The beloved Sex and the City universe is officially closing its final chapter. HBO Max’s revival series, And Just Like That…, has concluded after three seasons, marking a definitive end to the nearly three-decade-long New York narrative. This news prompted a wave of emotional reactions from the cast, with stars Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis sharing particularly heartfelt sentiments, expressing profound sadness and gratitude for the journey. Their statements, alongside those from Sarah Jessica Parker and other cast members, paint a picture of deep connection to the iconic franchise and its devoted fanbase.
The Final Curtain Falls on And Just Like That…
Showrunner Michael Patrick King confirmed the conclusion of And Just Like That… during the final stages of writing its third season. He revealed the decision was made to ensure the show ended on a “wonderful place to stop,” allowing the “ongoing storytelling of the Sex and the City universe” to find its natural close. This announcement was deliberately delayed to prevent the word “final” from overshadowing the enjoyment of the current season’s remaining episodes. Fans now face a definitive farewell to Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and their expanding circle.
The Sex and the City franchise began with its original HBO series (1998-2004), followed by two theatrical films in 2008 and 2010. And Just Like That… premiered on HBO Max in 2021, reuniting original stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis. While it introduced new characters and plotlines, its conclusion signifies that this extensive multimedia universe, which captivated audiences for 27 years, has reached its complete and final chapter. The series is set to air its two-part finale on August 7th and August 14th.
Heartfelt Farewells from the Core Trio
The news of And Just Like That‘s ending immediately brought forth emotional tributes from its leading ladies. Each expressed a unique blend of sorrow, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for the show’s enduring legacy.
Sarah Jessica Parker’s Poignant Reflection
Sarah Jessica Parker, who has embodied Carrie Bradshaw for nearly three decades, shared a lengthy and poetic Instagram tribute. Accompanied by a three-and-a-half-minute slideshow of franchise images, Parker reflected on Carrie as a character who “crossed streets, avenues, and Rubicons,” “broke hearts, heels, and habits.” She highlighted Carrie’s devotion to “hats, books, shoes, friends and the promise of a new day,” describing her as someone who “worn shame, pride, honor, optimism and literally countless dresses, skirts, tutus.”
Parker expressed immense gratitude to her original co-stars, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, and even Kim Cattrall, stating, “there will never be better friends.” She also praised the “most divine new connections” formed with new additions Sarita Choudhury (Seema) and Nicole Ari Parker (Lisa Todd Wexley). Emphasizing her profound personal connection, Parker revealed, “Carrie Bradshaw has dominated my professional heartbeat for 27 years. I think I have loved her most of all.” She acknowledged the fans’ complex emotions for Carrie, calling their collective feelings “the greatest soundtrack and most consequential companion.” Parker described AJLT as “all joy, adventure, the greatest kind of hard work,” concluding that she is “better for every single day I spent with you. It will be forever before I forget. The whole thing.”
Cynthia Nixon’s Farewell to a “Wild Beautiful Ride”
Cynthia Nixon, known as Miranda Hobbes, also shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. She conveyed disbelief that the “wild beautiful And Just Like That ride is almost over.” Nixon described the entire experience as “such a delight from start to finish.” She expressed how much she would “miss working with these people everyday SO incredibly much,” but affirmed that the cast would “always be a part of each other’s lives.” Nixon further amplified Sarah Jessica Parker’s tribute video, adding, “I could watch this again and again… for the quarter century of memories and friendships.” She also teased “surprises” for the upcoming two-part series finale.
Kristin Davis: “Profoundly Sad” but Grateful
Kristin Davis, who portrayed Charlotte York, echoed a deep sense of sorrow regarding the show’s conclusion. She admitted to being “profoundly sad” in her Instagram post. Davis highlighted the collaborative effort behind the series, expressing her love for “our whole beautiful cast and crew.” She specifically acknowledged the “400 artisans working hard on our show with deep love.” Davis extended heartfelt thanks to the show’s “loyal fans,” assuring them, “we love you forever and ever.” She later re-shared Nixon’s post, stating that there were “not enough words to describe” her affection for Sarah Jessica Parker and Nixon.
Beyond the Core: Other Cast Reactions
The emotional outpouring extended beyond the original trio, with newer additions to the And Just Like That… family also sharing their reflections on the show’s impact.
Nicole Ari Parker’s Joyful Tribute
Nicole Ari Parker, who joined the cast as Lisa Todd Wexley, shared her positive experience working on the revival. She expressed it was “An honor and a joy to be a part of this iconic family.” Parker specifically thanked showrunner Michael Patrick King, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon, along with the “extraordinary writers and producers.” She concluded that her time on the show was “Just Like That: Amazing.”
Kim Cattrall’s Cryptic Message
Kim Cattrall, who famously did not return as Samantha Jones for the majority of the revival but made a brief Season 2 cameo, posted a more subtle message. She shared a cryptic Instagram post: “It’s the end of a very long week ❤️💋,” accompanied by a photo of a sunset over water. Given her limited involvement in And Just Like That…, this remark offered a distinct and widely noted perspective on the show’s ending. Despite her absence from the full series, Cattrall has previously spoken fondly of her role as Samantha, indicating her pride in the character she created.
Behind the Decision: Why And Just Like That… Ended
While Michael Patrick King framed the conclusion as a creative decision, several factors likely contributed to the show’s definitive end. These include a mix of critical reception, viewership trends, and production costs.
Navigating Public Criticism
And Just Like That… faced significant criticism, particularly for its perceived “insufferably woke” elements and at times confusing character development. Reviews described the series as “lightweight and shallow,” “unimaginative and dull,” and criticized its “unrealistic dialogue.” Characters, particularly Miranda Hobbes and her non-binary love interest Che Diaz, drew strong reactions, with some critics suggesting Che “single-handedly set back non-binary representation 70 years.” Comedian Bobby Lee, who appeared in earlier seasons, also publicly stated the spinoff suffered from “woke elements” that were later reduced. Viewers lamented the apparent lack of character growth despite two decades passing, with instances like Carrie repeating “the same mistakes with Aidan she once made with Big.”
The Financial Realities
Beyond the critical discourse, production costs likely played a significant role in the series’ conclusion. Insiders speculated that And Just Like That… was “simply becoming too expensive” to produce. Coupled with reports of “steadily dropping” viewership ratings from season to season, the economics of continuing a high-budget series with declining engagement likely contributed to the decision to wrap up the show.
The Legacy and Finality of the Sex and the City Universe
The conclusion of And Just Like That… marks a pivotal moment for the Sex and the City franchise. What began as a groundbreaking exploration of female friendships, love, and life in New York City is now officially drawing to a close. The collective sentiment from the cast, from Parker’s poetic gratitude to Davis’s “profound sadness,” underscores the deep emotional connection they developed with their characters and the universe over decades. While the revival faced its share of critiques, its ending solidifies the entire Sex and the City universe as a complete narrative project, leaving behind a lasting cultural footprint on how women’s stories are told on screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was “And Just Like That” canceled?
And Just Like That… was not canceled in the traditional sense, but rather brought to a deliberate conclusion by showrunner Michael Patrick King. While King stated it felt like “a wonderful place to stop” the story, underlying factors included significant public criticism for perceived “woke” elements and character development, reportedly dropping viewership ratings, and high production costs, making the series increasingly expensive to continue.
Which original “Sex and the City” cast members reacted to the AJLT ending?
Sarah Jessica Parker (Carrie Bradshaw), Cynthia Nixon (Miranda Hobbes), and Kristin Davis (Charlotte York) all shared heartfelt reactions to the conclusion of And Just Like That…. Parker posted a lengthy, poetic tribute reflecting on Carrie’s 27-year impact. Nixon expressed disbelief and delight in the “wild beautiful ride.” Davis conveyed “profound sadness” and love for the cast and crew. Kim Cattrall (Samantha Jones) also posted a cryptic message following the news.
Does the “And Just Like That” cancellation mean the end of the entire “Sex and the City” universe?
Yes, according to showrunner Michael Patrick King, the conclusion of And Just Like That… marks the definitive end of “the ongoing storytelling of the Sex and the City universe.” This means that after the original series, two movies, and the three seasons of And Just Like That…, there are no further plans for continuation within this specific narrative franchise.
The And Just Like That… conclusion is more than just a show ending; it’s the final chapter for a cultural phenomenon that has spanned generations. The heartfelt goodbyes from the cast highlight the deep personal and professional connections forged within this beloved universe. While the series faced its challenges, its end prompts reflection on its enduring legacy and the indelible mark it has left on popular culture.
