It's official: And Just Like That, the third season of HBO Max's famous Sex and the City series, is coming to an end. Showrunner Michael Patrick King announced on August 1 that the current season will conclude with a unique two-part conclusion. This news, while expected by some, has sparked a lot of debate among fans who have followed Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte's path for decades.

King revealed that he made the choice to end the program while writing the final episode of season 3, saying it was "a wonderful place to stop" the ongoing story of the Sex and the City universe. He, Sarah Jessica Parker, HBO CEO Casey Bloys, and HBO Max programming president Sarah Aubrey agreed on a two-part conclusion, expanding the season from 10 to 12 episodes to properly wrap the narrative. The team held off on announcing the end until now, preferring to keep the focus on the current season's fun rather than the term "final."

Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw, Cynthia Nixon as Miranda Hobbes, and Kristin Davis as Charlotte York returned for the series, which launched in December 2021 and picks up in their 50s. The show has explored topics like as sorrow, self-discovery, and developing relationships, seeking to address contemporary challenges and bring new views to the classic New York City backdrop.

Key Takeaways from "And Just Like That" Season 3 Finale

The final two episodes of And Just Like That season 3 will air on August 7 and 14, respectively. This two-part finale promises to tie together the different strands that have been woven throughout the season, allowing fans to say farewell to these characters for the last time. Sarah Jessica Parker wrote an emotional note commemorating her tenure as Carrie Bradshaw, professing her love for the character and the "quarter century of memories and friendships" she's made.

The choice to end the series has sparked much conjecture about how each character's journey would conclude. Carrie, who recently said goodbye to Aidan Shaw again, is moving on in her life, and the finale will most likely depict her exploring new artistic avenues. Miranda has been looking for new connections since her breakup with Che Diaz, while Charlotte is still juggling her family life and profession.

And Just Like That: A Look Back at the Journey (Seasons 1–3)

Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte: Character arcs explored

The original Sex and the City followed Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte (and Samantha) into their 30s and 40s, with a focus on dating, sex, and professions in Manhattan. And Just Like That sought to depict these women in their fifties dealing with midlife issues such as grief, children, and developing friendships.

Carrie Bradshaw's journey in And Just Like That began with Mr. Big's unexpected death, which forced her to deal with loss and rebuild her identity. In Season 2, she rekindled her romance with Aidan, a fan favorite from the initial series, but it did not work out. In season 3, Carrie has moved on from Aidan and appears to be pursuing her own path again.

Miranda Hobbes went through a tremendous transition, discovering her sexuality and beginning a relationship with Che Diaz. This move was a hot topic among spectators. While some found her voyage of self-discovery interesting, others thought her character had become unrecognizable and overly focused on her relationship with Che. Che Diaz was written out of season 3, so Miranda has been looking for new connections.

Charlotte York has continued to enjoy parenthood while facing issues with her family. Her storylines have frequently revolved around her children, Lily and Rock, and her attempts to be a helpful parent while keeping her own identity.

Behind the Scenes: Production insights and anecdotes.

Bringing back these famous figures after so many years was a massive task. The production had obstacles, including the death of Willie Garson (Stanford Blatch) during season one, which resulted in his character being suddenly killed off. The program also sought to rectify the previous series' lack of diversity by introducing new characters such as Seema Patel (Sarita Choudhury), Lisa Todd Wexley (Nicole Ari Parker), Dr. Nya Wallace (Karen Pittman), and Che Diaz (Sara Ramirez).

Andy Cohen, the Bravo personality, made a noteworthy appearance in season 3 as Daniel, a Bergdorf's shoe salesman. This was not his first appearance in the Sex and the City world; he played the identical role in a previous season of the original program. Cohen joked about his acting troubles during the cameo, claiming he was "a disaster" and that showrunner Michael Patrick King had to rewrite his line to keep him from "stealing focus" from Carrie's key moment.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz: The End of an Era.

The announcement that And Just Like That is ending has provoked a rush of emotions on social media. Many fans are feeling the weight of bidding goodbye to these characters after 25 years. @TVFanatic echoed this emotion, writing, "And just like that... it's over." Fans who have been following Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte for decades may expect an emotional rollercoaster in the conclusion. #AndJustLikeThat #SATC".

The show has consistently been a source of contention, with viewers frequently disputing its creative choices and character development. @PopCulturePulse stated, "Season 3 of #AndJustLikeThat introduced so many changes, but the ending will truly redefine the Sex and the City universe. "What are your predictions?"

There is also a sense of appreciation for the show's comeback. @ShowBizDaily wrote, "Cheers to the cast and crew of #AndJustLikeThat for three seasons of bringing these cherished characters back to our screens. "Thanks for the memories!"

Viewer Trends and Critical Reception

While And Just Like That began strong, its viewership has declined. In the first four days, the season one premiere drew 1.1 million viewers in the United States. However, the season 2 premiere experienced a 59% decrease from season 1, with 463,000 households turning in. Season 3's debut continued this pattern, with 429,000 households, down 7% from season 2 and 62% from the first season. This shows that, while a devoted fan base exists, some viewers have moved on.

Since its premiere, the show has gotten both positive and negative feedback. Many fans enjoyed the nostalgia and the reunion of familiar faces, but others had issues with the writing, character alterations, and specific plotlines.

Addressing the Controversies: 'And Just Like That's' Modern Perspective

One of the most discussed aspects of And Just Like That has been its attempt to address contemporary issues, specifically "wokeness" and diversity. The original Sex and the City was frequently criticized for its lack of racial diversity. The sequel attempted to address this by incorporating more diverse characters and themes, notably the non-binary character Che Diaz. However, this endeavor elicited varied reactions, with some critics labeling it "heavy-handed" and "performative wokeness."

The alterations to the original characters, particularly Miranda's path, aroused a lot of criticism. Some fans claimed Miranda became a "shell of her former self," while others saw her transformation as a realistic depiction of midlife self-discovery. @CultureCritique commented, "The conversations surrounding 'wokeness' and character transformations in #AndJustLikeThat have been fierce. Whatever your point of view, the ending must convey a strong statement.

Another source of concern was Kim Cattrall's absence from the role of Samantha Jones. Samantha was a beloved character, and her absence was a significant departure for the show. While Cattrall appeared briefly in season 2 and in a text exchange in season 3, the lack of her full reappearance has been a recurring source of discussion among fans.

'And Just Like That' vs. the Original Series

The original Sex and the City was notable for its candid conversations about women's sex life and relationships. And Just Like That turned its attention to the issues confronting women in their fifties, such as aging, motherhood, and long-term relationships. While both shows deal with themes of love, self-discovery, and female empowerment, the sequel strived for a more inclusive and modern perspective.

The tone has also shifted. The initial series featured a glamorous, fantasy image of New York, which became increasingly prominent in the films. And Just Like That continued this tendency, with more eccentric costumes and over-the-top scenarios, which some viewers found disorienting in comparison to Sex and the City's previous, more grounded seasons.

What's next for the cast of And Just Like That?

Potential spin-offs and future projects.

With the conclusion of And Just Like That, fans are naturally asking what comes next for the amazing cast. While Michael Patrick King stated that the "ongoing storytelling of the Sex and the City universe is coming to an end," it's difficult to envision these characters disappearing totally. Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis have all voiced their appreciation for the show and its characters.

The cast members may appear in future projects. Sarah Jessica Parker is scheduled to return in the comic sequel Hocus Pocus 3. Kristin Davis has been working on other projects, while Cynthia Nixon has won plaudits for her work on The Gilded Age. While no direct spin-offs have been planned, the continued popularity of Sex and the City suggests that anything is conceivable in the future.

The series' conclusion also left significant story holes and unsolved issues, particularly around Samantha Jones. While her text interaction in season 3 and cameo in season 2 provided a glimpse, some fans believe her potential comeback was squandered now that the program is concluded. This opens the possibility for future stories, even if they don't fall exactly under the And Just Like That banner.

The Enduring Legacy of Sex and the City, and Its Sequel

For decades, Sex and the City has served as a cultural landmark, influencing talks about fashion, relationships, and female identity. And Just Like That, despite its mixed reaction, built on this history by provoking discussions about changing relationships, personal growth, and the problems that women experience in middle age.

The show's capacity to trend on social media and spark heated arguments, whether positive or bad, demonstrates its enduring influence in popular culture. As @SeriesLover stated, "From Mr. Big to Aidan, Carrie's journey on #AndJustLikeThat has been a testament to evolving love and friendship." Sad to see it go, but looking forward to the finale!"

Despite its flaws, And Just Like That gave a new chapter for beloved characters and strove to depict a more diversified and modern New York City. It provided as a reminder of the characters' long-lasting impact on audiences around the world, and while this chapter is coming to an end, the spirit of Sex and the City will certainly continue.