Lessons in Chemistry Cast
Set in the 1950s and 60s, Lessons in Chemistry follows Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant scientist whose career is derailed by sexism. After becoming a single mother, she reluctantly becomes the host of a TV cooking show, using it as a platform to teach women about chemistry and empower them to change the status quo.
Main Cast
Brie Larson
Elizabeth Zott
8 episodes
Lewis Pullman
Calvin Evans
8 episodes
Aja Naomi King
Harriet Sloane
8 episodes
Stephanie Koenig
Fran Frask
8 episodes
Patrick Walker
Curtis Wakely
8 episodes
Thomas Mann
Beau Brassard
8 episodes
Kevin Sussman
Walter Pine
8 episodes
Beau Bridges
Wilson
7 episodes
Supporting Cast - Hastings Research Institute
| Actor | Character | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Derek Cecil | Dr. Robert Donatti | Institute director |
| Andy Daly | Dr. Lloyd | Research scientist |
| Paul F. Tompkins | Phil Lebowitz | TV producer |
| Geoffrey Owens | Reverend Wakely | Curtis's father |
| Rainn Wilson | Bishop | Calvin's mentor |
| August Blanco Rosenstein | Young Mad | Elizabeth's daughter (child) |
| Alice Halsey | Mad Zott | Elizabeth's daughter (teen) |
TV Show Production Staff
| Actor | Character | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Bruno Oliver | Dr. Mason | Scientist |
| Linara Washington | Francine | Harriet's friend |
| Blue Chapman | Amanda Pine | Walter's daughter |
| Andrea Frankle | Mrs. Mudford | Neighbor |
| LisaGay Hamilton | Judge Harrison | Court official |
Recurring & Guest Cast
| Actor | Character | Episode/Role |
|---|---|---|
| Brad Garrett | Dr. Meyers | Department head |
| Emily Swallow | Mrs. Brassard | Beau's mother |
| Adam Bartley | Camera Operator | TV crew |
| Madeline Zima | Jennifer | Secretary |
| Conway Tearle | Junior Scientist | Lab assistant |
| Veanne Cox | Miss Frask | Fran's mother |
| Rosemarie DeWitt | Linda | Neighbor |
Voice & Animal Cast
| Actor/Animal | Character | Role |
|---|---|---|
| B.J. Novak | Six-Thirty (voice) | Elizabeth's dog (narrator) |
| Gus | Six-Thirty | Dog performer |
| Multiple dogs | Six-Thirty | Various scenes |
Production Team
| Role | Name | Notable Work |
|---|---|---|
| Creator/Showrunner | Lee Eisenberg | The Office, Little America |
| Based on Novel by | Bonnie Garmus | Lessons in Chemistry (2022) |
| Executive Producer | Brie Larson | Lead actress/producer |
| Executive Producer | Susannah Grant | Erin Brockovich, Unbelievable |
| Executive Producers | Jason Bateman, Michael Costigan | Ozark, Bates Motel |
| Directors | Sarah Adina Smith, Bert & Bertie | Multiple episodes |
| Composer | Carlos Rafael Rivera | The Queen's Gambit |
| Cinematographer | Jason Oldak | Period visual specialist |
| Production Designer | Cat Smith | Lovecraft Country |
| Costume Designer | Mirren Gordon-Crozier | 1950s period specialist |
| Production Companies | Aggregate Films, Apple Studios | Endeavor Content |
Awards & Recognition
- Critics' Choice Television Awards - Best Actress in a Drama Series (Brie Larson - Nominated)
- Screen Actors Guild Awards - Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor (Brie Larson - Nominated)
- Golden Globe Awards - Best Limited Series (Nominated)
- Golden Globe Awards - Best Actress in a Limited Series (Brie Larson - Nominated)
- Emmy Awards 2024 - Outstanding Limited Series (Nominated)
- Emmy Awards - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series (Brie Larson - Nominated)
- Producers Guild Awards - Best Limited Series
- Directors Guild Awards - Outstanding Directing (Nominated)
- Writers Guild Awards - Best Adapted Limited Series (Nominated)
- Art Directors Guild Awards - Excellence in Production Design for a Period Series
- Costume Designers Guild Awards - Excellence in Period Television
Cultural Impact & Reception
Lessons in Chemistry became Apple TV+'s most-watched drama debut, bringing Bonnie Garmus's bestselling novel to life with Brie Larson's powerful performance as Elizabeth Zott. The series resonated with audiences for its timely exploration of sexism in STEM fields, single motherhood, and women's empowerment, all wrapped in a stylish 1950s-60s period setting.
The show's unique narrative device of having the family dog Six-Thirty provide voiceover narration (voiced by B.J. Novak) added whimsy while maintaining the novel's distinctive charm. Larson, who also served as executive producer, performed her own cooking scenes and learned basic chemistry for the role. The series sparked renewed discussions about women in science and the historical erasure of female contributions to scientific advancement. The cooking show segments within the show became viral sensations, with viewers recreating Elizabeth's recipes that cleverly incorporated chemistry lessons. The series' success has led to increased interest in STEM education for girls and women.