Are There Series About Single Women In Cities Like Sex And The City?

Maybe an odd pick, but 'The Once and Future Witches' by Alix E. Harrow. Three estranged sisters—James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth, and Beatrice Belladonna—reunite in a suffragette-era city to bring back witchcraft. Their dynamic is full of old resentments, childhood loyalties, and powerful magic. They argue, protect each other, and learn to trust again as they fight the patriarchal system. It's a literal coven as a found family. Their combined power is in their sisterhood. It's a fantastical, activist take on the idea that women together are stronger, which is a fundamental, if sometimes understated, message of SATC.

There's a certain magic in the way New York is portrayed in various shows, especially when it comes to the complexities of romance. Take 'Friends,' for instance. This iconic sitcom captures the lives of six friends navigating their twenties and early thirties in Manhattan, filled with love triangles, heartbreaks, and the type of connections that can only flourish in such a vibrant city. The setting becomes almost a character itself, bustling with energy yet intimate enough for personal stories to unfold within its backdrop. In particular, Ross and Rachel’s tumultuous relationship is a rollercoaster ride, showcasing both the challenges and joys of love amidst the chaos of city life. Another great series is 'How I Met Your Mother.' While it centers around Ted's quest to find the one, it presents a nuanced take on romance, friendship, and the unpredictable nature of love. The group’s adventures across various New York locales—from the MacLaren's Pub to Central Park—add layers of familiarity that make every episode feel relatable. Not to mention the iconic moments, such as “the pineapple incident,” which is a reminder of how romance can stem from the most unexpected situations. There are those heartwarming tales blended with comedic twists, perfectly capturing the essence of youthful aspiration. For a more contemporary vibe, 'Emily in Paris' isn’t set in New York but offers that cosmopolitan flair that resonates. Emily's journey in Paris is reminiscent of how New Yorkers embrace their unique love stories, full of charm, aspiration, and the trials of navigating different cultures. The chemistry with each character emphasizes that no matter where you are, romance has a way of creeping in where you least expect it. Whether you lean more towards nostalgia or modern-day tales, these series beautifully illustrate the romance that thrives in big cities, making each storyline a delight to experience.

The shift from 'Sex and the City' to 'And Just Like That' feels like catching up with old friends who’ve aged—some gracefully, others awkwardly. The original series was this glittery, aspirational fantasy of Manhattan life, all cosmos and couture, while the reboot tackles midlife crises, grief, and woke culture with a clunkier touch. Miranda’s radical personality overhaul, for instance, still baffles me—gone is the sharp-witted lawyer, replaced by someone who feels like a caricature of performative wokeness. Carrie’s podcast arc is painfully cringe at times, but her grief storyline? Raw and real. Charlotte’s evolution actually works; she’s still uptight but grows in relatable ways. The show’s attempts at diversity often stumble (hello, Che Diaz), but I’ll admit it’s trying to reflect a changed world. Nostalgia keeps me watching, even when the dialogue makes me wince. That said, the fashion remains impeccable—Patricia Field’s absence is felt, but the new team delivers. The absence of Samantha (and Kim Cattrall’s legendary snark) leaves a void no cameo can fill. It’s messier, less fun, but oddly compelling in its messy honesty. Like a heel you love but can’t walk in anymore.

One of my all-time favorite shows featuring a single mom has to be 'Gilmore Girls'. Lorelai Gilmore is this quick-witted, coffee-loving force of nature who raises her daughter Rory while juggling small-town drama and running an inn. The show’s charm lies in their banter—it’s like watching two best friends navigate life together. Another gem is 'Jane the Virgin', where Jane Villanueva balances motherhood, career aspirations, and telenovela-level twists with so much heart. The way the show blends humor and heartfelt moments makes it unforgettable. And let’s not forget 'The Bold Type', where Kat Edison’s mom, Claire, is a supportive but flawed figure, adding layers to their relationship. These shows don’t just portray single moms as heroes or martyrs; they make them human, messy, and utterly relatable. For something grittier, 'Shameless' gives us Monica Gallagher, whose struggles with mental health and addiction paint a raw picture of parenthood’s complexities. Meanwhile, 'Workin’ Moms' tackles the chaos of modern motherhood with biting humor—Kate Foster’s journey as a working single mom is both hilarious and painfully real. What I love about these portrayals is how they refuse to sugarcoat the challenges while still celebrating resilience. Whether it’s Lorelai’s endless pop culture references or Jane’s romantic idealism, these characters stick with you because they feel like people you’d actually know.

Less glamour, more raw authenticity: 'My Brilliant Friend' by Elena Ferrante. The lifelong, intensely competitive and loving friendship between Lila and Lenu is the most profound portrayal I’ve ever read. It’s not about cosmopolitans, but about how a friend can mirror your best and worst self across a lifetime of social change.

The 'Sex and the City' book series is like a time capsule of 90s single life in New York, but with way more champagne and Manolo Blahniks. Originally written by Candace Bushnell as a collection of newspaper columns, it follows a fictionalized version of her own experiences navigating dating, friendships, and career struggles through the lens of four very different women. Carrie’s column serves as the backbone, mixing sharp observations with cringe-worthy romantic misadventures—think less fairytale endings, more ‘why did I waste tears on that banker who ghosted me?’ realism. The books are grittier than the HBO adaptation; Miranda’s corporate grind feels more exhausting, Samantha’s sexuality is even more unapologetic, and Charlotte’s upper-east-side idealism gets brutally tested. Bushnell’s writing has this addictive, gossipy tone—like you’re dissecting last night’s terrible date over brunch with your snarkiest friend. What fascinates me is how the series captures pre-Tinder dating culture—landlines, faxed breakup letters (!), and the terrifying concept of ‘waiting by the phone.’ It’s nostalgic but also painfully relatable. The books dive deeper into the women’s professional frustrations too, like Carrie’s money struggles as a freelancer (that $40,000 shoe habit hits differently when you realize she’s barely paying rent). While the show glamorized the city, the original material often portrays New York as a glittering trap—you’re either conquering it or getting chewed up. I reread it recently and found myself cackling at how timeless some jokes are, even if the references to ‘AOL chat rooms’ dated it magnificently.

If you're after shows where women actually rebuild and thrive after divorce, pick a comfy chair and a bowl of popcorn — there are some beautiful portrayals out there. 'Grace and Frankie' is the headline act: two older women who have their lives upended when their husbands leave them for each other, and instead of fading away they start a business, date, travel, squabble, and become each other's chosen family. It's warm, hilarious, and shows late-life reinvention without sugarcoating the practical woes. For a sharper, more bittersweet take, watch 'Divorce' with its frank look at how messy separation can be — therapy, messy dating, custody fights and the slow, sometimes humiliating process of learning who you are again. 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' and 'The Good Wife' are great companions: Midge finds her voice as a performer after leaving her marriage, while Alicia rebuilds a legal career and agency after a public scandal. Each series highlights different wins — financial independence, creative freedom, new friendships — and I always come away feeling quietly hopeful.

Every time I think of New York romances, my mind instantly jumps to 'Friends'. The chemistry among the group of six is intoxicating, and the iconic Central Perk café feels like a second home. Ross and Rachel’s relationship is such a rollercoaster; their on-again-off-again saga had my heart racing every single time. And let’s not forget about Monica and Chandler – their romance flourished from friendship to love, giving us all those warm fuzzies! Each episode captures a moment in New York life, whether it's exploring relationships, friendships, or the struggles of adulthood, all set against that quintessential NYC backdrop. Then there's 'Sex and the City', another flagship in New York's romantic tapestry. The series dives deep into the lives and loves of four fabulous women navigating the dating world. Carrie Bradshaw and her romantic escapades help illustrate how love can be both intoxicating and complicated in a city that never sleeps. The fashion, the friendships, and the oh-so-relatable heartaches make it such a standout show. Plus, the stunning Manhattan skyline as a backdrop enhances every romantic encounter! To me, both shows beautifully encapsulate the feeling of love in the chaos of a bustling city. Through heartbreak and joy, they teach us about the complexities of relationships and the importance of friendship. Watching them again stirs up nostalgia, making me long for those NYC summer nights filled with laughter and the promise of new beginnings.

I've always been a huge fan of 'Sex and the City,' and the books are just as fabulous as the show! Candace Bushnell, the original author, wrote a few spin-offs that dive deeper into the world of Carrie and her friends. One of them is 'The Carrie Diaries,' which takes us back to Carrie's high school days in the '80s—totally different vibe but packed with that signature wit. There's also 'Summer and the City,' which follows Carrie's early adventures in New York before she became the columnist we know and love. Both books are like time capsules, showing how Carrie evolved into the fashion-forward, relationship-phobic writer we adore. Another fun read is 'Is There Still Sex in the City?,' which Bushnell wrote much later, exploring dating and relationships for women in their 50s. It's a hilarious and poignant take on how the dating scene changes (or doesn’t) as we age. If you're craving more of that sharp, observational humor, these spin-offs are perfect. They don’t just rehash the show—they expand the universe in ways that feel fresh yet familiar. I love how they capture the essence of the original while standing on their own.

the whole timeline still feels fresh in my mind. 'Suite Sex and the City' is actually Season 4, Episode 3—it aired right in that sweet spot where Carrie’s voiceovers were razor-sharp, and the fashion was peak early 2000s. The episode first dropped on June 17, 2001, during HBO’s golden era of Sunday night prestige TV. It’s the one where Carrie dates the jazz guy, and Miranda has that awkward encounter with Steve’s mom. Classic SATC chaos. What’s wild is how this episode encapsulates the show’s vibe—glamorous but grounded, with just enough cringe to feel real. The air date puts it right before 9/11, too, which adds this unintentional time capsule quality. Rewatching it now, you can almost smell the Chanel No. 5 and stale cosmopolitans.