Julia

So many things to like about this show... For openers, I grew up in Boston in the 1960's, and they did such a good job of recreating that city in that time that I was feeling nostalgic just watching the scenes with Julia walking down the street.

The casting is spot-on - I am so glad they went with Sarah Lancashire because I don't think an American actress could have replicated Julia Child's odd accent nearly as well. David Hyde Pierce is terrific in his usual understated way, and Bebe Neuwirth is always a joy to watch.

The show has a leisurely pace, but I don't mind that - it just provides more opportunity to enjoy the details. And they really got them right.

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 gave this delightful series a straight 8. I remember watching Julia Child when I was a little girl and thought she was funny. The woman always seemed out of sorts but ended up with the most wonderful dishes...This series gives us a looks at this complex woman's life and it is a joy. I liked the interaction between her and her husband even though sometimes it was strained he must have really loved her. The cast playing her circle of friends are great. Sarah Lancashire is a fine actress and I feel she portrays Julia perfectly. She has her look and voice and mannerisms down pat. I think I will like this one.

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!