Let's be real. Watching the Sex and the City revival is a bit like attending a high school reunion where half the people changed their personalities and the other half didn’t show up at all. Yet, here we are. We're still obsessed with the shoes, the brunch drama, and the sheer audacity of Carrie’s fashion choices. As production for the new installment moves forward, the biggest question on everyone’s mind—besides whether Aidan is actually going to stay away for five years—is who exactly makes up the And Just Like That season 3 cast. Some exits are going to sting. Others, frankly, feel like a relief for the pacing of the show.
The Core Trio Returns (With One Major Empty Chair)
Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis are the bedrock. Without them, there is no show. Carrie Bradshaw is still navigating her "widowhood 2.0" phase, Miranda is trying to find herself after the Che Diaz whirlwind, and Charlotte is busy reclaiming her identity beyond just being a "super-mom." They are all confirmed. They are all executive producers. They are all getting paid a lot of money to keep this franchise breathing.
But we have to talk about the Kim Cattrall of it all.
Despite that digital cameo in the season 2 finale that had everyone screaming at their TVs, Samantha Jones is not back for season 3. It was a one-off. A peace offering. A glitch in the matrix. Don't expect to see her sipping a martini in person with the girls this year. The rift remains, and the And Just Like That season 3 cast will have to survive without that specific brand of PR-executive sass once again. It’s a bummer, but it's the reality of the situation.
The Shocking Departures You Need to Know About
The biggest shake-up for the new season isn't who joined, but who was shown the door. Sara Ramírez is out. Che Diaz, the most polarizing character in the history of premium cable, will not be returning as a series regular. Whether you loved the "non-binary Mexican-Irish diva" or spent their scenes scrolling on your phone, their departure changes the entire DNA of Miranda’s upcoming storyline. It feels like the writers heard the internet’s collective groan and decided it was time to move Miranda back toward her roots. Or at least away from that specific brand of chaos.
Then there’s Karen Pittman.
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She played Dr. Nya Wallace, and she was fantastic. Honestly, she was one of the most grounded additions to the revival. However, due to scheduling conflicts with The Morning Show and other projects, Nya is officially out of the mix. It’s a loss for the show’s intellectual depth. Similarly, Sara Arya—who played the fabulous Seema’s friend and rival—is also reportedly not returning. The cast was getting a bit bloated, wasn't it? Sometimes you have to trim the hedges to see the house.
New Faces and Surprising Promotions
Max (the streamer formerly known as HBO Max) has been a bit secretive, but we do have some fresh blood. Rosie O’Donnell is joining the And Just Like That season 3 cast. She’s playing a character named Mary, and while we don't know much yet, Rosie brings a specific New York energy that feels very "old school SATC." It's a smart move. She fits the vibe of a woman who has lived ten lives in Manhattan.
We’re also seeing some promotions.
- Sébastien Selig: Expect more of him.
- Logan Marshall-Green: Joining in a guest capacity.
- Dolly Wells: Also added to the roster.
Mehmet Kurtulus has also been spotted on set. If you’re keeping track, the show is leaning heavily into Carrie’s professional and social circle expanding even further. The producers seem to be doubling down on the "new friends" angle while trying to fix the mistakes of the first two seasons where the new characters felt like they were on an island.
What About the Men?
John Corbett is the giant elephant in the room. Is Aidan Shaw actually coming back? The season 2 finale saw him telling Carrie he needed five years to focus on his kids in Virginia. In TV time, five years can happen in a single "six months later" title card. Corbett has been seen filming in New York City. He’s back. Whether he’s back for good or just for a messy "we shouldn't be doing this" weekend remains to be seen.
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David Eigenberg (Steve Brady) and Evan Handler (Harry Goldenblatt) are staples. Steve has been through the wringer, but fans are clamoring for him to get a win this season. If the writers don't give Steve a happy ending, there might be a literal riot. And Harry? Harry is the gold standard of husbands. He’s staying put.
Why the Casting Shifts Matter for the Story
The "And Just Like That season 3 cast" tells us exactly what kind of show this is becoming. By removing Che and Nya, the show is narrowing its focus. Season 1 was about grief. Season 2 was about trying to find "the new normal." Season 3 looks like it might finally be about the women actually enjoying their 50s without constantly apologizing for it.
Seema Patel (Sarita Choudhury) has become the breakout star of this revival. She is the spiritual successor to Samantha, but with more vulnerability and a better wardrobe (fight me on that). Keeping her front and center is the best decision the showrunners have made. Her chemistry with Carrie feels earned, not forced. It’s a friendship that actually makes sense for a woman in her 50s who has outgrown her old patterns but still wants to hunt for a Birkin.
A Note on the "Five-Year Plan"
The writers have a difficult needle to thread. They have to respect the legacy of the original series while acknowledging that the world has changed. The And Just Like That season 3 cast reflects a desire to find a middle ground. Bringing in Rosie O’Donnell suggests a return to a more "New York character" feel, rather than just trying to check diversity boxes—something the show was heavily criticized for in season 1.
People want to see Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte struggle, sure. But they also want to see them be successful, stylish, and slightly out of touch. That's the brand. When the show gets too grounded, it loses the magic. When it gets too wacky, it loses the heart.
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Reality Check: The Production Timeline
Filming kicked off in May 2024. If you've been following the paparazzi shots on Instagram, you've seen the outfits. They are... a lot. There’s a lot of tulle. There are some very questionable hats. But that’s why we watch. We expect a release date sometime in 2025. This isn't a show you can rush. The post-production on those NYC locations and the sheer amount of costume changes takes time.
What You Should Do Next
If you want to stay ahead of the curve before the premiere, there are a few things worth doing. First, go back and re-watch the final two episodes of season 2. The nuance of Carrie and Aidan's "break" is easy to misinterpret. Pay attention to Seema’s dialogue—she often acts as the voice of the audience, pointing out exactly how ridiculous everyone is being.
Secondly, follow the costume designers on social media. Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago often post behind-the-scenes looks at the And Just Like That season 3 cast that give away more plot points than the actual scripts do. A specific dress or a recurring accessory can tell you if a character is mourning, celebrating, or heading back to their old ways.
Finally, keep your expectations in check regarding Samantha. Every time a new season is announced, rumors fly that Kim Cattrall is coming back full-time. She isn't. Enjoy the show for what it is—a flawed, beautiful, expensive look at aging in the most expensive city in the world. It’s not Sex and the City, and it’s not trying to be anymore. It’s its own beast now.
Keep an eye on the official Max press releases for the specific episode count. Usually, we get 10 to 11 episodes. Given the cast changes, the pacing should be tighter this time around. No more jumping between ten different storylines that never intersect. We're getting a more streamlined version of the story, and honestly, that’s exactly what the fans have been asking for since the "Peloton incident" started it all.
Don't look for a trailer until at least late 2024. For now, the set photos and the confirmed And Just Like That season 3 cast list are all we have to go on. Use them to piece together your own theories. Is Miranda going back to corporate law? Is Charlotte going to become an art gallery mogul again? Is Carrie finally going to use her stove for something other than storing sweaters? Probably not the stove thing. Some things never change.
Stay tuned to the production updates out of Silvercup Studios. That’s where the magic (and the drama) actually happens.