Everyone Knows Samantha Left, but These 5 Facts About 'And Just Like That' Might Surprise You — Though Sadly, They Won’t Raise Its Dismal 28% on RT
Let’s dive into the key features of the project and figure out why it all went wrong.
The series And Just Like That (2021–...) marked the long-awaited return of the beloved Sex and the City characters — but without Samantha Jones. Kim Cattrall declined to return, and the show explained her absence by saying that Samantha had fallen out with Carrie and moved to London.
In truth, the decision stemmed from a real-life conflict: negotiations for her appearance in the third film failed, and the actress publicly stated multiple times that she was done with the role. Reports even surfaced of tension between her and Sarah Jessica Parker. But beyond this headline-grabbing drama, the show includes other curious details — from hidden references to unexpected casting choices. Here are 5 interesting facts.
1. Steve’s hearing problems aren’t just a plot device
In the series, Steve Brady starts having age-related hearing issues — and this isn’t fictional. Actor David Eigenberg, who plays him, suffers from the same condition in real life. The writers added this detail to give the character more depth.
2. Filming was tougher due to the hype
While the original series was shot in relative calm, And Just Like That was immediately besieged by paparazzi and fans. Producers had to tighten security, keep locations secret, and even reschedule shoots to prevent leaks.
3. Charlotte’s new dog continues a 'star-studded' tradition
Remember her dog named Elizabeth Taylor? Charlotte now owns a new Labrador — Richard Burton. It’s no coincidence: Burton and Taylor were one of Hollywood’s most iconic couples. Clearly, Charlotte’s love of classic cinema lives on.
4. The actress who plays Lily hasn’t seen the original
Cathy Ang, who plays Lily Goldenblatt, admitted she’s never seen Sex and the City or its sequels. Luckily, her mother’s a fan, so at least someone in the family could fill her in on the context.
5. Mr. Big’s death sparked real-world hype
After Big dies from a heart attack (logically tied to his lifestyle, poor habits, and a previous heart attack in Season 6), Peloton’s stock — the brand of the bike featured in the scene — unexpectedly surged by 10%. Viewers didn’t seem to mind that he died despite working out. A rather ironic twist, courtesy of the storyline.
How Season 3 of And Just Like That Turned Nostalgia into Disappointment
The first two seasons of the reboot were slammed for dull characters, forced inclusion of modern themes (as if viewers had lived in a cave for 20 years), and cringe-worthy attempts to make the franchise feel young again.Gone was the charm and wit of the original — replaced by complaints and awkward stabs at relevance. Hopes were high for Season 3 to course-correct. It didn’t.
Just 28% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes compared to 79% from critics — and that’s after only three episodes, where Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte essentially go in circles. Plot? It’s been replaced by endless whining. The main character is now a parody of her former self: no clever columns, just gloom and domestic drudgery. Her storyline boils down to 'a woman wondering what she’s gotten herself into,' but the answer is clear — a dreary show where not even New York can save the mood.
Critics vs. Viewers: Who’s Right?
Why are critics giving it 79% while audiences settle at 28%? Maybe critics see 'depth' in the way the characters wallow against a backdrop of designer interiors. But the truth remains: And Just Like That is no longer about sex, the city, or growing up.
It’s about how once-iconic characters became shadows of themselves — and not even their legendary shoes can save them.
