“I’m glad she quit” - Internet reacts to the absence of Kim Cattrall’s Samantha in And Just Like That… season 3

And Just Like That… season 3 has sparked widespread discussion among fans and critics, particularly regarding the absence of Kim Cattrall’s iconic character, Samantha Jones. The third season of the HBO Max series, which premiered on May 29, 2025, concluded the story of Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte while marking the final chapter of the Sex and the City franchise.

Samantha Jones, introduced in Candace Bushnell’s column and later in the HBO series Sex and the City (1998–2004), is portrayed by Kim Cattrall. With Samantha Jones' absence in And Just Like That… season 3, many fans online have expressed relief and respect for her decision.

"I'm glad she quit," a Reddit user commented.

"Love Samantha !! Queen know her worth, another added.

Online discussions indicate that fans support Kim Cattrall’s choice to skip the season as a way to protect Samantha’s legacy, rather than a creative oversight by the show’s producers.

"After all, now that we got the show we got, I have nothing but appreciation and respect for KC for keeping Samantha safe from poor writing and character caricaturization. Whatever the reason behind the scenes was, she made the right choice. She saw the Abu-Dhabi-do of it all. She ended proving more than anybody that she indeed loves and is protective of Samantha," a user commented.

Some fans reflected on Samantha’s character arc, emphasizing her independence. One user noted that Samantha’s departure felt consistent with her personality.

"She wanted to get back to her life with her girls in NYC... She stayed in the relationship because Smith stuck with her through chemo but ultimately she was always going to love herself more (as the famous line states). When she bent over, kissed him and said “you’re going to find a wonderful woman who loves being in a relationship” I found it very tender and real. She was being honest and true to herself," the netizen commented.

Some highlighted that Samantha’s portrayal preserved the essence of her original character.

"She definitely embodies the ethos of the show we know and love 💕," another user noted.

"Idk if this is an unpopular opinion because so many folks think it was a mistake for Samantha and smith to break up…for me, Sam Jones was the one character to embody the original SATC ethos. She was happy as a single woman, and only wanted a relationship if it complemented her life - not if she had to squeeze into it. Samantha’s life revolving around a man would be very un-Samantha like in the long run, imo," an individual wrote.

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What is the role of Samantha Jones in And Just Like That… season 3

Kim Cattrall stars as Samantha Jones (Image via Getty)

Samantha Jones, portrayed by Kim Cattrall, is a public relations professional known for her confidence, assertiveness, and sexual independence. Her storyline was explored across the six seasons of the series and the two films released in 2008 and 2010, covering experiences such as cancer, romantic relationships, and relocation to Los Angeles.

By the time And Just Like That… season 3 premiered, her character was no longer seen on-screen, but there was a fleeting mention, as Carrie texted her. Her absence switched the attention to Charlotte, Miranda, and Carrie while keeping the story going. Samantha had a brief cameo in the second season finale, showing that she was connected to Carrie.

Samantha's work, relationships, and personal challenges all shaped her character across the franchise. Her decision not to appear in And Just Like That… season 3 allowed the show to explore the other three leads' lives from the original friends group.

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And Just Like That… season 3 premiered on May 29, 2025, with the final episode airing on August 14, 2025. The season was expanded from 10 to 12 episodes following the announcement that it would be the series’ last, marking the conclusion of the Sex and the City franchise.