When HBO’s iconic show Sex and the City first aired in 1998, it redefined television for women, relationships, and urban lifestyle storytelling. The series wasn’t just about fashion and cocktails; it was a bold cultural statement about love, independence, and female friendship in a modern city. Over six seasons and two movies, Carrie Bradshaw, Miranda Hobbes, Charlotte York, and Samantha Jones became household names.
So, when HBO Max announced the revival series And Just Like That in 2021, fans across the world were thrilled. It was marketed as a nostalgic yet fresh continuation of the SATC universe. However, after two seasons, it is evident that And Just Like That failed to capture the same magic that made Sex and the City a phenomenon.
But why? Let’s explore the real reasons behind the show’s struggle to live up to its legendary predecessor.
1. Missing the Spark of Samantha Jones Sex and the City
One of the most obvious reasons was the absence of Kim Cattrall’s Samantha Jones. In Sex and the City, Samantha wasn’t just another character—she was the unapologetic, sexually liberated, and fiercely independent voice that balanced Carrie’s romanticism, Miranda’s practicality, and Charlotte’s traditionalism.
Without her, the show lost:
- Comic relief: Samantha’s witty one-liners were iconic.
- Bold storytelling: Her storylines pushed boundaries around sexuality and feminism.
- Friendship dynamic: The quartet’s chemistry felt incomplete with only three women.
Although the writers attempted to explain her absence through a long-distance rift, fans felt the gap acutely. The brief cameo in Season 2 didn’t fill the void—her energy was simply irreplaceable Sex and the City.
2. Forced “Wokeness” and Political Correctness
While Sex and the City was groundbreaking in the late 1990s, it wasn’t flawless. Critics often pointed out its lack of racial diversity, LGBTQ+ representation, and overemphasis on consumerism. When creating And Just Like That, the writers tried to “fix” these criticisms by introducing diverse characters and tackling modern social issues.
Unfortunately, instead of being organic, these additions often felt forced and tokenistic. For example:
- New characters like Che Diaz were intended to bring inclusivity but ended up being divisive among fans.
- Conversations about gender, race, and identity often felt more like lectures than natural dialogue.
- The shift from witty banter to heavy-handed “wokeness” made the series feel preachy.
Representation is important, but fans argued that And Just Like That prioritized ticking boxes over authentic storytelling.
3. Carrie Bradshaw’s Evolution Felt Unconvincing
In Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw was relatable despite her flaws. She was messy, romantic, confused, and searching for love—qualities that made her human. In And Just Like That, Carrie is older, wealthier, and supposedly wiser, yet her storylines often felt disconnected.
- Her grief arc after Mr. Big’s death started strong but fizzled out without emotional depth.
- Her return to dating felt rushed and sometimes awkwardly written.
- Instead of evolving, Carrie seemed stuck between nostalgia and confusion, leaving fans unsatisfied.
Viewers wanted to see Carrie mature into her 50s with the same charm she had in her 30s, but the writing didn’t deliver.
4. Awkward Character Development
The revival attempted to show how each character had grown, but the execution was clumsy:
- Miranda Hobbes: Once the sharp, ambitious lawyer, she was turned into a character fumbling through midlife crises, leaving fans frustrated at her sudden lack of direction.
- Charlotte York: Still obsessed with appearances and perfection, Charlotte’s character development felt stagnant rather than evolved.
- New Characters: Despite good intentions, newcomers like Lisa Todd Wexley and Seema Patel often seemed underdeveloped, as if they were added to fill gaps rather than enhance the story.
This inconsistent writing made old fans disconnect and new viewers unimpressed.
5. The Fashion Lost Its Edge
One of the hallmarks of Sex and the City was its fashion-forward identity. Patricia Field’s styling made the show a trendsetter, influencing fashion globally. Whether it was Carrie’s tutu in the opening credits or Manolo Blahnik heels, fashion was as important as the characters themselves.
In And Just Like That:
- The outfits often felt over-the-top and impractical rather than aspirational.
- Some looks appeared more like costumes than genuine fashion statements.
- Without the same stylistic consistency, fashion lost its role as a “character” in the story.
For a show that once set trends, this was a big disappointment.
6. Lack of Strong Storytelling
At its core, SATC worked because of sharp writing and relatable themes—dating struggles, heartbreak, career dilemmas, and friendship conflicts. And Just Like That, however, lacked the same narrative pull.
- Episodes often meandered without clear direction.
- Story arcs were abandoned or resolved too quickly.
- The emotional connection felt missing, leaving fans disengaged.
Instead of meaningful storytelling, the revival leaned heavily on nostalgia and name recognition. But nostalgia alone cannot sustain a series.
7. Shifting Audience Expectations
Another reason behind the failure is that the audience has changed since the 1990s. Viewers today consume content differently, with shows like Fleabag, Insecure, and Girls already redefining how women’s stories are told.
Compared to these modern narratives, And Just Like That felt outdated and disconnected. While SATC was revolutionary in its time, the revival struggled to strike a balance between being progressive and staying true to its roots.
8. The Absence of Authentic Humor
SATC thrived on humor mixed with vulnerability. The witty exchanges, awkward dating situations, and relatable missteps made the show timeless. In contrast, And Just Like That lacked this charm.
- Attempts at humor often fell flat.
- Dialogues were heavy, serious, and sometimes cringe-worthy.
- The fun element—the very soul of SATC—was missing.
Without humor, the revival leaned too much on drama, which alienated fans who loved the lightheartedness of the original.
9. The Burden of Nostalgia
Expectations were sky-high because SATC wasn’t just a show—it was a cultural phenomenon. Fans expected And Just Like That to recreate that magic while also showing how the characters had aged gracefully.
But nostalgia can be a double-edged sword:
- If too much is changed, loyal fans feel betrayed.
- If too little is changed, it feels repetitive and outdated.
The revival struggled to find the right balance, leaving both long-time fans and new audiences unsatisfied.
10. Cultural Relevance vs. Cultural Legacy
Sex and the City shaped pop culture in the late ’90s and early 2000s. It started conversations about single women, dating, and sexual freedom in ways no show had done before.
And Just Like That, however, has not made any significant cultural impact. While it aimed to modernize the narrative with diversity and inclusivity, it lacked the boldness, freshness, and relatability that SATC had.
Instead of creating a new legacy, the show lived in the shadow of its past glory.
Lessons for Future Revivals
The failure of And Just Like That offers valuable lessons for creators attempting to revive beloved shows:
- Respect Original Characters: Fans want evolution, not character assassination.
- Balance Nostalgia and Freshness: Revivals should honor the past while telling new, relevant stories.
- Authenticity Over Tokenism: Inclusivity must feel natural, not forced.
- Strong Writing First: Star power and nostalgia can’t replace good storytelling.
- Don’t Forget the Fun: Light-hearted moments are essential, especially for shows rooted in humor and friendship.
Conclusion
Sex and the City was a trailblazer that redefined television and inspired millions of women globally. And Just Like That tried to carry forward this legacy but stumbled due to weak storytelling, missing chemistry, forced modernity, and the absence of Samantha Jones.
While the revival had its moments of nostalgia and glimpses of brilliance, it ultimately failed to capture the heart and humor that made the original iconic.
The truth is, some shows are best left untouched—because their magic belongs to a particular time and place. Sex and the City was lightning in a bottle, and And Just Like That proved just how hard it is to recreate that spark.
