I’m a huge fan of the Lessons in Chemistry book – but I had one big fear for the TV show-Pierra Willix-Entertainment – Metro

The Lessons in Chemistry adaptation is finally here (Picture: Apple TV/ Michael Becker)

Before the book even hit shelves, Lessons in Chemistry had already been snapped up to be turned into a TV series.

The debut novel of author Bonnie Garmus, it told the story of Elizabeth Zott, a beloved cooking show host in 1960s California who underwent a drastic career change after being fired as a chemist a decade earlier.

Since being released in April last year, the book has sold an incredible 2.5 million copies around the world.

So, it’s safe to say that anticipation has been high to see how the story would be translated to screen.

After racing through the page-turner over the course of a few days, I was nervous about whether the adaptation would impress, but after also binging the TV show, I’m happy to report Lessons in Chemistry has perfected the formula.

Starring the perfectly cast Brie Larson as Elizabeth, the actress embodies the sometimes blunt and deadpan character that many readers grew to love from the book.

The series stars Brie Larson as chemist-turned-TV host Elizabeth Zott (Picture: Apple)

As she battles sexism in her male-dominated workplace and does her best to push back against colleagues both questioning her intelligence and taking credit for her ground-breaking work, Elizabeth never strays from her aspirations despite coming up against many setbacks.

When she meets the brilliant and celebrated chemist Calvin Evans (Lewis Pullman) the two don’t quite gel, but they eventually become both personal and professional partners, until tragedy strikes and rips them apart.

Although the novel may have been written off by some as a delectable chick-lit read, the series also proves that perceived female pursuits such as cooking can be the realm of incredibly intelligent women, many of whom discover a new love for chemistry in this case.

The love story between her and Calvin (Lewis Pullman) is recreated (Picture: Apple)

When Supper at Six launches, Elizabeth refuses to bow to the demands of her boss who wants her to simply look pretty and dish out some easy recipes.

Using her scientific knowledge, she carves out a niche, whilst also empowering women to follow their dreams, and instructing their children to set the table each night to give their mother’s ‘a moment to herself’.

Elizabeth might be a progressive in her era also benefitting from her beauty, but she is also not given an easy ride when it comes to tacking other pervasive problems of her time, including racism and intersectional feminism.

Making Elizabeth confront her privilege makes for powerful scenes as the protagonist must decide just how far she is willing to go to advocate for not just herself, but all other women, actions that are spurred on by her neighbour and eventual confidant Harriett (Aja Naomi King).

Elizabeth is celebrated for fighting to empower women during the 1960s(Picture: Apple)

While no man is an island, it becomes clear that Elizabeth has largely travelled through life alone and seeing her break down the walls she’s built up over the years, which also involves a search for her late partner’s family, does work to make her more ‘likeable’ to the audience.

But despite her hard exterior, the true beauty of Elizabeth is that she is largely an anti-heroine throughout most of the series, refusing to turn on a smile or please people just because it might be expected.

Some elements of magical realism also add some spice to the storyline, with an episode narrated by Elizabeth’s beloved dog Six Thirty (BJ Novak) who holds himself responsible for protecting the family.

The mid-century aesthetics of the show also make the world which Elizabeth inhabits shine, even though there are some ugly elements and people who do pop up from time to time.

Her beloved dog Six Thirty also takes control narrating an episode(Picture: Apple)

Despite the challenges Elizabeth and the other characters come up against, the series is an uplifting watch that has clearly been created with the intention to spur a sense of empowerment for the audience.

There’s a chance some people may view it as an easy watch that is soon forgotten about, but like the book there’s a strong likelihood the story will stay firmly embedded in the hearts and minds of many.

While there’s no doubt Lessons in Chemistry already has a loyal audience ready to lap up whatever is served based on their love of the book, it’s a relief the final dish is as satisfying as hoped.

Now, it’s time to tuck in!

Lessons in Chemistry is now streaming on Apple TV Plus.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : It’s over 50 years since Judy Blume wrote her world-famous novel about periods, so how do we feel about them now?

MORE : Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown already planning to turn new novel Nineteen Steps into a movie

Entertainment – MetroRead More