Warning this blog contains spoilers from the HBO Max series ‘And Just Like That’.
The Sex and the City spin-off … And Just Like That season two will be hitting our screens soon. People have been scrambling, asking how can I watch And Just Like That in the UK, and the good news is it will be available on Sky and Now TV from 22 June 2023.
The original series – which not everyone was a fan of – debuted in 1998 and concluded in 2004. The show, which was followed by two films, was an account of four single women’s antics in New York City.
It explored the women’s sex lives, careers, iconic fashions, and their journey to finding love in their 30s and 40s. The series broke the mold by offering a brash, bold and frankly refreshing portrayal of women.
In the reboot, the women are in their 50s, and many wondered what more the show could say about these characters.
As we await the release of season two, here’s my recap of the first season and the four lessons And Just Like That taught us about women.
#1 And Just Like That – Women can feel invisible
Sex and the City was groundbreaking in showcasing that there is still a vibrant life for women in their 40s. While we grew up with TV shows focused on younger women or girls, such as Girls, 2 Broke Girls or New Girl, the spin-off introduced a generation of women TV often leaves out.
In the first season, Miranda, one of the main characters, expressed feeling overlooked.
The usually outspoken New Yorker appeared to have lost her confidence in her 50s. She was a shadow of her former self. Despite ticking off all the checkboxes in life – having a corporate job, a baby, a marriage, and moving to the suburbs – she felt unseen.
The show highlights that even in the later stages of life when we’re supposed to have it all figured out, women can still feel lost and their most vulnerable.
#2 And Just Like That – Women’s friendships can be complicated
One notable absence in the spin-off series is Samantha, who embodied the ‘sex’ in the city with her liberated sexuality. The burning question was, why didn’t Samantha return to And Just Like That? The show doesn’t shy away from addressing Samantha’s absence, explaining that she relocated to London after a fallout with the lead character, Carrie. This mirrors real-life, as we know that offscreen, Kim Cattrall’s fallout with the cast led to Samantha’s departure from the series.
The absence of Samantha reflects the nature of female friendships: they can be comforting, confusing and complex. Even the closest bonds can fracture over time. However, an exciting plot twist was announced earlier this month—Samantha will return in season two.
#3 And Just Like That – Women must let loved ones lead their lives
Protecting loved ones comes naturally to many women. Charlotte who’s been the group’s nurturing figure over the years, embodies this role. She wants what’s best for her family and friends and isn’t shy about voicing her opinions. But, sometimes our wishes may differ from those of our loved ones.
Charlotte had to accept her friend Miranda’s choice to leave her husband and come to terms with her children’s changes. Being there for our loved ones means accepting their decisions, even when we don’t fully understand them.
#4 And Just Like That – Women need to be kind to each other
In a poignant scene from the first season, Carrie, now a widow after Mr Big was killed off by a Peloton bike, meets a new character named Seema, who is single. Carrie, overwhelmed by grief, feels that Seema has been insensitive to her loss. Seema’s response is direct: “You’re right. Maybe a little part of me doesn’t feel sorry for you, Carrie, because at least you found the love of your life, and you had him for many wonderful years.”
Seema recalls how Carrie had judged her earlier that day for still being single. This exchange captures a touching lesson—whether one has experienced the pain of losing love or continues to search for it, kindness and sensitivity goes a long way. It was a vulnerable moment that showed the importance of extending compassion to one another.
As the spin-off series moves away from the rampant sex drives and rollercoaster love lives depicted in the original show, it leads us down a different path. It unpacks themes of grief, loss, and the ongoing search for fulfilment.
With season two on the horizon, anticipation builds. But if you can’t contain your excitement, you can in the meantime indulge in the HBO Max trailer here.
Bring on season two!