The beloved “Sex and the City” universe, reimagined as “And Just Like That,” is officially concluding its narrative journey with the culmination of its third season. This highly anticipated revival, which premiered in 2021, has charted new emotional and professional territory for its iconic characters, drawing both fervent praise and critical discussion from its dedicated fanbase.
The decision to conclude the series was a deliberate one, made collaboratively by showrunner Michael Patrick King, alongside HBO executives Casey Bloys and Sarah Aubrey. King revealed that during the writing of the third season’s final episode, it became evident that this moment presented a natural and poignant endpoint for the ongoing storytelling.
To provide a comprehensive conclusion, the third season was extended from its initial 10-episode order to 12, culminating in a special two-part finale. The announcement of the series’ finality was strategically delayed to ensure viewers could fully immerse themselves in the unfolding drama without the weight of impending closure overshadowing the season’s progression.
“And Just Like That” brought back fan favorites Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw, Cynthia Nixon as Miranda Hobbes, and Kristin Davis as Charlotte York. Their return allowed viewers to reconnect with the enduring friendships and complex lives that defined the original “Sex and the City” phenomenon, exploring new challenges and evolutions for the trio.
Notably, Kim Cattrall, who famously portrayed Samantha Jones, opted not to rejoin the main cast. However, she made a brief, highly anticipated appearance in a 2023 episode, filmed independently of the main cast, a moment that sparked considerable conversation among long-time followers of the franchise and its evolution without her prominent presence.
The final season introduced new faces and storylines, further enriching the ensemble. Logan Marshall-Green appeared as Adam, a new love interest for Seema, while Dolly Wells gained increased screen time as Joy, who developed a romance with Miranda. These additions aimed to expand the narrative scope and introduce fresh dynamics.
The series also navigated network transitions, initially premiering on HBO Max, then shifting to Max mid-run, and returning to HBO Max for its conclusion. Sarah Jessica Parker, reflecting on her 27-year journey with the character of Carrie Bradshaw, expressed profound gratitude on Instagram, acknowledging the deep connection fans shared with the character.
Cynthia Nixon, who portrayed Miranda, shared her sadness on Instagram, extending her love to the cast, crew, and loyal fans, emphasizing the collaborative effort of the 400 artisans involved. Kristin Davis, who embodied Charlotte, also shared her disbelief that the “wild beautiful ride” was ending, expressing how much she would miss her colleagues and hinting at surprises in the final episodes.
Throughout its run, “And Just Like That” faced a range of reactions, often appraised as middling or mixed by long-time enthusiasts, with many longing for Kim Cattrall’s full return or the “old magic” of the original series. The conclusion now invites reflection on the revival’s place in the larger legacy of the “Sex and the City” universe.
