Sex and the City: a simple guide for new viewers and longtime fans

Still curious why people obsess over Carrie’s shoes and the friendships more than the romances? Sex and the City stays part of pop culture because it mixes fashion, friendship and messy grown-up life in a way that’s easy to talk about. If you want a clear starting point — or a quick refresher before a rewatch — this page gives the essentials without the fluff.

Where to watch and the right order

If you care about the story, watch the original TV show first: Seasons 1 through 6. After that, watch the two feature films from 2008 and 2010, then the recent sequel series And Just Like That. That order keeps character arcs and key events sensible. For streaming, check Max (the service that holds HBO content in many places) and your local streaming platforms — availability changes by country, so a quick search or the platform’s catalogue will tell you for sure.

What to expect and how to binge smart

The show is a mix of romantic messes, career moves, family decisions and wardrobe moments. It’s strongest when it’s about the four women—Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha—and how their friendship survives heartbreaks and bad choices. If you don’t have time for every episode, start with season 1 to meet the characters, then skim seasons 2–4 for major turning points. Finish with seasons 5–6 and the films to close most arcs. The sequel picks up years later with new conflicts and some old faces.

Want a themed binge? Try these short runs: Carrie’s relationship arc (watch her early romances through to the films), Miranda’s career and family episodes, Charlotte’s motherhood storyline, or Samantha’s independence and confidence beats. Each angle gives a different feel of the show.

Is it dated? Yes and no. Some jokes and perspectives feel 20 years old, and critics called out the show for lacking diversity and sometimes shallow takes on sex and class. But the friendship core and the fashion moments still land for many viewers. Watch it as a product of its time with good scenes that still resonate.

Looking for talking points? Notice how the show treats New York as its own character, how relationships are messy and not always resolved, and how fashion signals identity. Those are the threads that keep people debating the show even now.

If you want quick updates, news or reviews tied to Sex and the City—like casting moves, spin-off news, or actors’ interviews—check this tag for articles and commentary. We collect reviews, episode roundups and any major headlines that affect the show or its cast.

Have a specific question—best episodes, where to stream in South Africa, or whether the sequel is worth it? Ask below and we’ll point you to the most useful reads and episodes to watch first.