Julia

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.

Like a lot of biography series/films there are some fictionalised elements, but this doesn't stop Julia being an enjoyable show to watch. The casting is great. Sarah Lancashire (from Oldham, UK) seems like an unusual choice to play the main role, but she does it really well. Since seeing Julie and Julia I've always had an interest in Julia Child. That film goes into how her book was written whereas this series goes into how she got on to television.

I don't know just how much is fictionalised in this series but it looks great and manages to mix comedy and serious very well. I binged the first 4 episodes in a day and am really looking forward to the next one!

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.

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.