When the television show Sex and the City had its original run on HBO, I was neither a subscriber to HBO nor particularly interested in the sex lives of four women that lived in New York City. A mere nine years after the show ended and two movies later, there is a new television show called The Carrie Diaries based on the teenage life of Carrie Bradshaw, one of the four women from Sex and the City. It chronicles her life and struggles as a high school student in the early nineteen eighties.

The time period aspect was one of the things that attracted me to the show, as well as having a bestfriend that was and continues to be a huge fan of the original Sex and the City. I was a child during that time period, only turning thirteen in the summer of 1990. In nineteen eighty-four, I was only about seven years old — not quite the teenager depicted on The Carrie Diaries. I therefore might have not the best memories of that time period, but I really don’t remember all of the bright colors that are seen on the show until a few years later — closer to 1987 or 1988.

On the show Sex and the City, the character of Carrie tells her friends at one point about how early she had lost her virginity. This character history was changed for the purpose of The Carrie Diaries — what would be the purpose of having a show about the maturation process of a young woman only to have it hit a sort of a high point shortly after it begins? Furthermore, Carrie Bradshaw’s life history was changed from having a deceased father to having a deceased mother. I’m not sure why this was necessary — perhaps it was seen as necessary to have a strong female character raised by her father rather than her mother, not that I particularly understand the reasoning.

The show has only begun a few weeks ago but it certainly shows a lot of promise. There are numerous side characters which have potential for strong story lines. I only wonder if it will be difficult to watch, knowing that Carrie will ultimately not end up with any of the people that she dates in high school. My wife, who had strong feelings about Sex and the City (she really did not like it) seems to enjoy this show — perhaps you will like it as well!

10 Comments

  1. Excellent review, Gordon. I don’t think I’ve ever watched any of the series you mention, so getting some insight into the unknown is a breadcrumb trail I appreciate!

    1. Thank you, David. I imagine that you remember the early 1980s better than I do, so I would be interested to know if you find that it jives with your memory of New York during that time period!

          1. HOW DO I “UNLIKE” THIS ARTICLE?

            On another note… “Girls” — is that the Lena Dunham thing that got her a $3.7 million book deal? If so, “Ugh.”

  2. I am going to look for this show. I like the series that was on for a long time but I didn’t see it the first time. I’m getting caught up in the reruns.

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