The French Chef

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The French Chef

American television program

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July 23, 2026

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The French Chef was an American television program that aired on public television from 1962 to 1973. Hosted by Julia Child, the show aimed to demystify French cuisine for American home cooks. Child's unpretentious and humorous approach made French cooking accessible and enjoyable, encouraging viewers to experiment in their own kitchens. The program significantly influenced American perspectives on cooking and eating, inspiring a generation to embrace culinary endeavors. The French Chef is credited with popularizing traditional French cuisine in the United States.1

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beef Wellington
…episode of her television show The French Chef, calling it “filet of Wellington beef.” A favourite dish of U.S. Presidents John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon—a recipe is included in the White House cookbook—beef Wellington became a hallmark of fine dining. Its popularity waned in subsequent decades, although in…
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…episode of her television show The French Chef, calling it “filet of Wellington beef.” A favourite dish of U.S. Presidents John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon—a recipe is included in the White House cookbook—beef Wellington became a hallmark of fine dining. Its popularity waned in subsequent decades, although in…
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Today in History—February 11
The French Chef Premiere: When Julia Child Taught America to Cook (and Laugh)
…1963, with the premiere of The French Chef, Julia Child changed cooking—and television—forever.
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…1963, with the premiere of The French Chef, Julia Child changed cooking—and television—forever.
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Public Broadcasting Service
…also drawn to the instructional The French Chef (1963–73), with Julia Child; the political talk show Firing Line (1966–99), hosted by William F. Buckley, Jr.; and the drama anthology Masterpiece Theatre (begun 1971; later Masterpiece), presided over for many years by Alistair Cooke.
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…also drawn to the instructional The French Chef (1963–73), with Julia Child; the political talk show Firing Line (1966–99), hosted by William F. Buckley, Jr.; and the drama anthology Masterpiece Theatre (begun 1971; later Masterpiece), presided over for many years by Alistair Cooke.
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Julia Child
The French Chef, televisions programs, and publications
…Boston’s public television station, and The French Chef premiered on February 11, 1962. The immensely popular show went on to air for 206 episodes broadcast over 10 seasons. It is credited with convincing the American public to try cooking French food at home. With her humor, exuberance, and unpretentiousness, Child…
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…Boston’s public television station, and The French Chef premiered on February 11, 1962. The immensely popular show went on to air for 206 episodes broadcast over 10 seasons. It is credited with convincing the American public to try cooking French food at home. With her humor, exuberance, and unpretentiousness, Child…
Read More