Julia (1968)
A landmark NBC sitcom starring Diahann Carroll as a widowed nurse and single mother, celebrated as one of television's earliest non-stereotypical African American lead roles.
Julia - Series Information
- Original Title: Julia
- First Air Year: 1968
- Last Air Year: 1971
- Created by: Hal Kanter
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-G
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 27 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 86
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 17, 1968 (United States - TV-G)
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: Savannah Productions, 20th Century Fox Television, Hancarr Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Julia - Plot
Julia is an American sitcom notable for being one of the first weekly series to depict an African American woman in a non-stereotypical role. Previous television series featured African American lead characters, but the characters were usually servants. The show stars actress and singer Diahann Carroll, and ran for 86 episodes on NBC from September 17, 1968 to March 23, 1971. The series was produced by Savannah Productions, Inc., Hanncar Productions, Inc., and 20th Century-Fox Television. During pre-production, the proposed series title was Mama's Man. The series was also unique in that it was among the few situation comedies in the late 1960s that did not use a laugh track; however, 20th Century-Fox Television added them when the series was reissued for syndication and cable rebroadcasts in the late 1980s.
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Julia - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Hal Kanter
Main Cast
- Lurene Tuttle
- Diahann Carroll
- Lloyd Nolan
- Eugene Jackson
- Paul Winfield
- Ned Glass
- Fred Williamson
- Janear Hines
- Eddie Quillan
- Jack Soo
Writers
- Hal Kanter
- Ben Gershman
- Robert A. Cinader
- Harry Winkler
- Phil Leslie
Executive Producers
- Hal Kanter
Julia - FAQs
Why was Julia considered groundbreaking for its time?
Julia broke new ground by casting Diahann Carroll as a professional, self-sufficient African American woman — a nurse and single mother — at a time when Black characters on American TV were largely confined to servant roles. It was one of the first weekly series to challenge that deeply ingrained stereotype.
Is Julia worth watching today?
For fans of television history and classic sitcoms, Julia remains essential viewing. Its cultural significance is undeniable, and Diahann Carroll's warm, dignified performance still resonates. While the show reflects the social tensions of the late 1960s, it holds up as a charming, historically important piece of American broadcasting.
Where can you watch Julia online?
You can find streaming and viewing options for Julia by checking JustWatch, which tracks current availability across platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your location and local streaming services.
Who played Julia Baker in the series?
Diahann Carroll played Julia Baker, a widowed nurse raising her young son. Carroll was already a celebrated actress and singer before the role, but Julia made her a television icon and earned her a Golden Globe Award, making her the first Black woman to win in a lead TV comedy category.
Did Julia use a laugh track during its original run?
Unusually for its era, Julia did not use a laugh track during its original NBC broadcast from 1968 to 1971. However, when 20th Century-Fox Television reissued the series for syndication and cable in the late 1980s, a laugh track was added — a decision that altered the show's original tone.
Who created the Julia TV series?
Julia was created by Hal Kanter, a veteran Hollywood writer and producer who also served as the show's executive producer and lead writer. Kanter developed the series with the deliberate intention of presenting a positive, professional African American female lead at a pivotal moment in American civil rights history.
Did Julia win any awards or receive major recognition?
Diahann Carroll's performance earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Comedy or Musical in 1969, a historic win. Carroll was also nominated for an Emmy Award for her role. The series itself was widely recognized as a landmark in American television representation and diversity.
What are some shows similar to Julia?
If you enjoyed Julia, you might also like One Day at a Time (1975), Alice (1976), Reba (2001), and black-ish (2014). These series share Julia's spirit of centering resilient, resourceful women or families navigating everyday life with humor, warmth, and a touch of social commentary.
More About Julia
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