TV Review: And Just Like That… – Season 3

This review contains spoilers for the first six episodes of And Just Like That… Season 3. Please read at your own risk!

And Just Like That… showrunner Michael Patrick King brought our core women into a new horizon. In the aftermath of a much-improved sophomore season—and a notable Samantha cameo that left fans swooning during the riveting finale—the time away has only made the heart grow fonder. At least, such is the case for Carrie Bradshaw, who has given her writing a backseat to bask in the glow of her gorgeous, empty new home. This go round, Carrie gets another chance at love with Aidan, Miranda discovers a newfound lesbian confidence post-Che, Charlotte faces a personal crisis, Seema debates starting her own firm, and Lisa forges ahead on her 10-episode docuseries. To put it mildly: sex in the city has never been quite so sublime. Season three plunges us back into the storylines we love as King gleefully embraces the chaos and absurd humor of his unique Sex and the City expansion.

Right off the bat, two prominent series regulars do not return; one would assume their absence could be felt. These are Dr. Nya Wallace (Karen Pittman) and Che Diaz (Sara Ramirez), both of whom have been heavily featured since the inception of AJLT. Whilst the former rarely had major storylines to interact with other characters, the latter was a focal point for Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) as she explored her sexual identity. The door appears left open for either to appear in the future, but for excising Che, And Just Like That… honestly becomes a better show. Che’s character was toxic to Miranda, pushing her to burn bridges with her ex, Steve, and Nya was also mainly involved in Miranda’s story due to being her professor. Without the two, Miranda can become an intrinsically more interesting character once again. Miranda’s budding attraction to sweet BBC personality Joy (Dolly Wells) also adds surprising texture. Miranda crushes on a cute guacamole waitress—seeing her in this element keeps that freshness going. We are as open to this new Miranda as her friends seem to be. Even Rosie O’Donnell pops up for a cutesy arc in the opener as a lesbian New York City tourist who thinks Miranda has changed her “For Good.”

In season three, each episode is bookended by Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) writing into new territory: a historical fiction set in the 1800s. Rather than the trademark “and just like that…,” King finds Carrie channeling her observations and general musings about life into this creative venue. The NYC tropes return full force with their unconventional charms—a picturesque backyard paradise goes awry when a rat infestation sends Carrie running. Her blaring alarm system likewise throws a wrench into her storybook abode. The fashion, per the usual, runs the gamut between garish to laughable to gorgeously stunning. Only Parker could pull off some of these ridiculous hats. Romantically, Carrie is in a somewhat complicated situation. She communicates with Aidan (John Corbett) at first only by postcard, with their connection having strange complications along the way. Does he expect her to simply wait around for him for five years until he figures things out with problematic Wyatt? Can she text him whenever she desires, or will that only further add to the confusing dynamic?

Whether shipping Carrie with Aidan or Big in the original series run, Big unfortunately met his maker in the first season. For better or worse, Aidan is what we are left with. We get the biggest dose of Aidan yet in this third outing. While his chemistry with Carrie cannot be brushed aside, he makes some especially frustrating choices. A very awkward phone sex conversation and a trip to Aidan’s Virginia farmhouse only underline that there could be some trouble in paradise. For his part, Corbett plays with many shades of enthusiasm and frustration during his arc. Is it wrong to start quietly shipping Carrie with someone… anyone else that doesn’t let their annoying children get in the way so much? Perhaps fellow author and downstairs neighbor, Duncan (Jonathan Cake), could be a good fit, or even ridiculously hot “plant Picasso” Adam (Logan Marshall-Green), Carrie’s landscaper? Picturing the series shifting gears to anyone but Aidan feels moot at this point, but we can dream.

While she sometimes gets the short end of the stick, Charlotte’s life gets thrown into a bit of chaos where Harry (Evan Handler) is concerned. In addition to grappling with that, Charlotte (Kristin Davis) puts herself at the forefront of Lily’s college prospects, leading to rather hilarious moments after Lily reveals that her ballet boyfriend is polysexual. Davis injects Charlotte with her trademark innocence, taking on a chapter that has potential to be riddled with emotional devastation. As her bestie, Lisa (Nicole Ari Parker), continues working on her docuseries, Lisa’s editor abruptly quits, leaving her timeline in crisis. While Lisa remains one of the less interesting characters, she becomes an emotional crutch for Charlotte, and Charlotte returns the favor for Lisa. Their friendship makes Lisa more of a natural extension to Charlotte than either of the two that were once attached to Miranda at the hip.

Seema (Sarita Choudhury) continues her evolution from Samantha clone to her own unique, hilariously entertaining persona. Realizing she’s been accidentally engaging in “hate dating,” Seema contemplates changing things up even as a potential career curveball makes her rethink it all. Personally, Seema is my favorite of the “newbies,” naturally gelling with Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda equally. She never forces herself into the narrative, becoming an essential rather than a supplement. Her addition to Carrie’s trip to Virginia leads to many laugh-out-loud funny moments. Another notable progression involves Anthony (Mario Cantone) and his well-hung boyfriend, Giuseppe (Sebastiano Pigazzi), who open a “dick and mortar” version of Hot Fellas with the hopes that it will truly make bank. Seeing these two gay men in a happy and healthy relationship always feels special. An adorable gesture for “poet” Giuseppe to come out of retirement to don his Hot Fellas garb once more adds a little heart to their bond.

If season two felt more classic Sex and the City, And Just Like That… season three continues those vibes by letting us live and laugh with these well-rounded, bold, brash, and sometimes frustrating women. Though this franchise will always have its critics, how can any points be taken away for simply having fun and living in one’s truth? As long as the cast continues to color outside the lines and Michael Patrick King keeps up the endlessly engaging storylines, we will follow Carrie Bradshaw and her 1800s doppelganger down any alleyway.

And Just Like That… a new season of love, laughter, and sex was released into the wild. Join Carrie and friends for breezy NYC summer vibes on HBO Max this Thursday, May 29th.