HBO Max’s super talked-about series “And Just Like That…” may have received mixed reactions from audiences and critics at first, but its co-creator Michael Patrick King believes the show could eventually earn a distinct identity and go full cult classic.
In a recent interview with The Guardian, King said that people’s opinions flip all the time, and the a show’s real worth hits different years later. He pointed to his earlier series “The Comeback” as an example, noting that it was initially seen as a failure but later gained relevance as audiences caught up with it.
According to King, “And Just Like That…” carries the same DNA as its original series “Sex and the City.” While the original explored a society that pressured 35-year-old women to get married, the newer series calls out how society still boxes in on women in their 50s—such as what they should or shouldn’t wear. He made clear that he has always been interested in portraying the conflict between the individual and society.
The series premiered in 2021 and concluded in 2025, bringing back many of the original characters as they deal with new drama—both romantic and personal—in their 50s. Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon came back as as Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda.
Although the show faced a lot of heat from both fans and reviewers, a decent chunk of viewers still found enjoyment in watching it—sometimes even through “hate-watching.”
King also acknowledged that audiences often resist seeing their favorite characters evolve. Many prefer them to remain exactly as they were when they first fell in love with them, which creates a challenge when trying to move a story forward.
He added that attempting to replicate the original series would have been a major mistake. Instead, the goal was to break away and create something new, even if it meant some viewers would prefer the original. As he put it, the original show is still there for those who love it.
Meanwhile, King’s other satirical series The Comeback, starring Lisa Kudrow, is currently airing its third season on HBO and continues to keep people talking.
Overall, while “And Just Like That…” remains divisive, it may ultimately be get a much better second look in the years to come.
Do you agree with Michael Patrick King that And Just Like That… will age well over time, or do you feel it falls short of the legacy of Sex and the City? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below.
