In this insightful look back at the show that made Cosmos and Manolo Blahnik household names, award-winning Evelina compiles years of previously published interviews, articles, and studies on the impact Sex and the City had on television, women, and society. First waxing nostalgic, Evelina asserts that the show is a traditional fairy tale, with fairy godmothers for each of the main characters (New York City is Carrie’s) and white knights who rescue the princesses. The author stresses the importance of the groundbreaking portrayals of single women in the 1990s, complete with sexual liberation, third-wave feminism, and unprecedented sartorial successes. She also delves into the series’ problematic issues—a predominant theme of accepted toxic masculinity (Big is an alpha who blatantly stalks Carrie), a lack of diversity in race and sexual orientation, and tropes and slurs used by the main characters. The controversial abortion episode is briefly discussed, and the divisive prequel, movies, and recent reboot are dissected. The book ends with a summary of the 31 “most important” episodes. An interesting, well-researched summation of a piece of television history that is honest in its criticisms.

Library Journal

This was a super interesting read! The author picked apart SATC bit by bit to explain how the show impacted the early 00’s and women’s lives. She really made me consider things I hadn’t before and enlightened me to some behind the scenes info. What this book does really well is showcasing the good alongside the bad. The author doesn’t hold back when it comes to the flaws of SATC (racism, homophobia, etc.) and it was super refreshing. A solid, worthwhile read for any SATC fan!

Bookstagrammers

For those who love the series, Nicole Evelina's work is a particularly fun read. Reminiscent and conversational, the monograph calls to mind all that was exciting, energetic, and enervating about the series and its spinoffs. As a scholarly examination of the series, Sex and the City: A Cultural History is more an introduction, offering the beginnings of examinations that future scholars can build upon.

Journal of Popular Culture