“Julia” / “Julia”, 2022-…
One of the most engaging and comforting series in recent years, this drama centers on the legendary Julia Child. She taught a nation the nuances of French cooking and proved that it’s never too late to discover a meaningful calling. A diplomat’s wife who lived in France for a time, Child fell in love with French cuisine and, after returning to America, became the host of a cooking show that captured audiences across the nation.
“Julia” is a beautifully shot and richly performed drama where cooking mirrors life in the kitchen. Plans may falter, ingredients can be scarce, yet the heroine turns every setback into progress for herself.
A substantial portion of the narrative also explores the behind-the-scenes world of 1960s television, a period when a fictional Miss Maisel was already becoming a screen icon, while the real Miss Child began to redefine TV itself.
“Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” / “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, 2022
This is a modern take on the 1992 film of the same name, following a widowed cleaner from London in the 1950s who keeps her zest for life intact after losing her husband in the war. When she spots a Dior dress, Ms. Harris longs to visit Paris, walk into a fashion house, and receive a look that serves as a symbol of beauty and reward for all she has endured. From that moment, life seems to bend in her favor, even as she faces numerous challenges along the way.
The project offers an uplifting retro perspective about pursuing dreams, much like the energy of the Marvelous Miss Maisel series where hardship often becomes fuel for wit and resilience.
“Cheats” / “Cheats”, 2021-…
In recent years, stories about female stand-up artists have become a staple in television. Following Miss Maisel, the show Cheats presents humor as a healing force for emotional wounds.
The central figure is Deborah Vance, a legendary comedian whose career spans decades and who still commands a massive audience. But times change, and the creators push her to refresh her act and update her repertoire if she wants to endure.
Joining Vance is Ava, a young writer who lands as her assistant. Her sharp jokes sometimes threaten to derail her own growing career, and the series follows how fear of loss and a stubborn pride bind these two generations of women.
The on-screen partnership between Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder nods to the dynamics between Maisel and Susie, and even though the settings differ, both shows celebrate talented, witty women who can carry a stand-up set or sustain a long-running series.
“Lenny” / “Lenny”, 1974
Lenny Bruce’s influence looms large in the life of the mentor-turned-affectionate figure around the main character, yet the film itself does not delve deeply into the real-life prototype. Bob Fosse’s reconstructions in the film imagery fill that gap, presenting a black-and-white portrait of a comedian who reshaped a genre and forced audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about humor and pain. The picture suggests that sometimes the loudest laughter is born from the deepest hurt.
“I’m dying of laughter” / “I’m dying here”, 2017-2018
A retrospective look at the stand-up world behind the spotlight, this series follows the lives of performers at a Los Angeles club in the 1970s. It focuses less on the acts and more on what happens when the audience leaves and the stage lights go down.
Jim Carrey serves as a producer, bringing his own experience with fame, depression, and artistic expression to the project. The show paints a candid portrait of a community where the humor often masks struggle, reminding viewers that the work of making people laugh can be emotionally demanding.
“Coket” / “Minks”, 2022
Set once again in 1970s Los Angeles, the story follows Joyce, a hopeful feminist who aspires to build a platform for strong female voices from her youth. When print shops overlook her concerns about pay and violence at home, she partners with publisher Doug to launch the first female-focused erotica magazine for a mass audience. Joyce charges ahead, challenging the status quo and helping usher in a new era for women in media.
“Nolly” / “Nolly”, 2023
The series centers on actress Noel Gordon at the height of her fame, who faces betrayal when she is abruptly dismissed by the network after years on the hit show Crossroads. Helena Bonham Carter portrays the determined star whose life is tempered by a dramatic upheaval as she works to rebuild her career. Nolly emphasizes how important it is to reach the top and, just as crucially, to stay there.
“Shine” / “Glitter”, 2017-2019
What begins as a wild and joyful carnival becomes a heartfelt journey about a group of women who, through a televised wrestling competition, seek a breakout hit for their show. They push boundaries, create bold stage personas, and let the writers carry the narrative—turning a quirky premise into a memorable television experience.
“Funny Girl” / “Funny Woman”, 2023
A distinctive riff on Miss Maisel, this tale follows a British heroine who grows up in the town of Blackpool in the 1960s. Barbara Parker aims to be more than a pretty face; she aspires to make people laugh on screen, inspired by Lucille Ball’s comic legacy. Her journey takes her to London, where she battles gender stereotypes and a male-dominated TV industry to pursue stardom.
“As Ricardo” / “Being Ricardo”, 2021
Aaron Sorkin’s biographical drama chronicles a challenging week in the life of Lucille Ball, the beloved star of the 60s and the mind behind I Love Lucy. When the Un-American Activities Committee scrutinizes her, Ball fights to protect her marriage, reputation, and the show that defined a generation. Like Maisel, Ball’s life is a blend of multitasking genius and personal resilience that keeps the world turning around her.