The Carrie Diaries: Better Than And Just Like That?

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The popular TV series “Sex and the City” concluded in 2004 following six seasons, with the principal characters experiencing an emotional resolution that felt fitting. Characters Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha each found personal closure, offering viewers a hopeful finale. Despite this, fans yearned for additional tales about these characters, which eventually led to the 2008 and 2010 “Sex and the City” movies. These films served as reminiscent extensions of their world, yet they arguably misrepresented some cherished characters, such as Steve Brady’s unexpected cheating storyline.

Despite the reboot of the series being a significant pillar for HBO, leading to “And Just Like That…” in 2021 with season 3 set to premiere in May 2025, some fans find it lacking the original’s easy charm. For those yearning for the essence and wit of early “Sex and the City”, a 2013 prequel series, “The Carrie Diaries”, may provide satisfaction. This series follows a young Carrie Bradshaw in the ’80s.

You Should Watch The Carrie Diaries Before And Just Like That… Season 3

The Prequel Series Shows Young Carrie Bradshaw In The ’80s

In a fresh take on Carrie Bradshaw’s past during the 1980s, The Carrie Diaries presents AnnaSophia Robb’s portrayal of a younger Carrie that evokes compassion for a character often perceived as self-centered or villainous in later life. The series depicts Carrie as an enthusiastic teenager pursuing dreams and enduring difficult lessons, which makes her adult flaws seem more understandable and less condemnable. A significant part of the show’s appeal lies in the natural chemistry between Robb and Austin Butler, who plays Sebastian Kydd, a captivating yet complex love interest.

The TV series “The Carrie Diaries” is primarily a teen drama rather than a glamorous New York adventure like “Sex and the City,” but it maintains the same themes of camaraderie, self-exploration, and love that were portrayed in “Sex and the City.” It thrives because it doesn’t aim to mimic “Sex and the City”; instead, it carves its own path with a brighter, more optimistic tone. Although there are some discrepancies between “The Carrie Diaries” and “Sex and the City,” fundamentally, the show honors the same fearless pursuit of identity and passion that made Carrie Bradshaw famous, only from a fresher, more hopeful viewpoint.

The Carrie Diaries Is A Better Sex And The City Spinoff Than And Just Like That…

The Carrie Diaries Has The One Thing And Just Like That… Never Will: Samantha Jones

In various aspects, The Carrie Diaries outshines the spinoff of Sex and the City, titled And Just Like That… . Instead of rectifying the original series’ flaws effectively, such as portraying an excessively homogeneous New York in Carrie’s life, the new show introduces numerous new characters and plots. This overcorrection results in the loss of the effortless, authentic camaraderie and enchanting escape that initially captivated audiences for Sex and the City.

Instead of falling short in reviving Samantha Jones effectively, as seen in “And Just Like That…”, the second season of “The Carrie Diaries” ingeniously incorporates a younger version of this cherished character, making her an integral part of Carrie’s narrative without compromising their legendary connection.

Instead of repeatedly altering the characters’ final chapters as shown in “And Just Like That…“, “The Carrie Diaries” enhances their heritage by delving into their origins. It doesn’t aim to be an exact replica, but it explores similar themes such as friendship, aspiration, and personal growth. By doing so, it broadens the universe of “Sex and the City“, preserving the essence that made it unique originally.

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2025-04-19 21:00