Before And Just Like That, there was Sex and the City, the iconic HBO series that ran from 1998 to 2004. Set in New York City, the series centred around four friends ‘Carrie’, ‘Miranda’, ‘Charlotte’, and ‘Samantha’. The story circled around their romantic affairs, professional struggles, and personal growth. The original show became a cultural phenomenon, with six seasons and two films, it reshaped the conversations around modern womanhood, sex, and friendship.
Premiering in 2021, And Just Like That picked up with ‘Carrie’, ‘Miranda’, and ‘Charlotte’ now in their 50s. The sequel series showcased themes of grief, reinvention, and middle-aged challenges like widowhood, teenage kids, sexuality, and second acts in love. It introduced new faces like ‘Seema’ and ‘Lisa’, reflecting a more contemporary and more inclusive NYC, but now, after three seasons, just like that, it has come to an end. The sequel was never able to match its predecessor, and here’s why.
Why was And Just Like That cancelled after season 3
Showrunner, Michael Patrick King said that while writing the season 3 finale, it felt like the ‘right place to stop.’ All the main characters were given a proper send-off, and all that had been there for the series was tied into a beautiful ending. However, media reports suggest that the falling viewership and mixed reviews may have played a role in the show’s ending, and it was not just a creative decision. HBO bosses were also part of this decision, suggesting it was mutual but not an easy one to be made.
Ratings and reception, what all went wrong for And Just Like That
And Just Like That saw a 62% ratings drop by season 3. Viewer engagement dipped significantly showing decline in interest for a once-loved and religiously followed show. Critics and longtime fans called out the show for its inconsistent tone, forced dialogue, awkward character development, and absurd, often cringy storylines. The ongoing absence of the iconic and OG group member, ‘Samantha Jones’, became a common complaint among viewers across all three seasons.
Many storylines fell flat or even sparked backlash. ‘Miranda’s’ drastic character shift from leaving her marriage with ‘Steve’ and ending up in a relationship with ‘Che Diaz’ felt rushed and out of character for many viewers. ‘Che’ themselves became one of the show’s most polarising characters, with viewers criticising their poorly written stand-up routines and the lack of chemistry with ‘Miranda’.
Carrie’s love life also received heavy criticism. Her reunion with ‘Aidan’, after everything that happened in Sex and the City, felt like she was going back to her old ways, and fans were frustrated when it all ended yet again, this time with ‘Aidan’ choosing his children over a future with her. Even their storyline’s emotional weight was filled with repetitive conversations and odd decisions, such as ‘Carrie’ selling her apartment just to be with him, might we add, temporarily.
Bizarre plot choices, like a toilet overflowing in the finale, left many viewers confused. While ‘Charlotte’s’ arc had its moments, she was often reduced to comic relief through her over-the-top parenting and art gallery scenes. Despite adding diverse characters like ‘Seema’ and ‘Lisa’, their stories lacked the emotional depth of the original girls, making the show feel like it was forcing relevance without the charm and grounded storytelling that defined Sex and the City.
And Just Like That came to an end
The ending of And Just Like That gave closure to all its main characters. ‘Carrie’ chose independence over romance, ‘Miranda’ found stability, and ‘Charlotte’ thrived in both work and family life. Newcomers like ‘Seema’ and ‘Lisa’ also reached satisfying arcs, while ‘Anthony’ found closure with ‘Giuseppe’. Though it never matched the cultural impact of Sex and the City, the show explored aging, identity, and friendship with heart.
And Just Like That has left the fans divided. It gave them an unforgettable chaos they despised, but now that it has ended, they’ll weirdly and somewhat miss it. As ‘Miss Bradshaw’ might have put it, it was like buying a new pair of cheap heels; walking in them is awkward and often gives you blisters. You miss the comfort of your old pair, and by the time you are getting used to the new one, they break down, but you still can’t just throw them away.
What are your thoughts about And Just Like That ending?
Also Read: ‘And Just Like That’ Finale Review: After Awkward And Cringe Plots The Show End Without A Bang