When “Sex and the City” first aired in the 90s, it was a cultural phenomenon. Bold, somewhat controversial and definitely ahead of its time, the show broke boundaries in the way women were portrayed in the media. Decades and many cultural shifts later, the show’s themes remain relevant even today.
One of the main reasons why “Sex and the City” still resonates with women today is its honest portrayal of relationships. Whether it’s through the four main characters’ friendships or the men they date, everything feels so authentic and relatable.
Whether it’s Carrie’s toxic and confusing relationship with Big, Charlotte’s pursuit of a fairytale relationship, Miranda’s balance between love and her career or Samantha’s independence, each storyline brings about questions about female friendship, intimacy and relationships, something that so many women can relate to today.
While the specifics of dating may have evolved, especially with the emergence of dating apps, the sentiment behind the portrayal of relationships in “Sex and the City” remains extremely similar to how dating is today, especially when it comes to emotional dynamics.
The timelessness of “Sex and the City” also stems from its portrayal of female friendships and highlighting the importance of shared spaces between women. Long before this was a regular theme in media, the true “love story” in “Sex and the City” was always the love that came from the four girls’ friendship.
Through iconic brunch scenes, going out together and just supporting each other in general, the women in “Sex and the City” were able to openly discuss their lives and highlight the overall importance of having a support system.
Especially in such a digital-focused, fast-paced world, “Sex and the City” brings to light something so important nowadays: the importance of real, physical connection, whether it be romantic or platonic.
The show also incorporates topics that still continue to be discussed today. Things like gender roles, sexual freedom and sexism were woven into storylines and remain relevant now. Even the parts that might be outdated now still reflect the efforts to address these issues and challenge society’s unrealistic standards.
The fashion and aesthetic of the show are another reason for its lasting impact. I know myself and so many other women who would love to have Carrie’s closet. Her style certainly turned the idea of fashion into a form of self-expression, and her portrayal of retail therapy is so incredibly relatable.
While trends might have changed, the idea of using fashion to represent identity has become even more relevant now than it was before. In a time dominated by personal style and curating online identities, the show’s approach to fashion seems like it almost predicted this.
Even in today’s world of dating apps, social media and rapidly changing cultures, the show, despite being made in the 90s, feels familiar.
“Sex and the City” continues to remind its viewers that while the context may evolve, the themes and messages will remain the same. The reason why the show is so timeless is that it captures the fundamental nature of what it means to truly live life, no matter how messy, complicated or hard it can be.
Love can be unpredictable, friendships require effort and self-discovery can be a long process, but it’s these themes portrayed in the show that make it so ahead of its time, and these truths won’t change at all.