In a surprising turn of events, HBO has announced that "And Just Like That..." will conclude after its third season. The final episode is scheduled to air on August 14, ending the continuation of the "Sex and the City" universe.

Showrunner Michael Patrick King revealed the decision in a statement posted on Instagram, stating that the conclusion came to him while writing the last episode of season three. King felt it was a natural and "wonderful place to stop" the story. He, along with Sarah Jessica Parker and HBO executives Casey Bloys and Sarah Aubrey, decided to end the series with a two-part finale. Episodes 11 and 12 are scheduled to air on August 7 and August 14, respectively.

King explained that the announcement was deliberately delayed to prevent the word "final" from overshadowing the enjoyment of the current season. He expressed gratitude to the viewers who welcomed the characters into their homes and hearts over the years.

Sarah Jessica Parker, who has played Carrie Bradshaw for 27 years, shared an emotional farewell on social media. She acknowledged the love, frustration, and support the character has received over the decades, calling it "the greatest soundtrack and most consequential companion". Kristin Davis expressed her sadness, praising the cast and crew, while Cynthia Nixon celebrated the "wild beautiful And Just Like That ride".

The original "Sex and the City" series premiered in 1998 and ran for six seasons, becoming one of HBO's signature hits. It garnered numerous awards, including seven Emmys and eight Golden Globes. The series was followed by two films, though the second film received negative reviews, and plans for a third were scrapped.

"And Just Like That..." premiered in December 2021 and reunited Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte as they navigated life in their 50s. While initially a hit for HBO Max, bringing in record viewers and sign-ups, the show's popularity waned over time. Some critics and viewers questioned the new cast additions and changes to the characters.

According to Samba TV, viewership for the season three premiere dropped 7% from season two and 62% from season one. Despite the decline, HBO maintained that the show remained a valuable property due to the attention it garnered.

The decision to end "And Just Like That..." has sparked debate about whether it was a natural conclusion or a cancellation. Some suggest that declining viewership and negative criticism may have influenced the decision. Others speculate that Sarah Jessica Parker and her co-stars were ready to move on. Regardless of the reason, the series will conclude with a two-part finale, marking the end of an era for the "Sex and the City" franchise.