English Version | Why there'll never be another show like Sex and the City?

I took advantage of having this article to revisit Sex and the City (1998 - 2004) for the umpteenth time. As someone who easily gets bored of books, films and television, I've watched and re-watched this series dozens of times. I always manage to find a new insight, a new joke and, above all, a change in the way we look at certain situations over the years. Consider the relationship between Carrie and Big: how many times have I taken different sides on them? Then there are the mirrors, those situations in which we see ourselves perfectly. I remember Samantha, in love with the charismatic Richard, confessing to her friends that she forgives him after a betrayal: “I know he loves me / I believe he's sorry / I believe he'll make an effort.” Carrie, always perceptive, replies: "It's your choice and we should all respect it." And then she adds: “How's that for an article? ’Desperate Women Who Believe In Everything’”. There are thousands of these kinds of scenes, and every time I watch the series, I'm led to think differently. Sex and the City is iconic, and if Girls (2012 - 2017) by Lena Dunham came close to being iconic, it was thanks to its more realistic and raw approach - and also, let's be honest, to Lena Dunham. Girls was the same, but different. Something that Emily in Paris (2020 - ...) is miles away from being able to do. Sex and the City was pioneering and revolutionary. Reality imitated fiction or, rather, confirmed it. With Emily in Paris and its succession of social clichés, fiction imitates reality, and not in a particularly brilliant way. The truth is that there are a number of factors that intertwine, making Sex and the City the unique cultural phenomenon that it is.

Firstly, its pioneering spirit. Sex and the City was revolutionary in the way it tackled female sexuality, friendship between women and independence in an urban context. At that time, when magazine culture and fashion were on the rise, the series stood out for its courage and innovation. The characters are undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of the series' success. Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha are much more than fictional figures; they have become friends and confidants, sharing tears and laughter with the public. Each of them represents different facets of the female experience, and this diversity resonated deeply with the audience. Their stories, filled with complexity and vulnerability, created an emotional connection that many attempts at imitation have failed to replicate. Those women became archetypes, symbolising the struggles and triumphs of modern life, and so they continue to be relevant. The memorable dialogues are also worth mentioning. The series is known for its witty writing and insightful conversations that reflect the nuances of contemporary life, relationships and personal ambitions. Sex and the City isn't just a story about fashion and romance; it explores deep and often painful issues that many women face in reality. When we talk about Sex and the City, it's impossible to ignore moments that have marked us in some way. One of them is when Jack Berger, one of Carrie's boyfriends in season six, after the ‘F#$% You’ gestures thrown at his ex-girlfriend's message on his phone, explains to Carrie that his ex wants ‘closure’. It was actually the first time I understood this term as a concept in my life, this need for a ‘final conversation’ after the end of a relationship - whether it's necessary or not, I haven't got there yet. The series introduced, in a casual way, deep and complex concepts that, until then, had not been part of many people's emotional vocabulary. The way Sex and the City tackled issues like these is what makes it so memorable and different from modern attempts at imitation. Another episode that comes to mind occurs when Carrie introduces Berger to her friends. During a conversation with the ‘girls’, especially with Miranda, she asks him why a date hasn't called her as promised. Berger then launches into the acclaimed statement: "He is just not that into you". This quote not only resonated with viewers, but also spawned a film of the same title, further solidifying its relevance in popular culture. And, of course, we can't forget New York City. The Big Apple is not just a backdrop, but an active character in the narrative. The city plays a crucial role, moulding the experiences and growth of the protagonists. Other series have tried to replicate this, such as Emily in Paris with the French capital, but without the same impact. In Sex and the City, New York becomes a real character, with its streets and iconic locations that intensify the story. Fashion, in turn, is a form of expression for the characters. Carrie Bradshaw, in particular, uses it to communicate her identity and desires. The costumes have become iconic, contributing to the series' enduring cultural appeal. In contrast, Emily in Paris seems more superficial, treating fashion as an accessory rather than a profound narrative element. In Sex and the City, fashion isn't just a matter of appearance; it's a reflection of the characters' emotions and experiences. Its cultural impact is undeniable. The television hit captured the spirit of an era, but its themes - such as the pursuit of happiness and the balance between career, love and friendship - are timeless. Modern attempts to imitate Sex and the City fail because they can't recreate the emotional and cultural authenticity that the original series offered in its context. The narrative of Emily in Paris is riddled with clichés and fails to delve into the complexities of modern life in any meaningful way.

Sex and the City was more than a television series; it was a cultural moment that reflected and influenced a generation. The series continues to be a source of inspiration and reflection, reaffirming its position as a landmark in television history. Over the years, it has remained relevant, inviting new audiences to explore its stories and find in its characters a mirror of their own lives. And as we remember the relationship between Carrie and Big, we can't forget the famous phrase "Ever Thine, Ever Mine, Ever Ours." The words, which originally belong to Ludwig van Beethoven, echo the complexity of love, surrender and the search for connection in the midst of ups and downs. This is a message that resonates not only with their story, but with the human experience in general - the desire to belong, to love and to be loved. This is the true essence of Sex and the City: a celebration of human relationships, female friendship, sexuality and MY independence, themes that continue to resonate strongly today. Sex and the City is, and always will be, an iconic series that will somehow continue to guide future generations in their exploration of what it means to be a woman in contemporary society. Its legacy is not only a testament to the culture of the time, but an affirmation that, despite all the complications and challenges, love and friendship remain fundamental pillars in our lives. It is this ability to connect, to make people laugh and cry, to provoke reflection and discussion, that guarantees Sex and the City an eternal place in the hearts of women and in the history of television.

Originally translated from The Icons Issue, published November 2024. Full credits and stories are in the print issue.