Are You A Charlotte? – Lena Waithe on And Just Like That

Podcast: Are You A Charlotte?
Host: Kristin Davis
Guest: Lena Waithe
Date: November 21, 2025

Episode Overview

This bonus episode of "Are You A Charlotte?" finds host Kristin Davis (Charlotte York in Sex and the City) in a lively, candid conversation with writer/producer Lena Waithe. The discussion centers on HBO’s And Just Like That…, the evolution of diversity and authentic storytelling on the series, fan reactions (and sometimes backlash), and the unique challenges and joys of revisiting beloved characters at a new stage of life. The chemistry between Davis and Waithe blends deep analysis with inside stories, laughter, and mutual respect for the show's legacy and ongoing relevance.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Representation, Specificity, and Evolution of the Show

• Expanding Diversity:
  • Waithe highlights the positive impact of more nuanced representation of women of color, particularly praising the dynamic between Jennifer Lewis’s and Nicole Ari Parker’s characters.
    • “What I loved about Jennifer Lewis is seeing Jennifer Lewis’s character and Nicole Parker’s character in the same frame... It’s not just about them being two Black women, but it was more about them being two very specific Black women. So specific and so different and obviously, you know, generational differences and obviously there’s humor and dealing with death. And I just thought it was so beautifully done.” (04:21–05:07, Lena)
  • Both discuss how in the past, diversity often seemed tokenistic, and celebrate And Just Like That… for creating fully realized, distinctive characters.
• Growing With the Audience:
  • Waithe and Davis reflect on the realities of depicting women in middle age on television, emphasizing the importance of authenticity rather than pandering to nostalgia or expectations.
    • “Shows grow and they shift and they change... I try to get away from this idea of, ‘oh, I need to see myself on screen.’ I want to know, what is it, are they struggling with? What are they going through?” (05:24–06:16, Lena)

2. Audience Reaction and Cultural Context

• Backlash & Critique:
  • The two unpack the often intense (even vitriolic) reactions And Just Like That… has received compared to real-life issues.
    • “I cannot believe the vitriol and intensity... and then you go, oh, it’s actually the same, it’s related. They’re not independent.” (08:29–08:43, Kristin)
  • Waithe jokingly invokes the “let them theory”—letting people have their reactions without letting it derail the creators.
• The Need for Empathy and Human Connection:
  • Waithe shares her belief in the power of storytelling to provoke empathy and connection, regardless of literal similarity between character and viewer.
    • “That’s the whole point. It’s about empathy. It’s about seeing your humanity as someone that looks nothing like you... Do it in a way that feels organic and authentic.” (06:26–06:43, Lena)

3. Behind the Scenes – Endings & Uncertainty

• Was That Really the Ending?
  • Davis and Waithe commiserate over the ambiguous (possibly accidental) nature of the most recent season’s ending.
    • “I just don’t feel like that was our ending because we didn’t know it was our ending...” (09:22, Kristin)
    • Davis recounts a dinner with Sarah Jessica Parker and Cynthia Nixon where none could recall exactly how the show ended or what their final conflict was about—a scene hilariously reminiscent of their on-screen roles. (10:35–12:41)
  • Scheduling, Covid disruptions, and creative fatigue all play into the somewhat scattered season finale.

4. Legacy, Continuity, and the Future

• Aging and Relevance:
  • Davis discusses the importance of continuing stories about women like Charlotte:
    • “Life isn’t over. And I feel a responsibility, in a way, to continue, if we are allowed to continue. Because I do feel like it’s important—to our original fans who are our ages. Whose lives also aren’t over.” (19:35–20:00, Kristin)
  • Waithe and Davis discuss mortality, health (including Vertigo and testicular cancer storylines), and why these topics matter.
    • “That’s the thing. And Just Like That still brings those conversations, man.” (22:15, Lena)
• You Can’t Go Home Again:
  • The conversation returns to how expectations have shifted—viewers wanting the old show versus the reality (and necessity) of growth.
    • “If we tried to make the old show, it would not have worked.” (23:53, Kristin)
    • “You can never go home again...” (23:50, Lena)
• Spin-Off Dreams:
  • Davis floats the idea of an LTW (Lisa Todd Wexley) family spin-off, with both hosts fantasizing about the story potential.
    • “I feel like it would be great.” (24:47, Kristin)

5. Favorite Scenes, Humor, and Memorable Moments

• Funeral Episode:
  • Davis and Waithe gush over the artistry and humor of scenes involving Jennifer Lewis, especially the stylish black mourning attire and over-the-top memorial sequence.
    • “Remember when the family... all get dressed to go to the funeral? So beautiful.” (24:53–25:02, Kristin)
    • “I was so... What a joy... Jennifer Lewis. I mean, the one and only.” (25:07–25:24, Lena)
• On-Set Camaraderie:
  • Both praise the joy of assembling new and old cast members, reinforcing how special the creative community remains.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Authentic Representation:
  • “It’s not just about, oh, let’s put a Black woman at the table, a Middle Eastern woman at the table. But it’s really more about, well, who are they?” (04:21–05:07, Lena Waithe)
• On Empathy in Storytelling:
  • “I don’t need a person to be Black and queer and female like me for me to relate to them.” (06:05, Lena Waithe)
• On Fan Backlash:
  • “You guys have paved the way. You’ve done the thing. This is your stage. And, like, when you go see a play, you don’t get to say, ‘I don’t like this or what’s going on.’ Whether I like it or not, is it really almost relevant? Because it’s done.” (07:35–08:01, Lena Waithe)
• On the Uncertain Ending:
  • “I just don’t feel like that was our ending because we didn’t know it was our ending. I didn’t know. I had no idea.” (09:22, Kristen Davis)
• On the Importance of Continuing:
  • “I do feel like it’s important—to our original fans who are our ages. Whose lives also aren’t over.” (19:55–20:01, Kristin Davis)
• On Why Stories Matter:
  • “And Just Like That still brings those conversations, man.” (22:16, Lena Waithe)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Representation & Diversity: 04:21–06:43
• Relating to Characters Beyond Demographics: 05:24–06:16
• Audience Reaction/Backlash: 07:09–08:46
• Uncertain Endings & Behind-the-Scenes Stories: 09:21–12:41
• Legacy, Future, Aging in Storylines: 17:16–20:34
• LTW Spin-Off Fantasy: 24:42–25:10
• Funeral Episode with Jennifer Lewis: 25:03–25:38

Tone & Style

The conversation is warm, insightful, and honest, balancing reverence for Sex and the City's legacy with a clear-eyed view of its evolution and challenges. Waithe and Davis engage in friendly banter, revel in behind-the-scenes stories, and aren't afraid to probe into thorny issues around representation, backlash, and the realities of making art for a devoted-yet-demanding fanbase.

Summary Takeaway:
This episode offers both affectionate insight and critical reflection on how And Just Like That… negotiates changing times, audience expectations, and the reality of aging—on-screen and off. It's a must-listen for fans interested in not just nostalgia, but also in how iconic stories adapt and stay relevant in a rapidly evolving world.