User Reviews

As I write this, the death of Mary Tyler Moore was announced within the last hour. While MTM is rightfully lauded for her role as a single career woman, Diahann Carroll's role in "Julia" broke more ground on more fronts. Ms. Carroll depicted a black woman trying to balance a job as a nurse with raising a 6-year-old son after her husband in the Vietnam War. Add the fact that this series debuted in 1968, there were a LOT of glass ceilings shattered when NBC began airing it and even though it apparently drew criticism, the network stuck with it for three years until Ms. Carroll had had enough.

On top of that, it was a good show, a "dramedy" that was presented in understated fashion without laugh track but with a nice chemistry between the core cast of Ms. Carroll, Marc Copage as her son and old pros Lloyd Nolan and Lurene Tuttle as her doctor boss and charge nurse, respectively. I rate "Julia" a 9 because it could be a little flat at times, but it deserves far, far more attention than it receives even today.

As we come upon the golden 40th anniversary of classic sitcom that needs to be released on DVD or for that manner brought back to television. The reason? Before this series,actress/singer and Broadway sensation Diahann Carroll starred in several theatrical features,most notably opposite starred opposite Dorothy Dandridge,and Harry Belefonte in Otto Preminger's brilliant 1954 musical "Carmen Jones". She was also in the film version of Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess"(also directed by Preminger)and starring opposite Sidney Poitier,Pearl Bailey,and Sammy Davis,Jr.,and opposite Paul Newman in "Paris Blues",which reunited her with leading man Sidney Poitier. She also made her mark in action films as well starring opposite former NFL-great Jim Brown in "The Split". She won the Tony Award in 1962(the first African-American actress to do so),and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in the 1974 landmark classic "Claudine",which she starred opposite James Earl Jones.

So,why after 40 years is this landmark series "Julia" not even mention or not even rated as one of television's greats? Diahann Carroll is best remembered as being one of the first and foremost television series to featured an black actress to star in her own weekly series where she did not play a domestic worker(Before "Julia",television shows featuring lead characters were usually servants like Louise Beavers in "Beulah",and Amanda Randolph in "Make Room For Daddy"). And the first to star in a non-stereotypical role. The classic series "Julia" was groundbreaking for its time in 1968,some three years earlier before Bill Cosby broke color barriers for his work(and won the Emmy for Best Actor) on the series "I Spy". During the 1960's the color barriers in Hollywood were broken and it opened the floodgates for other African-American actors to make their stride...After the success of "I Spy", you had other black actors that did the same,and it launch a new era for minorities too. Actors like Rockne Tarkington("Tarzan"), Hari Rhodes("Daktari"),Robert Hooks("N.Y.P.D"), Nichelle Nichols("Star Trek"), Gail Fisher("Mannix"), Greg Morris("Mission:Impossible"), Don Mitchell("Ironside"), Clarence Williams,III("The Mod Squad"), Ivan Dixon("Hogan's Heroes"), Rafer Johnson("Felony Squad"), and Don Marshall("The Land of the Giants"). Earlier actors included Cicely Tyson("East Side/West Side"). Even the variety show concept also featured African-American actors as well and during the success of Diahann Carroll's sitcom,two black oriented shows were launched featuring black women in their own weekly variety shows..one of them was Broadway sensation and actress Leslie Uggams whose variety show was on CBS,and the other was Barbara McNair whose variety series lasted one season for NBC.

"Julia" was the first to featured a black actress in a positive light during the height of the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War. The series was produced by Hal Kanter for Twentieth Century-Fox Television. It produced 86 episodes during the three seasons that it ran on NBC-TV from September 17,1968 until May 25,1971. The series did very well in its timeslot when it premiered in 1968,opposite the espionage series "It Takes A Thief"(which was on ABC),and the long-running variety series "The Red Skelton Show"(which was on CBS). Diahann Carroll won the 1968 Golden Globe for Best Actress,and was nominated for an Emmy in 1969 for Best Actress during this series' run. However,the show was the first to tackle issues head on for its day and it was handled with style and grace..something that was unheard of and especially when this show premiered in 1968. This was a series that was groundbreaking while it was on the air and for one was devided by a significiant segment of the black community as not being political or angry enough,owing largely to its status as an lighthearted sitcom.

Carroll played a widowed single mother Julia Baker(her fighter pilot husband had been shot down in Vietnam),who also worked as a nurse for a large hospital. She had a son Corey Baker(Marc Copage)who lived with her in a upscale apartment complex. Her boss was Dr. Morton Chegley was played by Lloyd Nolan,while her co-worker Nurse Hannah Yarby was played by Lurene Tuttle. The Baker's downstairs neighbors were the Waggedorns. Julia's best friend Marie Waggedorn(played by Betty Beaird)was close friends with her son Earl J. Waggedorn(played by Michael Link),who was Corey's best friend and playmate,along with Marie's husband Len(Hank Brandt),and their infant daughter. Other characters included The Baker's housekeeper Roberta(Janear Hines),and not to mention Julia's cousin Sara(played by Broadway sensation and Actress Diana Sands). The guest star roster included Cesar Romero,Bob Hope, Sugar Ray Robinson, Mary Wickes, Stu Gilliam, Jack Soo,and a special guest appearance by Jimmy Stewart in one episode. Her romantic interests were Fred Williamson(Steve Bruce),Paul Winfield(Paul Cameron),and Don Marshall(Ted Neumann). The theme music came from Oscar winning composer Elmer Bernstein. When the show "Julia" left the airwaves in 1971,the show that NBC replaced it with was the short-lived police drama "Sarge" starring George Kennedy that ran from 9-21-1971 until 1-11-1972.

I was born white in 1963 in a WASP neighborhood in Indiana. But I remembered this show when they came out recently with the new "Nurse" shows--Nurse Jackie and HawthoRNe. I looked it up b/c I couldn't remember the star's name and I was telling a friend about it at work. But I remembered this show that I watched when I was all of 5 years old. Because it mattered. And even then, it pulled me toward where I am now. I have been an RN since 1984, and now work as a nurse practitioner. I am proud to be a nurse. I cried when Obama won the election, because I felt like it was a win for MY side. A huge win--and this show was part of that, the beginnings. I am proud that I have been a part of the "I'd like to teach the world to sing..." generations. That what we have all worked toward is the equality, not just of black and white but of everyone. That we all have value that deserves to be heard and witnessed equally. And I think the fact that this rather brave for the time show (and actress) was able to influence the 5 year old white child of an Alabama bigot to spend a lifetime in the same line of service to others says a hell of a lot about its "epochal" effects on the minds and people of that time. Even today, I think I'd rather be "Julia" than "Jackie". I would feel more respectable. Thank you Ms Carroll and company. You made a difference. I hope today's shows can stand up to the same test. We need nurses, and we need people who cross the lines.

This show has to be recognised as one of the milestones in Black TV, before Bill Cosby, before the smattering of Black shows on TV today, Diahann Carroll played a single mom raising a son all by herself.

She didn't play a rich bored housewife, or a Hollywood madam like in Dynasty. Diahann played a sensible working woman. Scatty, witty, repressed at times but a woman of our times. Characters like Julia are everyday people, they remind us of who we are,

I find Julia a powerful statement of the 70's with single working parents, this is a positive statement for women and Blacks all over, it's not all about flash,booty and bling!!! There is dignity in hard work, pity the show didn't last very long but it's important to note that she played the lead and there were hardly any race-related issues on the show. It was just normal "everyday people"

Also being filmed in Black and White dates it but gives it a classic feel.

SOUND!!! 7/10

I was only 9 years old in 1968, but I was an avid television watcher, and I loved this TV show.

My parents got me a Julia "Barbie" doll, even though I did not have any regular Barbie dolls. (We are a Caucasian family.)

It is almost 40 years since I have seen an episode of Julia, but reading the other comments triggered a little memory for me.

I remember the morality of the show. I remember respecting Julia. I remember liking her little boy for his respectfulness toward his mom. I remember it was an intelligent show, not a silly one.

I loved this show.

I hated this show when I was younger, but to see it now it is so cute and many situations come to light and are dealt with in a fun and dignified manner. I love the '60's and '70's fashions. You get to see some of the greats in their younger days too. Don't take anyone's word check it out for yourself. Fred Williamson's first appearance on this show was in "Dancer I The Dark", an episode that was written by Hal Kanter the creator and producer ofthis series. Many actors are featured in the show...I love it!

There are some negative things, but in all this show is fun and upbeat. I love the old style of acting they had back then. Even Cesar Romero was in a few of the episodes. Also Don Ameche, Jimmy Steward, Stu Gilliam, Bob Hope, Sugar Ray Robinson, Jack Soo, and many others made appearances on this show. Also If you are looking for copies of the Julia show in colour I have seen themon ebay on 16mm film and VHS. Do your research. I really love the style of acting in this series, it's old fashion and wonderful.

I love everyone in the cast they are good actors and Betty Beaird as Marie Waggedorn is excellent. A very earthy mother-like feeling comes from to mind when I watch her.

I enjoyed the series and was sorry to see it canceled... apparently Diahann Carroll was finding it too stressful.

The episodes list is extremely fouled up. I checked another series (Hogan's Heroes) for a hint of the episode numbering format, so here goes.

First, delete all cast occurrences of Diahann Carroll (Julia Baker), Marc Copage (Corey Baker), Michael Link (Earl J. Waggedorn), Betty Beaird (Marie Waggedorn) and Lloyd Nolan (Dr. Chegley) as they appear in most or all episodes. Correct spelling of Hannah Yarby in some episodes.

Second, re-sequence episodes so they're in date order, probably by renumbering some episodes (none should be higher than Episode 30!).

Season 1, Episode 8 has a non-conforming date.

Season 2: Episode 10 and Episode 40 should be merged as Episode 10. Episode 33 should be Episode 3. Ep 34 should be Ep 4. Episode 36 should be Episode 6. Episode 38 should be Episode 8. Episode 42 should be Episode 12. Episode 12 ("Hilda's No Help") should be Episode 13. Episode 46 should be Episode 16. Episode 48 should be Episode 18. Episode 52 should be Episode 22. Episode 53 should be Episode 23. Episode 54 should be Episode 24. Episode 57 should be Episode 27. Episode 59 should be Episode 29.

Season 3: Episodes 61/62/63 should be Episodes 1/2/3 respectively. Episode 6's air date should probably be 20 October. I don't know where Episode "66" belongs. Episodes 67/68/69 should be Episodes 7/8/9 respectively. Episode 74 should be Episode 14. Episode 80 should be Episode 20.

Missing episodes total 36, which would include the three at the bottom marked "Unknown Season", would be: Season 1, Ep 3 (1 October 1968), Ep 4 (8 October), Ep 5 (15 October), Ep 8 (5 or 12 November), Eps 9 to 13 (5 of the 6 dates from 12 Nov to 17 Dec), Ep 15 (31 Dec 1968), Ep 16 (7 Jan 1969), Ep 17 (14 January); Ep 19 (28 January), Ep 22 (18 Feb), Ep 23 (25 Feb), Ep 25 (11 March), Ep 26 (18 March), Ep 27 (25 March). (18 missing) Season 2, Ep 1 (16 Sept 1969), Ep 7 (4 November), Ep 14 (23 or 30 December), Ep 15 (30 Dec 1969 or 6 January 1970), Ep 17 (20 January), Ep 19 (3 February), Ep 20 (10 February), Ep 25 (17 March), Ep 28 (14 April). (9 missing) Season 3, Ep 10 (24 November 1970), Ep 11 (1 December 1970), Ep 13 (15 or 22 December 1970), Ep 15 (5 January 1971), Ep 18 (26 January), Ep 21 (16 February), Ep 22 (23 February), Ep 24 (9 March), Ep 26 (23 March). (9 missing) One of the missing episodes is titled "Father of Bribery", and might be Richard's first appearance. Another missing episode featured Corey's television hero, Captain Blastoff. That would leave 31 still missing.

I hope the episode numbers can be corrected, while leaving gaps, of course, for the missing episodes.

Loved this show!!! Beautiful, caring, bright momma and her precocious child.

Only recently have I been able to watch a couple of episodes of this charming show. I don't remember this show ever being on network TV. I was a kid in the early 70s. Even at a young age, I was a big TV fan. I would have remembered Julia. After recently watching the first two episodes on line, I am very interested to see more of the show. Diahann Carroll was absolutely beautiful and charming in the title role. In 1968, casting a black actress in a lead role was risky for the obvious reasons. What a shame that it had to be that way. Diahann's character has a quiet dignity and assertiveness. The love she had for her young son was a nice thing to watch. The "Julia" character was a single mom, but also a woman who didn't view herself as a "victim." Very nice show. I only wish I had been able to watch the show when it first aired.

This show doesn't get the credit it deserves. I suspect if she was a man, she'd be applauded. Kudos forever to everyone involved in this show.

Actually, it was Ethel Waters who was the first black woman to star in her own TV series. The series was Beulah. The show was on during the 1950's. Miss Waters played a maid. No surprise there as roles were very limited to blacks back in the 1950's. A black person having his or her own TV show was shocking back then. What set Julia apart was that the title character was a widow whose husband was killed in Vietnam and was college educated. One of the reasons Julia was cancelled was that Diahann Carroll was receiving threats on her life. She didn't return to a television series until the late 1980's/early 1990's when she started appearing on the prime time soap Dynast.

I understand all the 'ground breaking' that this show accomplished. For me it is a warm memory of a different albeit somewhat ironic nature. It is the first TV show I ever watched on our new first time ever colour TV set. This show was in colour and it blew us away. We were pretty much 'the first on our block' to get a colour TV. Man, life was a lot simpler then. I remember Julia and Lloyd Nolan but, have forgotten pretty much everything else about this show. But, at the time we loved it. Of course we also loved the smarties commercials too.

At the time we couldn't care less if the characters were black or white. As I think about it now though. That simple fact that a black woman was portrayed as a person. Not black not white. Was probably a very notable thing to do. Whenever I see Lloyd Nolan in an old TCB movie I always remember him as the doctor on the TV Show Julia.

I loved this show. I got a kick out of Lloyd Nolan tossing his hat on the hook every week.

Douglas under score Holmes your review is full of fecal matter.

This show wasn't done in poor taste, but it gave the impression that black America in the late sixties was just like regular America and they had all the equalities and opportunities as everyone else. This show was just off base and not realistic. Black society was fighting tooth and nail for equality back then, and this show never represented that. Instead we see a patriotic black woman and her nice son living the American dream. This just wasn't a reality for black folks then. It painted the picture of the sweet and innocent Julia the way white America wanted to see black society. It wouldn't be until shows like All in the Family, Good Times, and The Jeffersons did reality TV come to life.

Long before she became Dominique Deveraux on "Dynasty",she set ground here as being the first African-American woman to star in her own weekly TV series which was a milestone when it premiered in the fall of 1968. Julia was just that: a single parent and nurse who raised her son and working for Dr. Chegley,who was in charge of the hospital where she was employed. The show was brilliant in depicting the role model of the family and the single parent which had some good moral values which you don't find that in some shows today. Marc Copage was absolutely adorable as her son Corey,and I really like Micheal Link as Corey's playmate Earl J. Waggedorn. To this day,the show is rarely seen on some stations,but Diahann Carroll was one of the most beautiful women in the world when this show made its mark on the NBC network. I had very good memories of this show,and I wish they would do a TV movie on "Julia",bringing back the original cast for a reunion. Note: Lloyd Nolan who played the Doctor on the show recently passed away,but his status will live on with this landmark series.

Just for the record, no one seems to have commented on the social importance of this show. It was the first television series to star a black woman. (And one of the few of its time to star any black actor or actress.) It was also important in that it did not play to stereotypes of of the role of black women, let alone single black mothers. Julia was a successful single parent with a career as a nurse at a major hospital where she was respected.

As I recall, while her race was not ignored, it was not the crux of the program.

The content of the show was not terribly exciting, but the matter-of-fact way in which Julia's middle-class life was portrayed was a major step forward for television. In a sense, the somewhat bland quality of many of the episodes was a de facto recognition of the fact that the day-to-day lives and concerns of most people (even fictional TV people) don't really differ based on external factors like race.

I can't believe some of the vapid comments about this wonderfully gentle and sweet ground-breaking show! I remember watching Julia when I was young and being very impressed by its cast and storyline; they were both very creative. Why do you make fun of it because it wasn't about angry, bitter black people with chips on their shoulders, but about a young black mother who was a nurse and her little son trying to live upbeat, positive, fulfilling lives while the male head of the family was serving his country in Vietnam. This was a landmark show for America and deserves more respect! This show was like a Serenity Prayer for race relations! Not all "progress" is made by angry, bitter, or violent people protesting in the marketplace. Real progress is often made one by one by individuals who can see past the divides to reach out on a daily basis to people of different races and religions, with a sense of goodwill and humility.

So it was with Julia. You catch more flies with honey instead of vinegar and I'm sure this show did more to increase understanding among whites for the everyday concerns of black folk than all the Jesse Jacksons and Malcolm X's in the world!

Diahann Carroll (Dynasty "Dominique Deveraux Lloyd") played "Julia Baker" a single parent and a nurse who had one son "Corey Baker" Marc Copage (The Wave). "Corey Baker" was an adorable little boy. Lloyd Nolan (Peyton Place, Hannah and Her Sisters) "Dr. Morton Chegley" was Julia's boss in the hospital where she worked. This show portraits a role model family of a single parent. Diahann was and is a beautiful woman. I watched the show when I was growing up, dubbed and black and white. I used to look forward to finding the show. I don't think that they dubbed that many episodes, and soon I found myself watching the reruns. But it was ok, because is the show had good values. I have very good memories of the series.

Typical Hollywood "family" programming, this one is about a Black single working mom who raises a son, works full-time, and imparts those family values!

It doesn't take a genius to see this for the irrelevant, feel-good nonsense it is. It had practically nothing to do with real single-parent life then, and is even more dated now.

The complaints about the show not "reflecting black life" miss the point. It was intended a light-hearted entertainment with a strong dose of moral uplift.

At a time when white folks across the country were seeing cities torn apart by riots, Jewish TV and movie producers in Hollywood wanted to do their duty to heal the world (Hebrew: "tikkun olam") by persuading white gentiles that black folks were "just like them".

So they presented this squeaky clean high achieving black woman, who was married not to a black radical, but to a Great American Hero, who sacrifices his life for his country (and therefore we white folks really owe his widow and orphan son a lot, don't we?). It was a brilliant move. A complete lie (as black folks recognized at the time) but very, very effective is swaying white gentile attitudes in the USA.