And Just Like That finale divides fans over Samantha's absence

The three-season revival of Sex and the City, And Just Like That, concluded earlier this week after a finale that sparked intense viewer backlash over its handling of the ensemble, particularly the absence of Samantha Jones. In the days that followed, Kim Cattrall—who starred as Samantha in the original series and in the films but did not join the reboot—appeared to weigh in on the ongoing debate by liking a fan message praising her influence and subtly suggesting she carried the franchise. The feedback has intensified a long-running public conversation about the relationships among the four central characters and the direction of the reboot.

The finale, which wrapped Carrie Bradshaw’s arc in a way the show’s makers described as honest to the character, drew sharply mixed reactions. Writers defended their choices: one described the closing moments as a truthful punctuation on Carrie’s life, while another acknowledged the difficulty of pleasing every viewer while insisting the characters end in “a good place” and with a sense of resolution. The program’s creators emphasized that the series’ core premise—the strength and resilience of long-standing friendships—remains intact even...