5 reasons why And Just Like That failed to match the success of Sex and the City

When And Just Like That premiered on HBO Max in 2021, fans were excited to see the return of Carrie and her gang after all these years. The series brought back iconic characters from Sex and the City, showcasing how they navigate love, friendship, and family issues in their 50s.

However, the comedy drama failed to bring the same charm as the original show to the screen. Not only did it struggle with viewership, but a section of the audience also criticized the makers for ruining the magic of the original.

While Sex and the City lasted for six seasons and a couple of films, And Just Like That is concluding after only three seasons. Here are 5 reasons why the sequel series could not match the success of its predecessor.

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Why And Just Like That could not recreate the magic of Sex and the City

1. The characters feel put out of touch

In the original show, the women were relatable. They had jobs, financial problems, and emotional ups and downs. Though they were stylish and confident, they also dealt with real struggles. On the other hand, in And Just Like That, the characters become a little unrealistic for the regular viewer.

They are supremely rich, out-of-touch, and even awkward at times. Miranda acts confused and lost, Charlotte feels like a cartoon version of herself, and even Carrie seems unsure of who she is. Instead of growing older in a smart, relatable way, the characters just feel off.

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2. The fun and format are gone

One of the things that made Sex and the City so special was its unique format. Each episode was tied to Carrie’s newspaper column. That format gave the show a weekly theme and let the women explore different ideas, from heartbreak and dating to friendship and families.

But in the sequel series, Carrie is now a novelist, and the show uses longer story arcs instead. Many plot lines drag on for episodes. The stories feel slower, less focused, and less fun. The reboot tries to be more serious, but it loses the playful and fresh spirit that made the original show stand out.

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3. The show lacks emotional stakes

One major issue with the series is that there are no strong emotional moments. Everyone is rich, comfortable, and their problems are solved relatively quickly. Yes, some serious topics do pop up from time to time, like Harry getting cancer and Steve’s hearing loss, but these moments are rushed.

In the original show, there were powerful scenes with Samantha battling health issues, Miranda thinking about abortion, and Charlotte struggling with infertility. On the other hand, the reboot tries to go deeper but barely scratches the surface.

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4. The New York City magic is missing

Sex and the City made you feel like you were actually living in New York. The streets, cafes, yellow cabs, and parks all added to the show’s atmosphere. In And Just Like That, the scenes look too polished and too fake, like they are shot on a soundstage.

Even the fashion has changed. Back then, Carrie mixed high fashion with thrift store finds, creating iconic looks. Now she wears outfits that feel more like costumes than character.

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5. Awkward storylines

From strange phone s*x scenes with Aidan to Miranda hooking up with a nun, many of the show’s storylines feel cringey and uncomfortable, not bold or exciting like before. Fans have pointed out how many moments seem forced or badly written.

Even beloved characters like Steve and Anthony have been changed too much. Steve was once charming and sweet, but now he is written like a confused old man. The show’s writing seems to push weird scenes just for shock or laughs, rather than real emotion.

Hence, And Just Like That had a chance to give fans a mature and exciting return to the world of Sex and the City. But instead, it lost the charm, humor, and realism that made the original series a cult classic. That is why And Just Like That has not been able to achieve the same success as Sex and the City.

And Just Like That is streaming on HBO Max.