And Just Like That, the highly anticipated sequel to Sex and the City, has returned for its second season with a bold and provocative approach to showcasing intimacy. The show, which airs on Max, begins with a two-and-a-half-minute montage featuring six of its main characters in moments of intimacy, with the seventh character watching an intimate scene on television. This deliberate focus on diverse and explicit sexual encounters is a stark departure from the original series, which was groundbreaking for its time but more restrained in its portrayal of sex.
One notable change in the current installment is the inclusion of an intimacy coordinator, a role that was non-existent during the premiere of Sex and the City in 1998. The cast and crew worked closely with the coordinator to ensure safe and comfortable environments for filming intimate scenes. This addition reflects the industry’s growing awareness and commitment to creating respectful and consensual on-screen portrayals of intimacy.
In a recent interview, showrunner Michael Patrick King discussed the significance of sex in the series and what he aimed to convey about intimacy in all its forms. He explains that while the previous season focused on death, this season celebrates life and explores the role of sex as a crucial aspect of it. The narrative unfolds naturally, with characters’ actions leading to moments of intimacy. For example, when Carrie kisses her podcast producer, Franklyn, in the last season, it triggers a storyline revolving around their sexual relationship. This decision opens the door for exploring the sexual lives of all the characters.
The opening montage of the second season sets a glamorous and aspirational tone, showcasing beautiful actors preparing for intimate encounters. It also flips traditional gender roles, with the men depicted as passive, coy figures lying in bed while the women take charge. This reversal adds a layer of humor and subversion to the scene. Additionally, the inclusion of Nya, who is watching a sex scene on television while her partner is away on tour, highlights the importance of sex in the characters’ lives.
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The show further explores modern and fluid sensibilities about relationships and sex. Miranda, one of the main characters, embarks on a new sexual journey by dating a nonbinary comic named Che. This storyline allows for the exploration of new sexual experiences, including the use of a strap-on. King emphasizes that while the show delves into these experiences, it aims to strike a balance between comedy, glamour, and aspiration, without resorting to explicit or gratuitous content.
One notable aspect of the show is the inclusion of nudity, particularly of women over 40, without it being overly sexualized. King reveals that he wanted a sensory deprivation tank scene for Miranda, in which she becomes frustrated after getting salt in her eye. To make the scene work, he needed Cynthia Nixon, the actress who portrays Miranda, to be completely naked. King approached Nixon, and after some consideration, she agreed, trusting the show’s long history and King’s vision for the character.
In terms of the comfort levels of the actresses, King assures that their comfort is always a priority, and any intimate scenes are discussed and agreed upon. If an actress is uncomfortable, there is no reason to proceed, as it would make both the actress and the audience more uncomfortable.
The second season of And Just Like That continues to push boundaries and challenge societal norms with its open and honest portrayal of intimacy. The show celebrates diverse relationships and sexual experiences while maintaining a balance between comedy, beauty, and legitimate storytelling. By incorporating an intimacy coordinator and prioritizing the comfort of the actors, the show sets a new standard for responsible and authentic on-screen depictions of intimacy.
