Sex and the City Returns and Gen Z Reacts
New York City sitcom ‘Sex and the City’ gets mixed reactions from Gen Z viewers
Published: April 3, 2024, 5:58 p.m. ET
Zoomers Watching “Sex and the City” Identify Problematic Storylines
Zoomers watching “Sex and the City” on Netflix are already calling out “problematic” storylines from the classic New York sitcom. Exposed to the racy and sexed-up escapades of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda, this new generation might not be ready to revisit a time when cultural appropriation and controversial jokes were prevalent. Even a fleeting casual admiration of Donald Trump by one of the characters stirs mixed emotions. As the show unfolds and progresses, more eyebrow-raising scenarios and dialogue peppered throughout the series are being noticed, leaving viewers divided on how they perceive the iconic characters of ‘Sex and the City.’
A Glimpse into the Past: Trump, Bisexuality, and More
Full of cultural references and innuendos, “Sex and the City” embodies the zeitgeist of the late 90s and early 2000s. With the show’s revival on Netflix, new generations get a glimpse into a time when Donald Trump was simply a famous businessman making a cameo appearance, before his rise to political fame. Likewise, the character’s nonchalant attitudes toward bisexuality and racial insensitivity stir up conversation in today’s more politically correct era. However, it’s important to view these moments through the lens of the time and social context they were originally aired in.
Reactions on Social Media
Reaction to the returning series has dominated social media platforms, with Gen Z expressing their disbelief, discomfort, and opinions about the show’s past content. While many express their outrage and deem the series “problematic” by modern standards, others defend the importance of appreciating entertainment in its historical context, highlighting the show as a truthful portrayal of the female experience in a post-sexual revolution world.
Questionable Storylines and Relevance Today
Some of the moments from “Sex and the City” that now appear problematic to Gen Z include themes of cultural appropriation, insensitive remarks, and questionable views on bisexuality. As their criticism takes to the digital realm, the show has been described as “the most problematic show for women” that “does not age well” by some viewers. However, many argue that the show’s boundary-pushing content paved the way for subsequent series to tackle similar topics and push society forward.
A Debate on Historical Relevance
The clash of opinions surrounding “Sex and the City” highlights a wider debate regarding the significance of historical context in creative works. While some viewers actively critique and condemn the show’s moments that clash with current social norms, others argue against erasing or altering historical content, as these works reflect how society has evolved over time. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to decide how to engage with and interpret media from different eras.
