The much-anticipated and just like that finale aired on Thursday, August 14, 2025, finally bringing HBO Max’s Sex and the City universe to a conclusion after three eventful seasons. Within the first moments of the episode, fans witnessed Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) confronting her future alone, signaling both an ending and a new beginning for one of TV’s most iconic characters.
Viewers tuned in hoping for a resolution worthy of nearly three decades of beloved stories. The finale, written and directed by showrunner Michael Patrick King, followed Carrie, Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon), and Charlotte York Goldenblatt (Kristin Davis) as they closed out their journeys in unpredictable and often emotional ways.
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Major Moments and Big Reveals
The final episode opened with Carrie adjusting to a life of independence after recently ending things with Aidan Shaw (John Corbett). Lunching solo in a quirky New York restaurant, Carrie was treated with awkward kindness when the hostess brought a “dining companion” doll to her table—a scene that quickly became a metaphor for new solitude and the discomfort it sometimes brings.
Carrie’s closing narrative was all about self-acceptance. She decided to rewrite the ending of her novel, removing any suggestion that happiness must include someone else. As Michael Patrick King explained, this wasn’t just a story twist—it was a full-circle moment for Carrie, reminding viewers that “the most significant relationship is the one you have with yourself”.
Miranda’s arc revolved around hosting Thanksgiving in her new apartment. Far from picture-perfect, the gathering descended into chaos thanks to a series of unexpected guests and an infamous plumbing disaster. Miranda was forced to confront how messy family life can get—literally and figuratively—with her pregnant daughter-in-law and her son Brady causing more stress than celebration.
Charlotte, meanwhile, focused on her family’s own transitions, particularly addressing her younger child’s journey and reflecting on how their lives had shifted. Other regulars, like Anthony Marentino (Mario Cantone), wrapped up their own stories with a mix of humor and realism, often in only a few lines or scenes.
Fan Reactions and Final Thoughts
The and just like that finale drew a mixture of emotions online. Some praised its message of independence and the full-circle evolution of Carrie’s character—while others found the tone offbeat, referring to its blend of toilet humor, abrupt farewells, and bittersweet nostalgia. Notably, Kim Cattrall’s Samantha Jones did not return for the last episode, closing the door on reunion hopes.
Despite critics labeling certain moments as anticlimactic, many fans were moved by the show’s willingness to conclude with honesty instead of spectacle. Carrie’s solo dance in her Manhattan brownstone became a symbol of the strength to choose oneself—an unexpected but fitting end to this chapter.
Main Character Endings at a Glance
| Character | Finale Outcome |
|---|---|
| Carrie Bradshaw | Choose singlehood; finishes a new book, dances solo |
| Miranda Hobbes | Hosts chaos-filled Thanksgiving, accepts messy family reality |
| Charlotte York | Supports her child’s identity, reflects on family life |
Why It Ended Here
Showrunner Michael Patrick King was clear: ending now was his decision. The goal was never to drag out the story but to leave beloved characters in places that felt earned, if unconventional. “If you can take pride in the life you create, that’s fantastic,” King said, summarizing both the show’s and Carrie’s final message.
Whether you watched out of nostalgia or curiosity, the last act of And Just Like That honored the legacy of Sex and the City, closing out with both triumph and imperfection—much like life itself.
What did you think of the and just like that finale? Did the ending satisfy you, or do you wish for more? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation!