Ambitions
2019Series

Series
Her kitchen just got a lot bigger.
Through Julia Child’s life and her singular joie de vivre, the series explores a pivotal time in American history – the emergence of public television as a new social institution, feminism and the women's movement, the nature of celebrity and America's cultural evolution.

In 1962, cookbook author Julia Child boldly pitches a groundbreaking television series centered on demonstrations for the home cook – despite pushback from male station executives and her own husband.

Facing mounting pressure from station executives, Julia struggles to figure out how to present a complicated recipe. Later, on-set flubs threaten the future of the show – and Julia’s career.

When the show goes overbudget, Julia doubles down on her efforts to continue making her dream a reality. As Paul contends with his fearsome father-in-law, Alice struggles with her new assignment.

As WGBH reaps the rewards of their new star’s efforts, a jealous rival threatens the station’s burgeoning success. While Julia struggles with the price of fame, Paul begins to accept defeat, and Alice changes tack.

In San Francisco, Julia tests the waters of her newfound celebrity status alongside celebrated chef James Beard, leaving a brooding Paul to question the true cost of his wife’s fame.

While Paul and Judith experiment with baking, Julia tackles a different kind of “bread.” As a sleep-deprived Russ tasks Alice with even more work, the future of Avis’s position on the show is called into question.

While in New York, Julia and the show receive both accolades and criticism. As Avis forges an unlikely friendship with Paul, Alice finds an unexpected connection of her own.

After suffering a terrible blow, Julia’s future – and the fate of the show – hang in the balance.
Official trailer ac0mputerguru
Oct 12, 2023
I found this show completely delightful. Growing up during the teething years of PBS and seeing it from all angles (_Sesame Street_ to _Cosmos_ and _Kennedy Center events_), this series intrigues me. It's always interesting to see how something is created and matures. "Julia" brings it to us in full, living stereo, showing the birth of WGBH in the left and and "The French Chef" in the right. The casting is superb and the sets and costumes are period perfect. Sarah Lancashire captures the spirit of Julia Child and tastefully mixes with David Hyde Pierce and Bebe Neuwirth. I had my concerns about David and Bebe, whether their "Fraiser" relationship would somehow taint this show. It doesn't. As a binge watcher, I'm always ready for the next season. However, "Julia" had be checking it's status, over and over. It's _**REALLY**_ that good.