I’ve been a huge fan of "Sex and the City" for years. The show's characters were unapologetically raw, relatable, and fun, and they perfectly captured the vibrant energy of New York City in the '90s. Even now, over two decades later, it still feels incredibly authentic. This is on my mind because its sequel, "And Just Like That...," is concluding its third season, and I have to admit, it's been a tough watch. The writing isn't as sharp, the new characters and storylines often feel forced, the blatant wealth disparity makes the main characters less relatable, and the obvious character betrayals have been frustrating.
So, why do I still watch it every week? For two main reasons. First, the show still gets New York City right. From the iconic locations to the ever-shifting attitudes and trends, it continues to pull me in. Second, it's brave. "And Just Like That..." has the guts to tackle the real, and often messy, issues that people in their late 40s and 50s face. In many ways, the core challenges haven't changed: finding and holding on to love, dealing with loss and death, and navigating sex and health. Few shows handle these topics with such honesty and grace, and it’s a powerful reminder that life can still be really fun, no matter your age.
The biggest takeaway from all of this? Go watch an episode of "Sex and the City." Or any show or movie that is set in New York. It’s a powerful reminder of why the city is the most magical and wild place in the world.
“This used to be the most exciting city in the world, and now it’s nothing but smoking near a fucking open window. New York is over. O-v-e-r. Over. No one’s fun anymore! Whatever happened to fun? God, I’m so bored I could die.” —Lexi Featherston