AJLT Writers Defend Carrie's Bittersweet Ending: "This is What We All Felt Made the Most Sense"

In the aftermath of the divisive series finale of "And Just Like That..." (AJLT), the writers behind the "Sex and the City" revival have stepped forward to defend Carrie Bradshaw's bittersweet ending.

Julie Rottenberg and Elisa Zuritsky, who have been with the iconic franchise since the original series, explain that the decision to leave Carrie single at the end was a conscious one, not a heated debate like the original finale. "All these years later, like the characters, we've evolved," says Zuritsky. "We all know a lot of women who are not partnered, and are pretty happily not partnered, and felt like it was the most authentic version to give that version life."

The writers acknowledge that Carrie's character represents so much for so many people, making it impossible to please everyone. "She wasn't alone. She was on her own," was the final line of the episode, a coda to the original series' ending where Carrie ended up with Mr. Big.

Rottenberg notes that many women, both partnered and single, have reached out expressing relief at Carrie's solo ending. "I've really been impressed by the number of people who have reached out to me in my life who were so relieved," she says. "I feel like, maybe, were we all rooting for Carrie to be at peace, whether she's with someone or not?"

The writers acknowledge the "hate-watching" trend surrounding AJLT, but attribute it to the passionate connection viewers have with these characters. "It's clear that, yeah, I don't think there was one answer or one version that would satisfy everybody," says Zuritsky.

As Carrie Bradshaw's story comes to a close, the AJLT writers feel they have left the character in a good place, ready for the next chapter, whatever that may be.