And Just Like That, the continuation of HBO's classic series Sex and the City, is officially a ratings hit for the network, having the biggest debut day for a HBO Max series. And Just Like That is a sequel to Sex and the City, featuring the return of main cast members Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon. The series is set to air 10 episodes with past series showrunner Michael Patrick King returning to write and direct the first two episodes.
And Just Like That follows the life of Carrie Bradshaw, and her friends Charlotte and Miranda, as they navigate life and friendships in New York City. And Just Like That doesn't feature Samantha (Kim Cattrall), the only regular from the original series not to return, with disagreements with Parker cited as the reason for her absence, and her character said to have moved to London. Previous cast members Chris Noth, Mario Cantone, Willie Garson, David Eigenberg, and Evan Handler have all reprise their roles, with Sara Ramirez and Christopher Jackson joining as new characters.
The Wrap reports that And Just Like That was the top title on HBO Max when it debuted on December 9. It was confirmed that it was the biggest debut for a series since the platform's launch in May 2020, with nostalgia and the show's ongoing popularity as factors for the success. The original Sex and the City has also seen a boost in viewership, becoming the 11th most popular on the service last week.
And Just Like That, following up the maligned Sex and the City 2, is not the first attempt at returning Sex and the City to the small screen, with The CW's The Carrie Diaries airing for two seasons in 2013-2014. And Just Like That is seen as a return to form for the series, with the aforementioned Sex and the City 2 cited by fans and critics to be the low point of the franchise. And Just Like That has received initially mixed to positive reviews from critics, with many complimenting the character development.
And Just Like That has already drawn attention for the first episode's plot twist, where a long time character is suddenly killed off. This development suggests that the writers are trying to create real growth for the characters, seeing how they cope with loss and growing older. Whether or not it'll pay off in the end, And Just Like That has more ambition than nostalgia and fan service, and with the right moves, it's sure to end up a perfect coda for the classic series.
Source: The Wrap