Lessons in Chemistry

What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedLessons in Chemistry

Bonnie Garmus · Book · 2022

If you loved Lessons in Chemistry, start with Lessons in Chemistry (Lee Eisenberg, 2023) — a series from the same story. Below: 4 films, 3 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Lessons in Chemistry across media.

If you loved Lessons in Chemistry, you were likely captivated by the defiant spirit of women navigating rigid, male-dominated societal expectations.

Start with the source

Lessons in Chemistry

Adaptation

Lessons in Chemistry

Lee Eisenberg · Series · 2023

Films on the same thread

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Olivia Newman · Film · 2026

Explores: Grief and healing, Intergenerational friendship, Hidden secrets.

Much like Elizabeth Zott in Lessons in Chemistry, Tova finds profound purpose in an unconventional setting, proving that life-changing discoveries often emerge when you challenge traditional boundaries and expectations.

The Housemaid

The Housemaid

Paul Feig · Film · 2025

Explores: Class Conflict, Gaslighting, Identity Theft.

Readers who enjoyed the sharp power dynamics in Lessons in Chemistry will appreciate the intense focus on identity and agency as the protagonist maneuvers through a treacherous, high-stakes environment.

There's Still Tomorrow

There's Still Tomorrow

Film · 2023

Shares a thread with Lessons in Chemistry: Resilience.

This film mirrors the period-specific struggles found in Lessons in Chemistry, highlighting a woman’s quiet, resilient fight for independence and dignity against the backdrop of an oppressive patriarchal society.

Legally Blonde

Legally Blonde

Robert Luketic · Film · 2001

Shares a thread with Lessons in Chemistry: gender roles.

If you admired the way Elizabeth Zott shattered stereotypes in Lessons in Chemistry, you will find Elle Woods’ relentless commitment to her own intellect and identity deeply satisfying and empowering.

Series on the same thread

Funny Woman

Funny Woman

Nick Hornby · Series · 2023

Explores: female empowerment, cultural revolution, fish out of water.

Fans of Lessons in Chemistry will recognize the familiar struggle of a woman finding her voice and professional footing within the restrictive, male-dominated world of 1960s British entertainment.

Cheers

Cheers

Les Charles · Series · 1982

Explores: Friendship, Community, Finding your place.

The community-driven humor found here echoes the ensemble dynamics of Lessons in Chemistry, focusing on how individuals form their own families while navigating the complexities of their professional environments.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Amy Sherman-Palladino · Series · 2017

Explores: Self-Discovery, Female Empowerment, Breaking Societal Norms.

Midge Maisel’s journey is the perfect companion to Lessons in Chemistry, showcasing a woman who refuses to be defined by domestic roles and instead pursues her talent with fierce ambition.

Podcasts on the same thread

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Pushkin Industries · Podcast · 2026

Explores: Cognitive biases, Subjective well-being, Lifestyle optimization.

If you appreciated the scientific curiosity that fueled Elizabeth Zott in Lessons in Chemistry, you will value this evidence-based approach to understanding human behavior and finding authentic personal fulfillment.

Dark History

Dark History

Audioboom Studios · Podcast · 2026

Explores: untold narratives, institutional corruption, societal taboos.

Lessons in Chemistry often highlights the absurdity of historical conventions, and this podcast provides a similarly sharp, analytical lens on the hidden truths and institutional failures of our past.

Keep exploring

Common questions

Is Lessons in Chemistry available as a television series?

Yes, Lessons in Chemistry is available to stream on Apple TV+. The 2023 television adaptation brings the story of Elizabeth Zott to the screen, following her journey from a research chemist in 1960s California to the unlikely star of a popular cooking show.

What is the source material for the Apple TV+ series Lessons in Chemistry?

The Apple TV+ series is based on the 2022 novel Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. The book is a global bestseller that has sold more than 8 million copies and details the life of a gifted, non-conformist chemist navigating social conventions in the 1960s.

How many copies of the book Lessons in Chemistry have been sold?

The novel Lessons in Chemistry has been a massive success, reaching the status of a number one global bestseller. To date, more than 8 million copies of the book have been sold worldwide since its original publication in 2022.

Does the book Lessons in Chemistry feature a cooking show?

Yes, the plot of Lessons in Chemistry centers on Elizabeth Zott, a gifted research chemist who finds her career path redirected in 1960s California. She eventually becomes the unlikely star of a beloved television cooking show while remaining immune to the social conventions of her time.

Want picks for your taste — not just one title's?

Try Tangent

Free, 30 seconds, no account.