Lessons in Chemistry (2023)

Levy calls the adaptation a resounding success, with only occasional missteps. She especially praises Brie Larson’s nuanced, magnetic performance and the series’ vivid presentation.

Han finds the series imperfect but enjoyable, praising its endearing cast, witty dialogue, and accessible themes. She especially singles out Brie Larson’s open, dryly humorous performance, while criticizing the simplistic politics and uneven subplots.

The review finds the series affecting and worthwhile, though overly gentle and sometimes sentimental. It praises Brie Larson’s performance and the richly realised period setting, while noting that the cooking scenes are especially absorbing.

Mangan finds the series wholly enjoyable and highly watchable, but ultimately feels it wastes an opportunity to offer something fresh. She praises Aja Naomi King’s charismatic performance and the decision to largely remove the talking dog.

Herman finds the series uneven but sees it as a welcome showcase for Brie Larson. She especially praises Larson’s idiosyncratic performance and her affecting chemistry with Lewis Pullman.

The review finds the series an enjoyable, feel-good adaptation that remains somewhat under-seasoned. It especially praises Aja Naomi King’s fully realized portrayal of Harriet Sloane and her compelling storyline.

Jessop finds the series enjoyable but too polished and underdone to make a lasting impression. She praises Brie Larson’s performance and the show’s gorgeous visuals, while criticizing its predictable story and bluntly drawn characters.

The review suggests the series is engaging but somewhat muddled. It praises Brie Larson’s captivating performance while noting the tale feels slightly muddled.

Travers finds the series muddled and exasperating, unable to balance its romance with its other storylines. He praises the central romance, noting that Brie Larson and Lewis Pullman make a cute pair.

Chaney finds the series handsome and entertaining but ultimately inert and insufficiently challenging. She praises Aja Naomi King’s warmth and quiet power as Harriet, while faulting the show for sidelining her story and yielding screen time to a dog’s point of view.

The review finds the series rewarding and praises Brie Larson’s dynamic portrayal of Elizabeth Zott. It also highlights the central romance, while noting that Harriet’s story initially lacks independence and equal weight.

Shunyata finds the series weighed down by too many storylines and an unclear focus, despite its strong beginning. Brie Larson’s performance and Elizabeth’s journey from chemist to cooking-show host stand out as its strengths.

The critic finds the series’ treatment of Six-Thirty frustrating and inconsistent. She praises B.J. Novak’s voice performance but objects to the loss of the dog’s narration and changes that make him seem responsible for Calvin’s death.