Sex and the City (SATC) is a show that encourages self-exploration. It follows the lives of four women navigating their mid-thirties in New York City. The series delves into their romantic relationships, career highs and lows, enduring friendships, and personal growth.

Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) is the quintessential protagonist, self-sufficient writer exploring love and relationships throughout her column. Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall) is the unapologetically bold, sex-positive PR sensation. Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) is the career-driven lawyer grappling with the balance of work and personal life, while Charlotte York (Kristin Davis) is the romantic idealist, always in search of her Prince Charming. 

The cast creates a compelling and enticing environment, making you want to drop everything and move to the city with your best girlfriends. While the show centers around their relationships with men, the theme of feminism and “girl power” is the anchor of the show.

The series blends raunchy humor with heartwarming moments, reminding us all that we’re just people trying to find our way in the world.

Sex and the City Hot Takes!

Here is my three-minute hot takes on the show (spoilers included)!

SATC is often critiqued for portraying the four women as bad friends to each other, but I disagree. The show celebrates their resilient friendship amidst the chaos of their independent lives. Their personal journeys, heartbreak, and self-discovery offer valuable insights into the complexities of modern womanhood. It’s important to have friends to discuss it all with. Even when I link up with my friends, a good amount of our time is spent catching each other up on what’s going on with us individually.

However, the show isn’t without its flaws. The blatant racism and sexism throughout the entire series is not something we can overlook. I know it’s an older show, but there were several moments my jaw actually dropped. You would think because they were such girls-girls they would be more empathetic and knowledgeable, especially Miranda. Whenever they would wear the gold jewelry, and the one time Samantha wore an afro wig it was all too much.

The dynamic between Miranda and Charlotte’s relationship during Miranda’s pregnancy is a missed opportunity for richer storytelling. All Charlotte wanted was to have a baby, and with Miranda having one, they could have built a closer friendship.

Going off of that, Miranda’s personal struggle with her pregnancy and becoming a mother was such an interesting concept throughout the series. I personally did not think she was going to keep the baby, but watching her love being a mother while simultaneously keeping her position at the law firm did not only display growth but also the dream for so many women out there.

It’s a toss up between Harry and Steve, but I think Harry takes the gold when talking about the best men in the show. Aidan was a runner-up, but Harry was so kind to Charlotte, and she truly deserved that for the way she believed in love.

I would die for THE Samantha Jones. She is the standout character, with her fearless attitude and confident demeanor. While the other girls clearly displayed what the show was about, Samantha gave me comfort because of her comfort in herself, and the way she displayed her sexuality.

#YouCouldNeverMakeMeHateCarrie – Carrie Bradshaw gave us everything we needed from her. From her outfits to her persona, the only Carrie I really disliked was consecutively straightened hair Carrie. But I think her character should be a reminder to us all that we deserve to be whoever we want at whatever time in our life we want. Her character arc, while sometimes frustrating, is a testament to the importance of personal growth.

As an audience, we needed Carrie’s messiness. Her indecisive nature and unpredictable movement kept us on our toes because she always made decisions we wished she wouldn’t make. However she played Aidan so terribly bad, not once but TWICE, and I think that may have been the hardest part to watch.

In my opinion, season 4 was the best season. When I got to season 5, I was utterly terrified because of the writing and the forced situations, but season 6 saved it all. They were so established as individuals, and it all just clicked. Cheers to the writers for not fumbling the final season (although I will say I didn’t love the rushed nature of the Paris plot).

Stanford’s character deserved so much more development than this storyline gave him. He was always one of the girls, but no one ever treated him as such, only in moments he was able to get them into parties or fashion shows. The show could have been so much more successful by honing in on his life more. 

Magda was the mother figure Miranda truly needed after her mom passed, this plot wasn’t expanded on in detail, but for those that noticed, it was extremely wholesome.

I read a lot that people think Charlotte is Big’s type, but I completely disagree. Big was never straightforward, and while he wanted something “simple,” Charlotte always wanted real love. Big discovered what he wanted conveniently in the final season. However, I love how they FINALLY gave away Big’s name in the end.

Final Thoughts

One of my favorite parts of the series was the finale. The few episodes before the last opened up new issues each woman was facing in their personal lives. The problems were never fully expanded on, but it was a representation of their next step in life. Their lives had changed, and now these were the new challenges they had to face. 

I think leaving that part of the plot open-ended is a peaceful reminder that life continues. When a show ends, we want a happily-ever-after, and while we did get one because all four women were together and chatting as they always enjoyed doing. There are always going to be new obstacles in our lives we have to overcome.

For anyone going through a break-up, mid-life crisis, or simply looking to understand themselves better, I would recommend this show. This is a timeless series that will never fall short when compared to modern-day womanhood. From the fashion to the drama, I ate all of it up! Plus, it’s a lovely little reminder to me that I will be okay when I’m 30. 

And just like that, as I close this chapter on my binge-watching journey through the streets of New York with Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha, I can’t help but wonder: How did Carrie ever truly afford her lifestyle? The women, with all their flaws and fabulousness, taught us that it’s okay to be a little messy, a little uncertain, and a lot hopeful. 

The only other problem I’ve discovered from watching this show is now I have developed a chronic shoe obsession. 

Until next time,

Millzlovesfilm, on Letterboxd