Did you think And Just Like That... would lay the Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Aidan Shaw (John Corbett) romance to rest after season two? So what if they broke up in the finale yet again, this time because he wants to prioritize his annoying teen sons over her? If there’s one thing Max’s Sex And The City sequel has established, it’s that no nostalgia bait is off the table.
Enter Aidan’s “significant presence” in season three, according to Parker. The actor briefly took the stage at the Warner Bros. Discovery Upfronts presentation (wherein the company presents its upcoming slate to advertisers and brands) on May 15 to discuss AJLT...’s upcoming episodes. The show, which went into production last week, is expected to return next year.
Parker said AJLT... exists to evolve its infamous leading ladies (minus Kim Cattrall’s Samantha Jones, of course) and marry it with SATC’s “titillating” style. It’s a lofty goal, and one that we’re not sure AJLT... has achieved narratively. As for Carrie’s growth, her now twice—thrice?—ex-boyfriend is back to test her in season three.
In a brief conversation with HBO CEO Casey Bloys, the actor said that at this point in her life, Carrie has realized life is short. “It’s time for her to commit more to being the relevant person she wants to be. So what does that mean and where might that take a person?” she said. “Aidan plays a somewhat significant part in the answer to that question.” We sense a big fat reunion between them.
Parker also spoke about the three pieces of advice she’d give a young Carrie: Don’t have an affair, don’t lose Aidan’s beloved dog, and get a financial planner. Reminder: She got distracted by Big (Chris Noth)—with whom she was cheating—and that’s when Pete ran away, and Aidan still took her back. These are also reasons Carrie Bradshaw has garnered a strong base of haters over the years. With SATC on Netflix and Max, some new audiences are still now dubbing her the “villain” of the show. Parker doesn’t necessarily agree.
While talking about her alter ego’s flaws, she said she’s to take her own advice. “Despite the shortcomings and trespasses, Carrie is a decent person in a lot of ways. At least I think so. I’m fond of her. She’s been interesting to watch. It would be far less interesting if she was constantly reliable and a good person,” Parker said, ending it by relaying the love of The Sopranos despite a negative protagonist. It’s very Carrie Bradshaw of Parker to compare her character to Tony Soprano, isn’t it?
And Just Like That... season three will feature Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Sarita Choudhury, Evan Handler, Mario Cantone, David Eigenberg, Nicole Ari Parker, Chris Jackson, and Alexa Swinton. Two notable faces will be missing because Sara Ramirez and Karen Pittman aren’t returning, which makes sense considering how season two treated Che Diaz and Dr. Nya Wallace. It’s TBD if Cattrall will make another appearance after her season two finale cameo or if anyone else from SATC will cameo, but we do know that Rosie O’Donnell will be in season three in some capacity. We’ll find out the rest when And Just Like That... graces our screens in 2025.