What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedJulia
Daniel Goldfarb · Series · 2022
If you loved Julia, start with Lessons in Chemistry (Bonnie Garmus, 2022) — a book on the same thread. Below: 2 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Julia across media.
If you loved Julia, you likely crave stories where brilliant women navigate the constraints of their era to redefine success.
Books on the same thread
Lessons in Chemistry
Bonnie Garmus · Book · 2022
Shares a thread with Julia: Feminism.
Like Julia, Elizabeth Zott is a formidable woman whose refusal to conform to 1960s societal expectations transforms a public platform into a powerful vehicle for intellectual and cultural change.
Mary: A Fiction
Mary Wollstonecraft · Book · 2022
Explores: Female Identity, Societal Constraints, Individualism.
This foundational text echoes the spirited defiance found in Julia, exploring the complex interplay between female identity and the rigid societal constraints that women have long fought to overcome.
Films on the same thread
The Fabelmans
Steven Spielberg · Film · 2022
Shares a thread with Julia: Period drama.
Much like the creative passion defining Julia, this film captures the intimate process of artistic ambition and the way personal history shapes the public lens of a visionary creator.
The Help
Film · 2011
Shares a thread with Julia: Period Drama.
The struggle for agency and female empowerment drives this narrative, offering a grounded, period-accurate perspective on societal barriers similar to the obstacles Julia navigated during her own television career.
Jules and Jim
François Truffaut · Film · 1962
Explores: love triangle, bohemian lifestyle, pre-war Europe.
If the joie de vivre of Julia captured your imagination, you will appreciate this portrait of a bohemian lifestyle where impulsive characters challenge conventions amidst a changing historical backdrop.
TÁR
Todd Field · Film · 2022
Explores: Power Dynamics, Cancel Culture, Abuse of Power.
This intense character study mirrors the exploration of celebrity culture seen in Julia, focusing on the complexities of power and reputation within a highly disciplined, public-facing professional life.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Preamble
Sharon McMahon · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Critical thinking, Media literacy, Civic engagement.
Much like Julia brought clarity to the kitchen, this series cuts through complex issues, providing the same thoughtful, educational engagement that made the television pioneer a trusted public voice.
CounterClock
Audiochuck · Podcast · 2025
Explores: unsolved homicide, seeking justice, historical mystery.
Similar to how Julia engaged with the history of American culture, this investigative series uses meticulous research to reclaim forgotten narratives and shed light on the past through journalism.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What historical themes are explored in Julia?
The series Julia examines a pivotal era in American history, focusing on the emergence of public television as a social institution, the women's movement, feminism, the nature of celebrity, and the broader evolution of American culture through the life of Julia Child.
Is Julia based on a true story?
Yes, Julia is inspired by the life of Julia Child. The show uses her personal journey and her singular joie de vivre to explore significant shifts in American history and the development of public television during that period.
How does Julia portray the impact of public television?
Julia depicts the emergence of public television as a new social institution in America. By following Julia Child’s career, the series illustrates how this medium became a platform for cultural evolution and a reflection of the changing societal landscape during that time.
Does Julia focus on the women's movement?
Yes, the series Julia incorporates the women's movement and the rise of feminism into its narrative. It uses Julia Child's professional life to explore how these social shifts influenced American culture and the public media landscape during a pivotal moment in history.