Kristin Davis Says ‘Sex and the City’ Turned Critics’ Words Into Scripts — and That’s Genius

When criticism becomes fuel for creation, something magical happens. Kristin Davis, best known for playing Charlotte York in HBO’s iconic series Sex and the City, recently shared a fascinating behind-the-scenes insight on her podcast Are You a Charlotte?. The topic? How the creators of Sex and the City wove criticism into the show’s storyline — a savvy move that turned negative reviews into unforgettable moments of cultural commentary.

Sex and the City: Rewriting Criticism Into Character Arcs

Sex and the City didn’t just revolutionize television with its candid portrayal of modern womanhood — it also redefined how shows respond to backlash. According to Kristin Davis, show creators Darren Star and Michael Patrick King were unafraid to address critiques head-on. Instead of retreating from negative reviews, they spun those critiques into plotlines that deepened the show’s resonance and relatability.

In the second season’s early episode “The Awful Truth,” Miranda, played by Cynthia Nixon, has a breakthrough moment. She calls out her friends for constantly discussing men and sex — echoing real-life criticism from viewers who felt the show’s first season lacked depth. Davis revealed this wasn’t coincidence but intentional. The writers directly responded to those complaints, crafting dialogue and storylines that added layers to each character. As Davis recalled, “All we do is talk about men and sex. I’m leaving until we can talk about something different,” was not just a line — it was a mirror held up to the show’s detractors.

Turning Constructive Critiques Into Creative Gold

This level of self-awareness was pivotal. During Davis’s podcast episode with guest Molly Price — who played Susan Sharon in both Sex and the City and its sequel series And Just Like That — they reflected on how criticism shaped the show’s trajectory. Davis pointed to a quote from Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw character: “Have we put such a premium on being open and honest with one another that we’ve misplaced the boundaries of propriety?” It’s a question that didn’t just push plot forward, but encouraged viewers to reflect on communication in real life relationships.

It’s this ability to make viewers think while being entertained that turned Sex and the City into more than just a comedy — it became a cultural touchstone. Price’s wry observation, “We’re not doing a documentary. We’re doing a comedy,” drew laughs, but underscored the show’s commitment to blending truth with wit.

Critics as Accidental Collaborators

Criticism has long shaped creative evolution, but in the case of Sex and the City, it took on a more dynamic role. According to Davis, some of the most iconic quotes from the show originated in negative reviews. One reviewer once claimed, “This isn’t how women talk.” Davis challenged that notion directly, arguing that the show’s raw, unfiltered dialogue was closer to reality than some cared to admit.

And rather than ignore this feedback, the creators incorporated it — a move that not only empowered the characters but validated the experiences of their audience. As Davis noted, “We’re just going to use it — which is smart.” The team behind Sex and the City essentially transformed critics into unwilling contributors.

Legacy of Honesty and Humor

The show’s legacy continues to evolve with And Just Like That, the reboot that brings our beloved characters into the modern age. But its foundational spirit — one that blends vulnerability, humor, and unflinching honesty — remains intact. Whether it’s tackling ageism, feminism, or evolving friendship dynamics, the writers remain unapologetically real.

That approach continues to attract praise and, inevitably, criticism — something the show now sees as a creative gift, not a threat. It’s a reminder that meaningful storytelling doesn’t run from hard conversations. It welcomes them, absorbs them, and serves them back with style and sass.

For additional context, read the New York Times’ early review comparing Sex and the City with More Tales of the City, where they called the show’s dialogue “not kind but… true.”

Sex and the City didn’t just break taboos — it challenged assumptions. Its legacy proves that even the harshest feedback can lead to brilliance when met with courage and creativity.

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FAQs About Sex and the City

What made Sex and the City so iconic?

Its candid discussions about sex, relationships, and modern womanhood set it apart. The series broke television norms and gave voice to real-life issues through its female leads.

How did the show handle criticism?

The creators turned criticism into content. Complaints about shallow topics were addressed by adding depth to the narrative, often incorporating direct quotes from reviews.

Is And Just Like That a true continuation?

Yes. It picks up the characters’ stories in their 50s and continues the same tone of exploration and honesty while addressing current social dynamics.

Did Kristin Davis really have a podcast?

Yes, her podcast Are You a Charlotte? offers behind-the-scenes insights and discussions with cast and crew members.

Is the criticism that women don’t talk like that accurate?

Davis disagrees. She believes women do discuss these topics, even if the language is heightened for entertainment. The show simply made private conversations public.

Where can I rewatch Sex and the City?

It’s available on streaming platforms like HBO Max, where you can also find And Just Like That.