Julia

I did not think I would like this series; for one, Meryl Streep owned the character in "Julie & Julia", along with Stanley Tucci as Paul, but half way into the first episode, I was totally absorbed into the story and the characters. Just superbly cast, well acted, the sets and the locations bring back a lot of memories.

I lived in Cambridge MA for a year or so back in the 80's, and Julia Child was a frequent sighting around Harvard Square - I would see her frequently in the bookstores and coffee shops. She was a presence, even without muttering a word.

Sarah Lancashire and David Hyde-Pierce are superb. They are Julia and Paul Child. Boston of that era was a bastion of equality, but still a product of it's time. I am glad to see that the writing is not telling a "woke" story, but an honest characterization of that time. There are times the show is as gritty as it WAS back then. Having LIVED through those times, this is about as honest portrayal as I could imagine.

Kudos HBO for bringing this story to the screen.

Since the Julie and Julia film, I fell in love with Mrs Child., that movie is excellent and this series is so effing good. The sincerity and acting is impeccable. As a cook and artist myself, I appreciate the attention to detail that brings this series alive. It's amazing!

I can't believe I waited this long to start watching this show. Top notch cast with Sarah Lancashire (who is an absolute revelation and deserves an Emmy for this performance), Bebe Neuwirth, David Hyde Pierce, Fiona Glascott, Judith Light, Brittney Bradford, Isabella Rosselini...all in the same show? Yes please, more of that. The show is one of the best hidden gems of the year. While there's definitely still room for growth, "Julia" is, all things considered, a well-written, superbly acted, charmer of a show. I can definitely imagine enjoying another serving. I'm begging HBOMAX for a season two.

Edit: Okay, we got a season two and it's just as magnificent as the first season. The show is my favorite of all shows in the last year. Utterly fantastic performances all around.

I don't get the hate.

I was engrossed from the first second.

And if, if she doesn't have the perfect American accent, it's 100 times better than Dominic West's accent in The Wire, so who cares! I find the slight Yorkshire inflection works well with her idiosyncrasies anyway.

Can't wait for the rest.

I've watched the Documentaries and the movies and Mrs. Child was an endlessly charming woman. A woman of Substance.

And Sarah Lancashire has captured it all wonderfully. I discovered Ms. Lancashire on the BBC show, "Happy Valley". I've wanted to see more of her ever since as "Happy Valley" seems to be in an endless hiatus.

The supporting cast is perfect with David Hyde Pierce as husband Paul and Bebe Neuwirth reunited from their days on "Frasier". What chemistry they have! They are superb in their roles.