HBO Max’s ‘And Just Like That…’ Final Season Announced: Carrie Bradshaw Bows Out After 25 Years

For millions of fans who followed Carrie Bradshaw’s stiletto-clad journey through love, loss, and Manhattan, the time has come for a final cosmopolitan. HBO Max’s revival series, And Just Like That…, will officially conclude with its upcoming third season, marking the end of an era for the iconic Sex and the City universe that began 25 years ago. Showrunner Michael Patrick King, alongside star and executive producer Sarah Jessica Parker, made the poignant decision to wrap the beloved franchise.

The announcement came directly from King via the show’s official social media channels. Revealing that the creative team realized during writing that the current season provided a fitting endpoint, King stated: “While I was writing the last episode of ‘And Just Like That…’ season 3, it became clear to me that this might be a wonderful place to stop.” He confirmed the season order was extended from 10 to 12 episodes to craft a satisfying two-part finale. King emphasized delaying the announcement to preserve the viewing experience: “SJP and I held off announcing the news until now because we didn’t want the word ‘final’ to overshadow the fun of watching the season.” He expressed deep gratitude to the viewers who embraced these characters “over these many years” (Variety, August 2024).

The End of an Era for Iconic Characters

And Just Like That… premiered in 2021, reuniting viewers with Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Charlotte (Kristin Davis), and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) navigating life, friendship, and complex new challenges in their 50s, over a decade after the events of the 2010 film Sex and the City 2. The series provided a nostalgic yet modern continuation, exploring themes of aging, grief, evolving relationships, and identity in contemporary New York City. While Kim Cattrall’s Samantha Jones did not return as a series regular, the show introduced new characters and featured notable guest stars including Drew Barrymore, Jon Tenney, Billy Dee Williams, Rosie O’Donnell, and Jenifer Lewis. The revival sparked significant conversation, blending its signature wit with poignant explorations of mid-life transitions.

A Legacy Rooted in Candace Bushnell’s New York

The journey of Carrie Bradshaw began long before the HBO series debuted in 1998. Sex and the City was adapted from Candace Bushnell’s widely popular newspaper column of the same name, which ran in The New York Observer from 1994 to 1996. Bushnell’s sharp, observational writing chronicled the romantic and social escapades of single women in Manhattan, heavily inspired by her own life and circle of friends. The columns were later compiled into a bestselling 1996 book anthology. The television adaptation transformed these vignettes into a cultural phenomenon, defining fashion trends, sparking endless debates about relationships, and cementing its four leads as icons.

Fans React to the Final Curtain Call

News of the series conclusion ignited passionate reactions across social media, particularly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where the official announcement garnered hundreds of comments within hours. Responses ranged from heartfelt sadness and nostalgia (“End of an era! Pour one out for Carrie”) to acceptance that it was the right time to conclude the story (“Mixed feelings, but it makes sense to end it well”). The announcement underscores the enduring connection audiences have formed with these characters across generations.

The final episodes promise to deliver a poignant farewell to Carrie Bradshaw and her world, closing a chapter that started with a single question: “Can women have sex like men?” and evolved into a decades-long exploration of modern womanhood, friendship, and finding one’s place. As fans prepare to say goodbye once more, the legacy of Sex and the City and its characters, born from Bushnell’s sharp pen and brought vibrantly to life on screen, remains firmly etched in television history. Tune in to HBO Max for the last round of cosmopolitans.

Must Know

1. Is ‘And Just Like That…’ really ending?
   Yes. Showrunner Michael Patrick King and star Sarah Jessica Parker confirmed that the upcoming third season of the Sex and the City sequel series And Just Like That… will be its last. The decision was made during the writing of Season 3.
2. Why is ‘And Just Like That…’ ending after Season 3?
   King stated that while writing the Season 3 finale, it became clear that it felt like a natural and “wonderful place to stop” the ongoing story of these characters. He, Parker, and HBO executives Casey Bloys and Sarah Aubrey collectively made the decision.
3. How many episodes will the final season of ‘And Just Like That…’ have?
   The final season was originally planned for 10 episodes but was extended to 12 episodes to accommodate a two-part finale, providing a more expansive conclusion to the series.
4. Will Kim Cattrall return as Samantha for the final season?
   Based on the information provided in the source material and prior seasons, Kim Cattrall is not expected to return as a series regular for the final season of And Just Like That…. Her character Samantha Jones has been living in London.
5. What was the original inspiration for ‘Sex and the City’?
   The entire franchise originated from Candace Bushnell’s newspaper column “Sex and the City,” which ran in The New York Observer from 1994 to 1996. The column was based on Bushnell’s own experiences and observations about single life in Manhattan and was later compiled into a book.
6. When can we expect the final season of ‘And Just Like That…’?
   The source material (Variety, August 2024) announces the end but does not specify a release date for Season 3. Fans should watch for official announcements from HBO Max regarding the premiere date of the final season.