Elizabeth Zott, once a research chemist, has an unmistakable demeanor suggesting she is far from average.
Her daughter, Madeline, makes a friend in Amanda Pine by sharing her superior, homemade lunches with her.
Mysteriously, Madeline starts losing weight, and Elizabeth investigates, suspecting that her daughter's nutritionally calculated lunches should be sufficient.
Upon discovering Amanda eating Madeline's food, Elizabeth confronts Amanda's father, Walter Pine, at his workplace—a TV studio.
Elizabeth informs Pine that his daughter is falsely befriending Madeline for her lunches. Pine, taken aback by Elizabeth's striking appearance and manner, mistakes her for an actress.
Elizabeth vents about the importance of nutritious food and the lack of widespread culinary education while Pine, intrigued, accidentally pitches the idea of a cooking show.
The show "Supper at Six" is launched with Elizabeth as the host. Though she is a chemist by trade, she accepts the role for financial reasons and her child's welfare.
Elizabeth's genuine and serious approach to cooking on the show earned her rapid popularity and made "Supper at Six" an institution within two years.
Vice President Lyndon Johnson comments on the show, suggesting that people should watch Elizabeth for her culinary expertise.
On the show, Elizabeth focuses on simple, nutritious recipes, adhering to a straightforward philosophy on food and ending with a message for children to help their mothers.
Despite her success, a prominent reporter nicknamed her "Luscious Lizzie," which Elizabeth and her daughter Madeline felt reduced her true scientific talent.
Elizabeth reflects on how her life reached this point and acknowledges that the pivotal change in her life was due to Calvin Evans.