the show’s authenticity against critics who questioned its representation.
Released on May 30, 2024, the ten-part series quickly gained traction on Netflix, debuting at number seven on the Global Top 10 TV English titles before rising to the second spot the following week with 41 million viewing hours. Critics have largely responded with enthusiasm; the show holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on seven reviews, and Metacritic reports a weighted average score of 73 out of 100. Reviewers like Lucy Mangan of The Guardian praised its lively tone, while others noted its reliance on familiar young adult tropes.
Beyond its critical success, the series has undergone significant production shifts. Initially developed by Corus Entertainment’s Waterside Studios, the show saw Boat Rocker Media take over production for its second season, which was announced in April 2025. The show’s impact was further solidified when the trade magazine Playback named it the Scripted Series of the Year in its 2024 review. As Harriet learns to balance her life as a model and a self-described geek, the series remains a notable example of how literary adaptations can find a massive, appreciative audience through streaming platforms.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Geek Girl (TV series)
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