Sarah Jessica Parker Unbothered by Hate: 'And Just Like That' Thrives

The Legacy of "Sex and the City" and Its Latest Reboot

Sarah Jessica Parker, known for her iconic portrayal of Carrie Bradshaw in the "Sex and the City" franchise, has shared her thoughts on the latest reboot of the show, "And Just Like That." This series, which has been a staple of television for 27 years, has drawn both admiration and criticism. After the series' finale, Parker addressed the mixed reactions from viewers, many of whom have taken to hate-watching the show.

Parker expressed that she doesn't dwell much on the negative feedback. She stated, "I don't think I have the constitution to have spent a lot of time thinking about that." She emphasized the hard work put into telling stories that were meaningful and real. Her confidence stems from the show's massive success and the deep connections it has formed with its audience.

A Trailblazing Phenomenon

The original "Sex and the City," created by Darren Starr, premiered in 1998 on HBO and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Starring Parker alongside Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon, the show followed a group of New York City friends as they navigated life, love, and friendship. Over its six seasons, the series received over fifty Primetime Emmy Nominations. It also inspired two feature films and a CW prequel series based on Parker's character before "And Just Like That" reunited the original cast (without Cattrall) in 2023.

Reception of the Reboot

"And Just Like That" made a strong debut on HBO Max, becoming the platform's most-watched series at the time. However, the critical reception was mixed, and subsequent seasons saw a drop in viewership. Audiences criticized the reboot for rehashing outdated themes and making superficial attempts at modern relevance. Some fans even turned to hate-watching the show, tuning in each week to critique its cringeworthy moments.

The End of an Era

Just weeks before the Season 3 finale, HBO announced that "And Just Like That" would not return for a fourth season. The final episode, titled "Party of One," saw Carrie Bradshaw leave the show as a single and independent woman. Despite her complex relationships and experiences, Carrie ends up alone, which some fans found unsatisfying or inconsistent with her character's journey.

Parker, however, is content with the ending. When asked if she liked the decision to end with Carrie on her own, she responded, "Absolutely," and added, "I feel good about her. I think she's set up pretty well."

Dealing with Criticism

Regarding the negative feedback, Parker acknowledged that there will be things people say that aren't always positive. She told People, "I think you're going to perhaps read things or hear things that don't always feel great." She also noted that being part of a community means people will have various feelings, and it's not for the creators to police or correct those reactions.

Streaming Availability

All episodes of "Sex and the City" and "And Just Like That" are available for streaming on HBO Max. As the franchise comes to an end after 27 years, fans continue to reflect on its impact and legacy. With its mix of humor, drama, and cultural commentary, "Sex and the City" remains a significant part of television history.