Sometimes all you need is to binge a classic television series that focuses on all things womanhood and romance. And if you’re familiar with the amazing genre, then you might have heard of the classic show, Sex and the City. The series began in the late 90s and has since been the inspiration for so many series.
From their movies to their spin-off shows, the franchise is huge and revolves around all things relationships, from romantic to platonic. But what should you watch after you finish Sex and the City?
With so many shows out there, it’s hard to find the ones that will scratch the itch of all things femininity. Here’s everything to watch from the franchise, and what to watch after finishing it.
Related: What to Watch After The White Lotus: Intriguing Shows
What is Sex and the City?
Before we dive into what to watch after you finish Sex and the City, what is the franchise about anyway? The romantic comedy-drama series was created by Darren Star for Max and was an adaptation of Candace Bushnell’s newspaper column and 1996 book anthology that shares the same name. The series premiered in 1998 and concluded in 2004 with a total of 94 episodes that went over six seasons. The series received acclaim and criticism due to its subjects, characters, and themes, but it overall helped HBO grow in popularity as a network.
The plot focuses on four women set in New York City who, despite their different natures and ever-changing relationship statuses, remain friends and confide in one another often. The series stars Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw, Kim Cattrall as Samantha Jones, Kristin Davis as Charlotte York, and Cynthia Nixon as Miranda Hobbes. One of the main themes that was a bit controversial at the time was the open conversations about the more intimate parts of a relationship, as well as femininity. The series didn’t just focus on romantic relationships though, as it also focused on platonic relationships.
Even though the show has been over in over 20 years, it still shows on television and has spawned movies as well as a prequel and sequel show.
Where to Watch Grey’s Anatomy?
Spin-Off Shows
There have been two shows that have been created from this story, one being a prequel called The Carrie Diaries, and the other being a more recent sequel, And Just Like That…, a more recent show.
The Carrie Diaries is a teen comedy-drama that only aired for two seasons on The CW from 2013 to 2014. It’s based on the show as well as the 2010 book sharing the same name by Candace Bushnell. The first season focuses on Carrie Bradshaw during her junior year of high school in 1984 as she explores the life of New York City, also while interning at a law firm office and working at a magazine company. The second season follows her adventure with her newfound friends and boyfriend at the time. After the second season though, the show was unfortunately cancelled.
As for And Just Like That, the sequel show is a more recent series that was created for Max. It’s a revival of the series created by Darren Star once again. The development of the series began in 2020 after the cancellation of the third film adaptation. While the first season was initially meant to be a one-off miniseries, it was renewed for a second season, and a third season, which is due to premier in 2025. This series is set 11 years after the earth events of the 2010 film when the women make their transition from a life of liberation and friendship in their 30s to a more complicated reality of life and friendship in their 50s.
Movies
As far as movies, the series brought two to the big screen. The first is a 2008 romantic comedy that is a continuation of the television show and was a successful release. The story is set a few years after the series when Carrie Bradshaw is preparing for her marriage while the other three friends are still dealing with their own struggles. But when the realization that they’re moving too fast in the wedding, plans start to unravel.
The second film was released in 2010 and follows the first film. While it received positive remarks, the third movie wasn’t pushed through, making way for the most recent sequel. In this film, the four girls plan a trip to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates where Samantha’s ex is filming a new movie, creating so much conflict and confusion.
Read more: Movies Like My Best Friend’s Wedding and Where to Stream Them
What to Watch After You Finish Sex and the City?
The franchise really focuses on the relationship between the girls while they struggle with everyday realizations, from romantic to platonic relationships, to even their work life. It’s all about femininity and girlhood, a wonderful series that isn’t often seen on television. So what should you watch after you finish Sex and the City, from the television series to the movies? Here are a few of the best recommendations that focus on themes of girls sticking together through thick and thin, even if they’re ideas don’t always match up.
Gilmore Girls
Running from 2000 to 2007 over the course of 7 seasons, Gilmore Girls is one of the best things to watch after you finish Sex and the City. The dramedy centers around the relationship between a thirtysomething single mother and her teen daughter living in Stars Hallow, Connecticut. While it does not revolve around adult female relationships, the bond between the mother and daughter is wholesome and inspiring, and the troubles and conflicts they deal with are just as impactful as any other.
Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl is another great recommendation, specifically for the younger audience. The series spanned from 2007 to 2012 over a 6 season series. The show follows the lives of privileged teens living on the Upper East Side of New York who can hide no secret from the ruthless blogger who is always watching.
Broad City
In a five-season-long series that ran from 2014 to 2019, Broad City is one of the best shows to start after you finish Sex and the City. The show follows two women throughout their daily lives in New York City making the smallest and mundane events hysterical and disturbing to watch all at the same time.
The Bold Type
The Bold Type is inspired by the life of the Cosmopolitan editor-in-chief, Joanna Coles, where the show takes viewers into a glimpse of the outrageous lives and loves of those responsible for a global women’s magazine. Their struggles are about finding your identity, managing friendships, and getting your heart broken, all while wearing the perfect jeans to flatter anybody. The show ran from 2017 to 2021 with 5 seasons.
Emily in Paris
A more recent show that is currently still airing is Emily in Paris which premiered in 2020 on Netflix. The show follows a young American woman from the Midwest who is hired by a marketing firm to Paris to provide them with an American perspective on things.
The Sex Lives of College Girls
Last but not least the best shows to start after you finish Sex and the City is the Sex Live of College Girls. The show premiered in 2021 and is currently still going, and follows 18-year-old freshman roommates at Essex College in Vermont. It features a bundle of contradictions and hormones, focusing on romantic relationships that are equal parts lovable and infuriating.
More About:TV Shows
Read This Next
