The late 1960s was a time of great cultural change.
The civil rights movement is in full swing, demanding changes in institutions that have long supported systemic racism, including the entertainment industry.
Television, often called a mirror to society, has lagged behind in this shift.
Black characters are mostly absent or relegated to subservient roles, reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Enter Julia.
Premiering in 1968, “Julia” broke the mold by centering an educated, middle-class and professional black woman.
Diahann Carroll stars as Julia Baker, a widowed nurse raising her young son Corey after her husband dies in Vietnam.
She’s neither a maid nor a comedic supporting character; she’s the star of her own show.
While the impact of “Julia” may not be as widely recognized today as other seminal series, it remains an important part of television history.
This editorial explores how Julia reshaped television, the cultural wave it created, and why it deserves a place in the pantheon of groundbreaking shows.
In writing this article, it is important to recognize that Julia is a product of her time and reflects a specific historical moment.
While I offer my perspective as a television critic, this article is intended to honor the show’s seminal legacy and acknowledge its importance within the broader context of representation.
By revisiting “Julia,” we can better understand how it helped shape the continued evolution of television storytelling.
Historical context: a landscape that needs to change
In the 1960s, American television was dominated by light-hearted situation comedies such as “Bewitched,” “The Andy Griffith Show” and “I Dream of Jeannie.”
While these shows provided an opportunity for escapism, they largely ignored the reality of the social upheavals of the era.
When they appear, black characters are often relegated to stereotypical roles such as maids (Beulah) or housekeepers (Amos and Andy), thus perpetuating a one-dimensional view of black life.
The broader civil rights movement highlighted the disparity between these depictions and the reality of black Americans’ lives.
From the March on Washington to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the fight for equality made headlines.
Yet television, with its huge cultural influence, remains stubbornly behind the times.
Then Julia came.
NBC took a big risk when greenlighting the show, entering uncharted territory by casting a black woman as the lead in primetime.
Carroll’s Julia Baker is no caricature or stereotype—she’s a completely realistic character who handles the ups and downs of life with humor and grace.
What makes Julia revolutionary
At a time when black women were portrayed almost exclusively in submissive roles, Julia offered a radical alternative.
Julia Baker is a nurse, a profession that symbolizes professionalism and compassion. She was educated, self-sufficient, and middle-class—an image that broke barriers for black women to appear on television.
Her home life was equally groundbreaking.
As a widowed mother, Julia’s relationship with her son Corey is at the heart of the show. Their interactions displayed warmth, humor and mutual respect that resonated with audiences regardless of race.
Julia is characterized not by her struggles but by her humanity, which makes her relatable to a wide audience.
Off the screen, Julia became a cultural icon.
Diahann Carroll’s performance was so iconic that her own Barbie doll immortalized the character – an unprecedented move at the time.
Julia Lunchboxes and other merchandise further cemented the show’s influence, proving its influence extends far beyond the television screen.
These items are more than just toys; They are a representation of Black children finally seeing themselves reflected in a positive light.
One of Julia’s distinguishing features is its lighthearted, apolitical tone. The show doesn’t delve into systemic racism or the social challenges facing black Americans.
For some, this approach made “Julia” accessible to white audiences who might otherwise have ignored it. For others, it was a missed opportunity to reflect the realities of the civil rights era.
Diahann Carroll herself acknowledged this tension, famously saying: “Currently, we are presenting a white black man. And there is almost nothing black about him.
While Carroll’s comment was criticism, it also underscored the show’s importance as a first step in changing perceptions.
Cultural influence and criticism
Diahann Carroll became a trailblazer in Hollywood, earning Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for her role as Julia Baker.
Her success proves that a black woman can run a show, giving Phylicia Rashad (“The Cosby Show”), Tracee Ellis Ross (“Black-ish”) and Issa Rae (“The Cosby Show”) Insecure”) and other future stars paved the way.
While Julia is widely praised for breaking barriers, she is not without her critics.
Critics argue that the show’s colorblind approach sanitizes the black experience and obscures the challenges facing black Americans.
Some view the absence of racial tensions in Julia’s life as a betrayal of authenticity.
Despite this, the show’s influence cannot be underestimated. Julia shows that audiences are ready to accept black characters in leading roles, challenging the industry to expand its horizons.
Without Julia, it’s hard to imagine subsequent successes like “The Cosby Show” or “Black-ish,” both of which centered black families while exploring the complexities of race.
Why Julia deserves recognition today
Julia must be considered a product of her time.
While it doesn’t address every dimension of the black experience—some critics argue it barely scratches the surface—there’s no denying that it opens doors that have long been closed.
The show’s success proved that diverse stories can resonate with mainstream audiences, setting the stage for more nuanced portrayals in the decades to come.
Unlike shows like “All in the Family” or “Good Times,” Julia doesn’t receive the same level of recognition or nostalgia.
The show’s lack of syndication and streaming availability prevents new generations from watching the show.
Despite its groundbreaking achievements, its absence from the cultural conversation has contributed to its underappreciation.
Representation on television remains a pressing issue. Despite progress, the fight for authentic and diverse stories continues.
Julia reminds us how far we have come and how far we still have to go.
Its legacy challenges us to celebrate trailblazers while pushing for greater inclusivity and depth in storytelling.
julia’s lasting impact
Julia is more than just a TV show—it’s a quiet revolution.
By casting black women in professional, non-stereotypical roles, it challenged the status quo and expanded what was possible on television.
While “Julia” isn’t without its flaws, it paves the way for future shows to tell richer, more authentic stories.
Its legacy deserves to be rediscovered and celebrated, not just as a piece of history, but as a milestone in the ongoing journey towards representation and equality.
The question remains: What groundbreaking stories are there waiting to be rediscovered? Let’s not let them disappear without a trace.
Please share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s continue the discussion.
Julia is unfortunately not available on streaming platforms, but you can find episodes on YouTube and purchase them from select classic TV retailers.
