Sex and the City was a wildly popular show that began in 1997 and spanned six seasons and two follow-up movies. It's a show that was considered provocative in its time for the way that it handled plotlines about women in their 30s, female friendship, the myth of motherhood, dating, and life in New York City.
While it has faced some criticism, it has also been praised for its groundbreaking subject matter. Of course, looking back on the series there are bound to be questions about how it holds up to modern-day standards. One question on a lot of people's minds is, would these women really be friends?
Two Fiery Women
Of the four friends, Charlotte is the romantic, Carrie is the free spirit, Miranda is the cynic, and Samantha is the sexual adventurer. Samantha and Miranda actually share quite a few commonalities. They are both very successful in their careers and have more modern ideals than the other at times.
This could be challenging though, as they are both quite quick to act when challenged. Miranda has more than her fair share of arguments during the show, and Samantha enacted revenge one or two of her exes. This could make the women equally matched, but also could lead to a few blowouts.
Both Are Outspoken
Miranda is a high powered lawyer, and Samantha works in public relations. One can assume that both women have had to self advocate to get as far as they have in their careers. While they typically have similar views - both are self-sufficient, and then men come second - they both are quite opinionated and quick to express it.
While this could be a non-issue, as it's often portrayed in the series, if the two women were genuinely in a lot of situations together, this could prove to be a challenge.
Judgemental about Sex Life
Sex is a big part of the series, as it prominently displayed in the title. While some of the characters have varying levels of comfort exploring their sexuality, Samantha's is always joyously on display. In recent years, there has been criticism about how the other three often react to Samantha's sex life, and the ways in which they make shameful comments.
Miranda too, s in on the fun and mocks many of Samantha's bold choices, including when she explored her sexuality with a woman. In "What's Sex Got to Do with It," the girls all criticize Samantha's exploration, and Miranda chimes in the famous line, "poof I'm a lesbian."
Judgemental about Bikini Wax
In the Sex and The City movie, Samantha also showed that she too can be judgemental toward her friends. It occurred every once in a while in the series, especially about Charlotte's hangups with sex. But while ing Carrie unexpectedly on her honeymoon after Big stands her up.
The women are all sunbathing when Samantha spots that Miranda hasn't tended to her bikini area in some time. Rather than be understanding that this was an unplanned vacation, she judges Miranda for not taking better care.
Samantha and Motherhood
Miranda's unexpected pregnancy is quite a pivotal event in the series that eventually changes her whole life. Of course, as her life is met with big changes, it is natural that her friendships could also be affected. However, it's a bit shocking to see how much Miranda's friendships are changed because of her pregnancy and subsequent birth.
In Anchor's Away after a breakfast that is slightly censored for newborn Brady, Samantha hurridly pushes Miranda into a cab so the rest of the women can go shopping before Fleet Week. After some coaching, she is able to accept Miranda's new responsibilities with a bit more grace, but she still isn't so keen on children.
Onscreen Together
The series centers around the protagonist Carrie, so it is fitting that most of the women are also viewed through the scope of their friendship with her. Miranda and Samantha are rarely shown interacting together with the exception of "Critical Condition," in which Carrie urges Samantha to be more ive of Miranda's new life as a mother.
It's one of the few times that the characters have a storyline that is just between them. So, perhaps one of the reasons it is hard to envision them as real friends is the lack of evidence we have of the women being friends in the series.
Samantha Cares About Image
All of the women seem to enjoy dres and attending events. They are in great shape throughout the six seasons and two movies. Samantha at times seems to care a lot more about her image than the other.
For example, she has a small crisis when she finds a grey hair down there, gets a dreaded chemical peel before a big publicity event for Carrie, and once has nude pictures taken of her so that she can reflect on how hot she was once she is old and saggy. Miranda, on the other hand, is much more pragmatic in her approach to life. This could be an area of contention for the two.
Big Life Changes
As with many long-lasting friendships, all of the main characters on Sex and the City must face challenges, learn and grow. There are many times in the series where the women show up for each other in a way that is awe-inspiring. Between Miranda and Samantha, there is often a bit of hesitation. Samantha has a hard time relating to Miranda during her pregnancy or as a new mom.
She also had a hard time being there for Miranda when her mother died. Of course, the characters eventually figure it out, but it would be a concern in a committed friendship if one of the parties wasn't there for big life changes.
Views on Sexuality
Although the women all have varying views on sexuality, it is a topic that is integral to the show. At times Charlotte can be portrayed as a prude, Samantha as loose and Miranda as a buzz kill. In reality, their conversations surrounding sexuality are often a bit one dimensional.
As previously mentioned Samantha often gets shamed for her adventures and Miranda is often forgotten by her friends. It would be interesting to see how the dynamic between the two women would play out if there was a bit more substance to their friendship.
Samantha's Ego Versus Miranda's Pragmatism
Over the course of the series, the women's relationships go through ups and downs and they have very compelling life events. While the two women have some similarities in their personalities, their responses to the world are a bit different.
Miranda is straightforward and pragmatic, whereas Samantha tends to be exaggerated and over the top. It doesn't come to a head often, but there is potential for friction.