Julia largely centers on Julia Child’s journey in the male-dominated world of public television and cuisine. While the show does highlight issues of gender and occasionally brings in topics of race or sexuality, the main focus is on her personality and skills, not purely identity. There are moments where identity themes feel a bit foregrounded but they don’t fully take over the story.

The show addresses traditional gender roles, highlighting the barriers Julia faces but generally with a light touch. It treats family, relationships, and tradition respectfully, though with a modern lens. Masculinity isn’t overtly mocked, but there is an undercurrent of challenging mid-century roles that may feel a bit revisionist to some viewers.

Alternative viewpoints are present but often depicted as outdated or obstacles to be overcome. Most of the characters tend to align ideologically supporting progressive attitudes, though not to an extreme degree. The show doesn’t allow much space for sincere traditional perspectives, but avoids outright caricature.