Top 30 Best Sex and the City Episodes
#30: “The Baby Shower”
Perhaps one of the best parts of this series is how it was willing to have those conversations that many of its Gen X audience might have only had in hushed tones, if at all. That’s what makes episodes like this so remarkable. Sure, you have your Charlottes who love a baby shower and probably have their own already planned out. But then you have your Samanthas, Mirandas, and Carries who either decidedly choose to stay child-free or are undecided. The point is, no matter what your views are on parenthood, this episode validates them all. And, like always, we see how true, solid, reliable friendship is at the heart of many storylines.
#29: “Twenty-Something Girls vs. Thirty-Something Women”
This episode marks a real turning point for the main characters, with all the pressure modern single women feel to keep up. It captures that familiar panic around aging, as the 30-somethings start to feel edged out by a younger crowd whose confidence makes their own experience feel overlooked. While Miranda leans into good, clean fun, Samantha works to prove she’s still at the top of her game, and Charlotte tries to hide her age. Carrie’s hit an emotional blow when she realizes that Big chose an easy, uncomplicated future over their messy history. We also learn that some things don’t discriminate whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or beyond.
#28: “The Man, The Myth, The Viagra”
It’s about time Big met the girls, right? Well, that depends on who you ask. But he’s not the only one doing the standing up this episode. Carrie had apparently forgotten about the existence of cellphones as she decided to bail on Miranda to hangout with Big. Just as well, since her disappearing act gives Miranda and the cute bartender a chance to talk. Meanwhile, Samantha finds herself with an older lover who reminds her that even she can still be surprised. In the end, Big shows up for Carrie, and that small gesture pushes Miranda to take a chance in her own love life, leading to that unforgettable kiss in the rain.
#27: “Time and Punishment”
Timing is everything, and Big’s is the worst. From there, things go downhill fast as Aidan realizes he still hasn’t forgiven Carrie for cheating on him and spends the whole episode reminding her, first passive-aggressively and then with none of the passive. Miranda and Charlotte clash over “choosing your choice,” showing how those big decisions can knock you flat. In some cases, literally. Carrie infamously sends Aidan to help, leading Miranda to call out Carrie and her BS bagels. Samantha, meanwhile, deals with a guy bold enough to offer grooming tips. And through it all, Carrie and Aidan show how forgiveness sounds simple until you actually try living with it.
#26: “Belles of the Balls”
The title works on several levels. For Steve, it lands most literally, since he’s recovering from surgery and trying to figure out what manhood means now, with Miranda doing her best to be there for him. For Charlotte, it’s about facing the cracks in her relationship, even when it doesn’t fit the polished rules of her new high society circles. For Samantha, it’s about proving she has a pair when her professionalism comes under fire. And for Carrie, it’s reassessing her boundaries after watching two middle-aged men fight in the mud. Really, this episode asks whether the real divide between men and women comes from biology or the world that shapes them.
#25: “Frenemies”
Ask any “SATC” fan which of the ladies they best identify with, and they’ll probably name just one. But this episode shows every woman contains more than one story. Charlotte struggles with the lack of intimacy in her marriage and projects that frustration onto Samantha and her unapologetic sexual freedom. Miranda and Carrie feel tension when Miranda’s cynicism about dating leads her to pursue a man despite Carrie’s warnings. Meanwhile, Carrie wonders if her column really reflects real-world experiences. The main message here is that by leaning on each other’s strengths, these women bring out the best in each other. No one is just one thing, and they’re all the better for it.
#24: “What Goes Around Comes Around”
When Carrie gets mugged on the street, she sees it as a cosmic punishment for her affair with Big. Her decision to track down Natasha is arguably one of her most self-centered acts. It’s not really about making amends but more about clearing her own conscience. She’s not the only one stuck between reality and fantasy. Charlotte struggles with the pull of a forbidden kiss against the reality of her marriage vows. Miranda wrestles with her distorted self-image when a man shows genuine interest. Meanwhile, Samantha contends with the overblown fantasies of the other Sam Jones. The episode ultimately explores consequences and how the hardest confrontations are often with our self-perception.
#23: “The Turtle and the Hare”
Carrie arguably sums things up best when she says, “In a city of great expectations, is it time to settle for what you can get?” For her, that means questioning what she’s willing to compromise on in her relationships. For Stanford, it’s what front he’s willing to put up for his inheritance. For Samantha, it’s testing whether she can take a man who isn’t conventionally desirable and turn him into a hot date (answer: even the great Samantha Jones has her limits.) Meanwhile, Charlotte has a breakthrough, realizing she can break free from rigid rules and reliance on men for sexual fulfillment. The episode even sparked a surge in rabbit sales, as viewers embraced the idea that they didn’t have to settle or rely on anyone else for their pleasure.
#22: “Where There's Smoke…”
The ladies head over to Staten Island, where Carrie’s judging the FDNY calendar competition. At its core, this episode is all about the fairy tales and fantasies we hold onto when it comes to relationships. Samantha fully leans into hers, while Carrie, scared of getting burned again, holds back. Miranda learns that being rescued and accepting help aren’t the same thing. Charlotte, meanwhile, has to rethink her dream of a white knight riding in on his horse. The episode doesn’t exactly prove her point that women just want to be rescued. However, it does make everyone rethink the fantasies they hold onto and how those stories often look very different in reality.
#21: “Hop, Skip, and a Week”
Berger’s insecurities about Carrie’s success keep driving a wedge between them, making us wish she’d just dump him before he beats her to the post...it. On the flip side, Samantha shows unwavering support as she transforms Jerry Jerrod into Smith Jerrod like only she can. Miranda puts her own spin on the super-mom trope by having it all but ultimately choosing her baby over her job. But the real heart of the episode is Charlotte and Harry finding their way back to each other. By the time they tie the knot, even Charlotte sees that a relationship with substance beats a picture-perfect one. Anyway, Harry’s proposal is the sweetest and leaves us verklempt every time.
#20: “They Shoot Single People, Don't They?”
After a night of dancing and drinking, Carrie shows up at a photo shoot, not looking her best. The results leave her mortified, but the single-person shaming sentiment of the attached article is even worse. And although they all try to shrug it off, Miranda, Charlotte, and even Samantha quickly enter relationships suggesting they’re more affected by it than they’re willing to let on. Sure, we can’t all relate to having our singledom splashed on the front page. But many of us have felt judged for being unattached. By the end of the episode, the women learn that it’s better to hold out for the real deal than just fake it. And yes, that is Bradley Cooper.
#19: “Hot Child in the City”
In this season three gem, Miranda gets new braces while Charlotte tries to work on her intimacy issues with Trey. Carrie revisits youth while dating Wade, a comic book store owner who still lives with his parents— not that she would’ve batted an eyelid if this storyline took place today. Samantha, meanwhile, meets her match in the bratty self-entitled Jenny Brier, played by Kat Dennings. The women consider what it means to grow up and their respective relationships with their inner children. The episode brilliantly captures what we miss about our younger, freer days and the struggles of letting that go. Plus, watching the ladies enjoy a little, erm, recreation is always amusing.
#18: “The Drought”
Despite its title, this episode puts the “Sex” in “Sex and the City.” Miranda finds herself in a dry spell while Samantha learns abstinence can be very powerful. Charlotte meets a guy whose substance use affects his libido. Meanwhile, Carrie and Big are comfortably settled into their relationship. Only Carrie starts to spiral after a small emission on her part leaves her believing she’s killed the romance. As with most episodes, the ladies’ personal lives address issues that tend to go undiscussed, typically due to embarrassment or fear of judgment. But episodes like this prove that the tribulations of life and love are often universal.
#17: “Luck Be an Old Lady”
Carrie’s determined to get the girls together to celebrate Charlotte’s “30-faux” birthday. But, like any adult trying to balance personal obligations and friends, this is no easy task. They end up going to Atlantic City, but no one’s heart is fully in the celebrations. Charlotte frets getting older, new mom Miranda feels body-conscious, and Samantha suspects Richard of infidelity. This prompts several intertwining stories about how society idolizes youth and certain body standards. It might not have been the girls’ trip of Carrie’s dreams, but their ride home is pretty heartwarming. Plus, in this episode, Samantha delivers one of the most iconic lines of the series and teaches us all a valuable lesson in self-love.
#16: “The Ick Factor”
This episode hits us in so many feels that we’re already tearing up just at the title. Carrie’s beau, Aleksandr Petrovsky, hits her with more romance than she can handle. On the other hand, Charlotte and Harry enjoy each other’s company, although their digestive systems might feel differently. Samantha considers breast augmentation only to receive some life-altering news. However, the episode builds up to Miranda and Steve’s non-conformist wedding. As they exchange vows, we can’t help but get all choked up. Although not as half as much as when Miranda shows that for better or worse, in sickness or in health, nothing, not even her wedding day is more important than her friends.
#15: “La Douleur Exquise!”
We start with Samantha urging her friends to embrace the kinkier side of intimacy. Miranda and Charlotte both meet guys with interesting fixations. Given Charlotte’s more conservative nature, it’s entertaining to watch her turmoil as she steps into someone else’s fantasy. Of course, the pivotal moment is when Big tells Carrie about his plans to move to Paris for several months. This was a much-needed wake-up call for our protagonist. She can do everything under the sun to make this relationship work, but Big hasn’t made any space for her in his life just yet. It’s painful to watch, but we reckon she made the right choice by walking away.
#14: “Splat!”
How do you know when you’ve overstayed at a party? Is it when your boyfriend struggles to fit in with your friends, making them question your suitability? Or perhaps it’s when ageism rears its ugly head in the ever-shrinking dating pool? Carrie’s boss seems to think the latter. However, an infamous party girl from Carrie’s past, Lexi Featherston, played by Kristen Johnston, thinks it’s when the City’s given up on you. She says as much in a bitter rant ending with a way-on-the-nose statement before making her last tragic exit. It’s one of the series’ darkest moments and understandably leaves everyone shaken. The tragedy prompts Carrie to start experiencing love rather than just writing about it.
#13: “Cock a Doodle Do!”
While there are lots of great funny moments on this show that perfectly combined comedy and drama, sometimes it’s the serious ones that are the most memorable. In this season three episode, Carrie is considering meeting up with Big again despite everything they just went through during their affair. Miranda is vehemently opposed to this reunion and doesn’t hide her feelings from Carrie, resulting in a blowout fight. Of course, this episode isn’t without its issues. We certainly don’t condone Sam’s highly offensive and majorly problematic turf war storyline. Taken all together, it’s a narratively important episode with lots of replay value.
#12: “The Real Me”
This episode is probably best remembered for the brutal moment Heidi Klum steps over Carrie after she becomes “fashion roadkill.” However, it also offers some relatable commentary on physical insecurities with plenty of poignancy and humor. Miranda grapples with self-doubt when a guy at the gym finds her attractive. A health problem forces Charlotte to become more acquainted with her anatomy. And Samantha is the body-positive icon we all need in our lives. Carrie reluctantly agrees to participate in a charity catwalk and looks fabulous until... Still, it’s a great lesson that when life knocks you down, the best thing to do is jump back up and keep strutting forward.
#11: “The Post-It Always Sticks Twice”
This episode and the one before it is why “Sex and the City” fans can’t look at a Post-it note without cringing just a little. Come on: who breaks up with someone on a sticky bit of yellow paper? Carrie’s determined to change her misfortune and drags all the ladies along. Meanwhile, Charlotte flaunts her engagement ring, Miranda feels hot in an old pair of skinny jeans, and Samantha confronts some surprising feelings. But back to Carrie: the outrage of her unfortunate breakup is lessened when she’s busted by a cop who sympathizes with her situation. And there’s nothing funnier than watching her giggle over a sundae with her friends — now that’s how you handle a breakup.
#10: “Running with Scissors”
This episode is the one where it all falls apart for Carrie and Big. They’ve been sneaking around together for a while, but this is when Carrie is finally caught in Big’s apartment by his wife, Natasha. As Carrie tries to flee, Natasha chases her down the stairs and seriously injures herself in the process. It’s a painful but poignant moment when Carrie has to help Natasha get to the hospital despite what has just occurred between them. Many people truly hated the whole “affair” storyline, so this episode gets bonus points for having not only brought it to an end, but a surprisingly satisfying one too.
#9: “Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda”
In season four, Charlotte has been struggling with her fertility. So when Miranda finds out that she has unintentionally become pregnant, she’s understandably terrified to tell her friend. When she finally does, and announces that she plans to end the pregnancy, Charlotte can’t forgive her. This episode touches on an issue that is not often covered in mainstream television: someone deciding whether or not to have an abortion. In the end, Miranda’s decision to keep her baby feels just as empowering, and her reconciliation with Charlotte is sure to warm your heart every time you rewatch it.
#8: “One”
There is so much going on in this episode that we hardly know where to start. There’s Charlotte’s devastating miscarriage, and her subsequent surge of inspiration from Elizabeth Taylor. There’s Carrie’s first date with Aleksandr Petrovsky, the Russian. There’s Miranda finally admitting her true feelings and telling Steve she’s in love with him at Brady’s first birthday party, despite the fact that both of their partners are in the other room. And of course, unforgettably, there’s Bozo the Bush. What more can you want out of half an hour of television?
#7: “The Agony and the Ex-tasy”
This episode is known as one of the saddest in the series’ run, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most memorable. It’s Carrie’s 35th birthday, and she plans to have a celebratory dinner with her friends. When she arrives though, she’s the only one there and even as time passes, none of her guests show up. She ends up leaving, dejected, alone and forced to reflect on not only the idea of getting older, but also aging without a man in her life. In a heartwarming moment however, the girls reunite and redefine the term soulmate. Of course... having Big show up at the end to make Carrie feel special doesn’t hurt either.
#6: “An American Girl In Paris (Part Deux)”
We can’t talk about this two-part finale without mentioning Samantha’s empowering speech from “Part Une.” But, whether you wanted Carrie to end up with Mr. Big or not, the series finale of “Sex and the City” is one of the sweetest and easiest episodes to love. Carrie comes back from Paris (thank goodness) and is reunited with her girls. Everyone’s storylines are nicely tied up, with Samantha being back in good health, Charlotte getting a first glimpse of her daughter and Miranda settling into Brooklyn. Debate in the comments if you’d like, but we’d argue that this ending is far superior to either of the alternatives that the two movies left us with. “And Just Like That…” we’ll leave it there...
#5: “The Good Fight”
There is nothing funnier, or more relatable, than the fight that takes place between Carrie and Aidan in this classic episode. They’re arguing about space in Carrie’s small apartment, but as often happens in real life disagreements, the conversation branches out, pulling in other problems as it balloons. We’ll never stop laughing about Aidan’s multiple Speed Stick deodorants, or feeling bad for Carrie when Pete chews on her prized shoes. No matter how many times you’ve seen it, any fan is sure to get a kick out of this one viewing after another.
#4: “My Motherboard, My Self”
Tissues at the ready? You’re going to need them. Carrie’s in a pity spiral after her laptop crashes. However, she’s soon brought back down to earth when Miranda calls her with devastating news. The episode excellently shows how there’s no one right way to grieve. Charlotte is very practical, whereas Samantha learns dissociating from your emotions can take a physical toll. The episode also highlights the importance of having a strong support network, whether that's your blood relatives or your chosen family. Miranda’s family is concerned about her singleness at the funeral. But when she needs someone the most, Carrie’s right there at her side. With every rewatch, our tears flow just as hard.
#3: “A Woman's Right to Shoes”
In this season six episode, Carrie is invited to a party at a friend’s house where the host makes everyone remove their shoes before crossing the threshold. At the end of the night however, Carrie’s beloved Manolo Blahniks are missing. Her friend doesn’t seem too concerned, but eventually offers to replace them until balking at the price. What ensues is a story about single people versus married people in which Carrie questions the respect and recognition that she is given as an unmarried woman without children. In true Sex and the City fashion, it takes an isolated incident and uses it as the foundation to ask much bigger questions, to remarkable effect.
#2: “I Heart NY”
In a twist of fate, the writers of “Sex and the City” penned this episode before the September 11th attacks, though it only aired the following February. The episode acts as a love letter to New York, with Carrie making an impassioned speech to Big begging him to stay when he announces that he’s moving to California. The episode has a melancholic note to it, with Carrie and Big trying to savor their last moments in the city together when Miranda goes into labor. It’s a plot that’s fraught with emotion, and an episode that, considering its timing, has become an understandable fan-favorite.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“I Love a Charade”
The Ladies Head to the Hamptons
“Ring a Ding Ding”
Carrie’s Finances Come Back to Bite Her… & Charlotte
“Don’t Ask, Don't Tell”
Charlotte Gets Married & Carrie Comes Clean
“Anchors Away”
Everyone Reevaluates Their Relationships, Whether It’s with NY, Their Families, Former Flames, or Themselves
“Out of the Frying Pan”
A Great Episode Mostly Remembered for This One Incredibly Touching Moment
#1: “Ex and the City”
If there’s one episode that encompasses everything “Sex and the City” is about, it’s this one. It puts a focus on female friendship while touching on the difficulty of romantic relationships, not to mention featuring some wild sex. Carrie finds out that Big and Natasha are engaged and is devastated by the news. She has a revelation though when the girls realize that her situation is just like the plot of the film “The Way We Were”. This helps Carrie to accept what’s happening, and give Big a memorable goodbye that only she understands. Even though we know it’s not goodbye forever…
If you had to recommend someone to watch just one “Sex and the City” episode, which would it be and why? Let us know in the comments
