And Just Like That finale ends with Carrie choosing herself

Co creator Michael Patrick King explains the finale and why Carrie ends alone while the group moves forward.

And Just Like That finale centers Carrie on herself and signals growth

Michael Patrick King says the ending was designed to land on Carrie choosing herself, not a partner, and to honor a life built in New York. The finale shows Carrie living in a large brownstone and embracing independence as her friends move forward in their own lives.

King describes the other endings as earned and real, with Miranda and Joy back together, Charlotte and Harry settled, and Rock signaling the ability to become many different people over time. The episode keeps the show’s signature mix of fashion, humor, and relationship drama and even features a one take silicone poop gag to underscore how life and love can be messy. He also hints that the door is open for more stories, including a potential movie, while stressing that the current ending feels alive and timely.

The finale leans into a modern take on romance by centering self possession. Carrie ends the arc with a clear message that fulfillment can come from within, a move that mirrors a broader push in TV to give aging female leads agency. The moment at the wedding dress fashion show and the line about choosing oneself reinforce a shift from seeking validation to cultivating inner worth.

Yet the decision to keep the franchise open carries risk. Public reaction will shape how viewers remember the series and how a future project, like a movie, is perceived. The interview shows the creators balancing nostalgia with a wish to keep the city and its characters evolving, a long term gamble that could pay off if new audiences connect with the idea of growth over nostalgia.

Highlights

The city keeps moving, and so do these characters.