The highly anticipated Sex and the City spinoff series, And Just Like That, is set to return for a third season, and fans are already buzzing with excitement. The original series, which aired from 1998 to 2004, followed the dating adventures of Carrie and her friends in New York City. It has since expanded into two movies and now continues with the new series on Max.
And Just Like That has generated a lot of discussion for various reasons. From the shocking death of Mr. Big in the series premiere to Samantha's absence and the split between Miranda and Steve, fans have been vocal about their opinions on the show's changes. Showrunner Michael Patrick King has acknowledged the mixed reactions but stands by the show's decision to take risks and reinvent itself.
While King pays attention to the feedback on social media, he focuses more on the overall sentiments rather than getting caught up in every detail. He recognizes that some viewers love the show, while others have strong criticisms. He understands that it's impossible to please everyone and appreciates the passionate engagement from the audience.
Despite the early renewal for a third season in August 2023, viewers will have to wait a bit longer for new episodes. The series production was delayed due to strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) over labor disputes with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Though the strikes were resolved by the end of that year, the premiere of And Just Like That has been pushed to 2025.
As for the second season finale, several storylines were left hanging. Carrie and Aidan decided to part ways once again after rekindling their romance, leaving their future uncertain. Miranda and Steve found common ground and agreed to be friends following their divorce, while Miranda also reached a better place with her recent ex, Che Diaz. Anthony struggled with commitment but found a newfound sense of freedom after learning about Stanford's unexpected life change. Nya had professional success but faced challenges in her personal life, hinting at a possible romance. Lisa Todd Wexley dealt with a heartbreaking miscarriage, and Seema made a decision to wait for her boyfriend while he embarked on a five-month movie shoot.
There have been some notable changes to the cast as well. Sara Ramirez, who played Che Diaz, was reportedly dropped from the show due to their character being disliked by viewers. Ramirez has been vocal about their support for Palestinians in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, and they called out the industry for punishing actors who express such opinions. However, Max has not confirmed Ramirez's exit or return.
Another surprise was the limited presence of Aidan, played by John Corbett, who returned to the show after much anticipation. In the season 2 finale, Aidan returned home to Virginia to take care of his teenage sons after the youngest got into an accident. He asked Carrie to wait for him to permanently move back to New York in five years. Aidan acknowledged his role as a father and expressed his belief that bad things happen when he's not there for his sons. While Carrie and Aidan spent the night together before his departure, their future remains uncertain.
One significant absence from the series is Samantha Jones, portrayed by Kim Cattrall. Cattrall opted out of the Max show due to reported tensions between her and Sarah Jessica Parker. Although Cattrall initially had no plans to reprise her role as Samantha, she ultimately filmed a cameo appearance for the second season. It is unclear if she will make any further appearances in the upcoming seasons.
Showrunner Michael Patrick King has dropped hints about what's in store for the third season. He mentioned a scene featuring Carrie and Seema on a beach in Greece, suggesting that it offers a glimpse into the show's next chapter. King implied that their conversation about love and waiting indicates that Carrie's timeline with Aidan might not stretch to five years. He also teased that there may be new romantic possibilities for Carrie in the future.
Nicole Ari Parker, who plays Lisa Todd Wexley, expressed her desire to explore her character's relationship with her husband, Chris Jackson's character, Herbert, in future seasons. She hopes to see more screen time for their dynamic.
Although specific details about the third season and its casting are kept under wraps, it has been revealed that the cast will start working on new episodes in May 2024. Nicole Ari Parker mentioned that she is sworn to secrecy about the upcoming storylines, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the surprises that await them.
As fans await the return of And Just Like That, the discussions and speculations about the show's future continue. With its mix of familiar characters and new storylines, the series promises to deliver an intriguing and compelling continuation of the beloved Sex and the City universe.
