The TV reboot of Sex and the City has been eagerly anticipated, but another show that recently launched assumes the mantle with Black women in the leads. There’s also a bonus update on a previously-reviewed series.
And Just Like That… The eagerly awaited follow-up series to Sex and the City, brings back 3 of the original quartet (Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis). They quickly deal with the absence of Samantha (Kim Cattrall, who declined to return) and even keep her presence on the edges. The women are all in their 50s, so jokes about age are plentiful. There’s also lots of time dealing with social consciousness, which includes the welcome addition of several non-white, non-straight women. (Also, sad to see Willie Garson, as Carrie’s gay best friend, in 3 episodes before the actor died.) Natch, there are fab fashions, but the cool lifestyle moments and sexy situations have receded for now (perhaps more will develop). So far, it’s a comfortable reboot and time will tell if it still can stimulate and surprise. (This review is based on the first 2 shows with additional episodes launched every Friday.) (3.5 / 5) HBOMax link
Harlem Tracy Y. Oliver, co-writer of Girls Trip and creator the BET series First Wives Club, created this series which echoes Sex and the City, except these 4 30ish women are all Black. There’s the usual mix of types: the rich designer, the lesbian entrepreneur, the academic and the wild one, played by Shoniqua Shandia, who provides most of the comedy and was actually raised in Richmond. Their trajectories follow expected paths: romantic frustrations, unapologetic sex, plentiful parties and cool clothes. Even though the characters and situations aren’t especially original, the performances are fun, the pacing is quick and the writing is witty. (Review based on 5 of the 10 episodes) (4 / 5) Amazon Prime Video link
The Sex Lives of College Girls update: Speaking of shows revolving around women and their sex lives, I reviewed this series after watching 5 episodes (my review). Now that I’ve completed the season, I can still recommend it.