Michael Patrick King Returns

Summary

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Are You A Charlotte? — "Michael Patrick King Returns"

Podcast: Are You A Charlotte?

Host: Kristin Davis

Guests: Michael Patrick King, Cynthia Nixon

Date: June 1, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Kristin Davis welcomes back Michael Patrick King, the showrunner, writer, and director whose creative vision defined Sex and the City. Joined by Cynthia Nixon, this candid conversation takes listeners behind the velvet rope of Season 4 — reflecting on its creative process, the show's cultural impact, and the deepening of beloved characters. They explore stories from the writers' room, pivotal on-screen moments, and how real-life experiences blended into the show’s DNA. The episode delivers both nostalgia and insight for fans and anyone curious about how risks in storytelling can shift pop culture.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Season 4 as the Pinnacle of Sex and the City

• Season 4’s Significance
  Michael Patrick King asserts that Season 4 was the peak of the series in terms of storytelling depth, character development, and boldness.

  • “People always say to me, oh, I want to do Sex and the City again. … And I always go, you love Sex and the City season four. That’s where it peaked.” – Michael Patrick King [05:32]

• Actors & Writers: Emotional Collaboration
  The trio recalls how Michael would personally discuss story arcs with the actors before scripts were finalized, an uncommon level of collaboration in TV.

  • “I wanted you as partners emotionally in the arc of these characters we created together.” – Michael Patrick King [07:29]

2. Crafting Bravery — Storylines that Broke Taboos

• The Infamous Abortion Episode (“Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda”)
  They unpack how the writers’ room and HBO navigated the delicate subject of abortion with honesty and courage.

  • “There’s a line in the show that I remember being radical. Is Samantha saying, ‘I’ve had two. How many have you had?’” – Michael Patrick King [12:42]
  • Cynthia and Kristin reflect on how shocking and bold that dialogue remains, even in retrospect.
    • “Even rewatching, I’m like … oh my god, we’re so brave.” – Cynthia Nixon [12:50]

• Comedy as a Trojan Horse for Real Issues

  • “The trick with us is we got in with, like, the comedy of the sex… and then slowly we began to slip in other things that women were talking about and not talking about on television.” – Michael Patrick King [13:37]

3. Behind the Scenes: Character Evolution

• Charlotte’s Fertility Storyline

  • Originally, both Charlotte and Miranda were meant to get pregnant and show contrasting mothering styles, but real-life limitations in the writers’ room led to focusing on Charlotte’s struggle through Miranda’s pregnancy.
    • “It’s so much more interesting for Charlotte to do her pregnancy through Miranda.” – Michael Patrick King [15:53]
    • “She needed to have a longer story.” – Cynthia Nixon [16:14]

• Actor Vulnerability and Perception

  • Cynthia and Kristin discuss the internal experience of high-stakes performances and their tendency to be self-critical.
    • “Actors can’t ever step outside themselves and feel it the way the audience is.” – Michael Patrick King [22:39]

• Mentorship and Growth

  • Michael describes his role as a mentor and the evolving trust between actor and director.
    • “You’re an excellent mentor.” – Cynthia Nixon [22:35]
    • “That’s what’s so great about this episode. It just screams of growth.” – Michael Patrick King [50:56]

4. Memorable Scenes and Character Dynamics

• Miranda and Charlotte’s First Solo Scene
  The hosts highlight the emotional and technical nuances behind Miranda and Charlotte's first scene together alone on Fifth Avenue.

  • “My Hyundai hot take is gonna have to go with the Miranda-Charlotte scene on the street because it is the first scene that Cynthia and I have just by ourselves. And I love it and it’s so beautifully written and it’s so beautifully filmed out there.” – Kristin Davis [21:10]

• Intimacy and Comedy

  • They discuss the evolution from early seasons, where Charlotte couldn’t express anger, to later years where trust allowed deeper, comedic, and more realistic depictions — like the infamous hand job scene.
    • “It’s a long way from feeling in a box that you couldn’t have your feelings.” – Michael Patrick King [49:43]
    • “That is about you and our incredible long relationship.” – Cynthia Nixon [49:51]

5. Insights on Relationships and Realism

• Aiden & Carrie’s Emotional Complexity

  • The creative process behind Aiden’s character and his dynamic with Carrie underscores the show’s nuanced handling of adult relationships.
    • “Aiden wanted Carrie to be a certain way. And the struggle was … She wasn’t ever going to be that way.” – Michael Patrick King [28:42, 28:53]
    • “He tried and they both tried. … He says a line … ‘I want to get a ring on it. I want to lock this down.’ That was a very male line that I heard from one of the crew members.” – Michael Patrick King [29:11]

• Infusing Writers’ Lives into the Show

  • Michael’s story about working at “The Saloon” and weaving elements of his past (“the pleasure of firing myself”) into Carrie’s storyline reveals the personal authenticity that shaped SATC’s fabric.
    • “We filmed at the Saloon and I was executive producing and sitting next to Frankel at a table where I used to fold napkins.” – Michael Patrick King [32:55]

6. Personal Reflections on Artistry and Change

• Growth Over Time
  The group reflects on how both the show and its actors matured, allowing richer, riskier, and more emotionally resonant stories.

  • “When you’re doing it, you don’t think you’re good … If there’s no vulnerability, … it wouldn’t be as brilliant.” – Cynthia Nixon [25:12]

• The Power and Importance of Trust
  Longstanding creative partnerships allowed for the evolution of both characters and storytelling methods.

  • “It’s about trust and developing.” – Cynthia Nixon [50:05]
  • “I trust you. … If it doesn’t work, I won’t use it.” – Michael Patrick King [50:07]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Season 4’s Bravery:
  “There’s a line in the show that I remember being radical. Is Samantha saying, ‘I’ve had two. How many have you had?’” — Michael Patrick King [12:42]

• On Collaboration:
  “I always felt I not only owed it to you, but I wanted a temperature check from you about whether you were going to be excited about where we were going.” — Michael Patrick King [07:09]

• On the Show’s Cultural Impact:
  “I felt at the time that we were doing something different and that it was going to help shift things in our TV landscape, cultural landscape, what was okay to talk about. And I feel like it did for a while. And then TV … has pulled back from fear.” — Cynthia Nixon [13:14]

• On Playing Vulnerability:
  “If there’s no vulnerability … it wouldn’t be as brilliant.” — Cynthia Nixon [25:14]

• On Aiden’s Dynamic:
  “‘I want to get a ring on it. I want to lock this down.’ That was a very male line …” — Michael Patrick King [29:11]

• On Personal Growth:
  “It’s a long way from feeling in a box that you couldn’t have your feelings.” — Michael Patrick King [49:43]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|----------------------------------------------| | 04:45 | Michael Patrick King joins the conversation | | 05:25 | Discussion: Why Season 4 stands out | | 07:08 | Collaborative writing & story pitches | | 12:04 | “Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda” abortion episode | | 15:51 | Original plans for Charlotte & Miranda | | 21:10 | Hyundai Hot Take: Miranda and Charlotte scene| | 22:35 | Mentorship and actor vulnerability | | 27:24 | The Aiden/Carrie relationship dynamic | | 30:54 | “The Saloon” story & writing from life | | 39:04 | On playing Charlotte’s pain and growth | | 49:43 | Evolution from restrained emotions to trust | | 50:56 | Closing reflections on growth |

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Episode Tone

The conversation is heartfelt, witty, and deeply appreciative of both the artistry and the lived experiences behind Sex and the City. There’s honesty about creative anxieties, pride in boundary-breaking, and plenty of warmth and humor among longtime collaborators. The episode feels like a reunion of trusted friends who are happy to let listeners in on the secret sauce.

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For Listeners

Whether you’re a mega-fan or a casual viewer, this episode offers fresh appreciation of Sex and the City’s legacy, the courageous choices in the writers’ room, and how collaboration and trust create storytelling that still resonates decades later.

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End of Summary

Transcript

[Kristen Davis]

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[Cynthia Nixon]

You could just put on some flip

[Kristen Davis]

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[Cynthia Nixon]

Michael Patrick is here. You guys.

[Kristen Davis]

We've just jumped, right? The glorious return of the king.

[Michael Patrick King]

This is the return of. Are you with Charlotte and me?

[Kristen Davis]

That's right. We love it so much.

[Cynthia Nixon]

And he asked me how long we were gonna go and I said as long as he wants to talk. Because this whole season when I saw you, we talked.

[Michael Patrick King]

We're in season back in the olden days.

[Cynthia Nixon]

No, like a week ago or whatever. Like at the human rights. Beautiful time that we were honoring you.

[Michael Patrick King]

Human Rights Campaign.

[Cynthia Nixon]

So exciting. The Human Rights Campaign. Thank you so much.

[Kristen Davis]

You said that you were gonna help

[Cynthia Nixon]

me with my season four amnesia.

[Michael Patrick King]

Yeah.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yeah.

[Michael Patrick King]

You wanna start there?

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yeah.

[Kristen Davis]

Cause I don't know why I have it.

[Michael Patrick King]

I love season four.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Oh, I love season four too.

[Michael Patrick King]

I love Sex and the City season four. Me too.

[Cynthia Nixon]

I love it too. In my mind, it was one with season three.

[Michael Patrick King]

Yeah.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Do you know what I mean?

[Michael Patrick King]

In my mind, people always say to me, oh, I wanna do Sex and the City again. Like, I love Sex and the City. And I always go, you love Sex and the City season four. That's where it peaked.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Definitely.

[Michael Patrick King]

In terms of its Clari. One was like, what? Totally finding it. And then two and three. But Four is like you. You all are so strong and so vibrant, and the writing has gotten to such a place where there's so many exciting twists and turns and so many amount that we talked about. So much the changing of Charlotte. The changing of Charlotte. So much the changing of Miranda.

[Kristen Davis]

Yes.

[Michael Patrick King]

The amount of bravery in the writing room.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yes.

[Kristen Davis]

Oh, no joke.

[Cynthia Nixon]

It's incredible.

[Michael Patrick King]

It is not. It is like, what would really happen. Let's feel that and follow that.

[Cynthia Nixon]

This reminds me of something that I wanted to talk to you about when. So what I remember, and I know that most shows don't have this, and it was such a joy that you would sit us down.

[Kristen Davis]

Hi, darling.

[Cynthia Nixon]

It's Michael Patrick King.

[Kristen Davis]

You guys, we're in. Okay, we're in.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Remember how you would call us and. Or have lunch with us, depending on

[Michael Patrick King]

what season for each season? I gave you the out of town tryout.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Exactly.

[Michael Patrick King]

Here's what I'm thinking. For Charlotte.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right. And it was such a joy because most executive producer showrunners do not do that to their actors for their actors, which is so insane to me.

[Michael Patrick King]

You know, it's interesting because if you're on a show that is working or our show, so much of what we're doing is for you, the actress.

[Kristen Davis]

Yeah.

[Michael Patrick King]

So much is based on your version of Charlotte in seasons one, two, and three that I always felt I not only owed it to you, but I wanted a temperature check from you about whether you were gonna be excited about where we were going. And also, I loved bringing you. Surprise. Surprise.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yeah. It was so exciting. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Michael Patrick King]

But it was really a tribute to you guys that I wanted you as partners emotionally in the arc of these characters that we created together.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yeah.

[Kristen Davis]

Yeah.

[Michael Patrick King]

But literally, it wasn't like, go to work. Do these lines.

[Cynthia Nixon]

No.

[Michael Patrick King]

Not on that show. Because we were literally taking from you. What can you do? What can we do with that? What would be so great is if Charlotte couldn't get pregnant and Miranda did. I'm talking about coulda, woulda, shoulda.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yeah.

[Michael Patrick King]

The idea of that contrast is based on both your strengths as an actor and also your connection as people. By this point.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yeah.

[Michael Patrick King]

You all were sort of in love with each other, so it was really easy to play the hurt when the friendships didn't connect.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yeah. And always so scary to. I remember just being so nervous about that. If we ever had the disagreements, because we did have. It was threat. Felt threatening just personally, because I did. You know, we loved each other, and we.

[Michael Patrick King]

I think by season four, if it's going well, you Believe your character. You believe it. So it's all very personal.

[Cynthia Nixon]

It's so personal.

[Michael Patrick King]

Everything's personal.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Totally.

[Kristen Davis]

So when it's hard for me to

[Cynthia Nixon]

remember the first time, I feel like it would have been. I feel. I don't Remember pre season 2A sit down, though. Maybe it happened and I don't remember it. I don't know. I remember season three when we were really having the long arcs conversations.

[Michael Patrick King]

Yeah.

[Cynthia Nixon]

And the long conversations about the long arcs. Right.

[Michael Patrick King]

I think it became important when we started to deviate from the log line.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yep.

[Michael Patrick King]

For sexy singles in Manhattan.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right.

[Michael Patrick King]

The minute we started going, what would happen to Charlotte? And I said, Charlotte would get married. This is bullshit. That she isn't gonna just drive that car to some wedding. Cause it's time. And that's when we started having to say, I know what we started with, but here's what we're thinking. And then I could see these, like, out of town tryouts in your eyes. I could see the lighting up, which was necessary for me to keep going.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right.

[Michael Patrick King]

Because it was always before they were written.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right. It was just the plan. Like the whiteboard. Got it.

[Michael Patrick King]

The math each season.

[Cynthia Nixon]

And did you talk to HBO about that too? Or did you wait and turn in the scripts? How did that work?

[Michael Patrick King]

I talked to you guys first.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right.

[Michael Patrick King]

And then I talked to them.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Cool.

[Michael Patrick King]

But I wanted to have a strong emotional connection first. It starts in the writing room. We all sort of fall in love or fall out of love with the story that we were doing. And that is the first jury room. It's like we all put the stories on trial. And then when I feel really strong about that, I bring them to you. And then I see you as an audience hybrid actor playing this part, react.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right.

[Michael Patrick King]

And then that's everything.

[Kristen Davis]

Got it.

[Michael Patrick King]

And then I go and say, this is what we're doing.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Got it.

[Michael Patrick King]

I don't audition the season or the studio.

[Kristen Davis]

Got it.

[Michael Patrick King]

We're always very, very interesting, you know?

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Do you remember the time? And this would have been. This would have been fourth season. See, in my mind, I had crunched third season and fourth season into one. I think also because we were doing so many episodes. Right. It was a lot.

[Michael Patrick King]

It was television.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yeah. The olden days. Exactly. Exactly. Like 18. Was it 18 for each?

[Michael Patrick King]

I feel like sometimes.

[Kristen Davis]

Yeah.

[Cynthia Nixon]

I feel like four was 18 and three. Both 18.

[Michael Patrick King]

Yeah.

[Kristen Davis]

Crazy.

[Michael Patrick King]

Right? Right.

[Cynthia Nixon]

So great. And they're just. Each one is packed, packed, packed with plot for each character. Like, it's so good.

[Michael Patrick King]

Yeah.

[Cynthia Nixon]

So.

[Michael Patrick King]

And 30 minutes I mean, insane.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Like what you guys could accomplish writing

[Michael Patrick King]

of all those storylines. And with Coulda, woulda, shoulda.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yeah.

[Michael Patrick King]

It was the ideal thing because we always tried to find a story where everybody could react based on who they are.

[Kristen Davis]

Yes.

[Michael Patrick King]

So Miranda getting pregnant was both comic because of the Steve 1 ball runner and unbelievable that we would risk that.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yes.

[Michael Patrick King]

Give the one who was the least maternal in our eyes, the mother contrasting hard crash into Charlotte's inability to become pregnant.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right.

[Michael Patrick King]

And then the very, very ballsy thing, which is this episode's about abortion.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right. And tell us about that. How did you talk about in the writer's room? How did you talk about it with hbo? Was there worry?

[Michael Patrick King]

There was worry in the writing room and there was a necessity in the writing room to tell the story.

[Kristen Davis]

Yeah.

[Michael Patrick King]

And the journey really was about people's personal touches to their friends who had had abortions or. I'm not saying anyone in the room had had abortions, but everyone had a situation that had touched their friendships or themselves about what would really happen and how people weren't talking about that.

[Kristen Davis]

Right.

[Michael Patrick King]

And there's a line in the show that I remember being radical. Is Samantha saying, I've had two. How many have you had?

[Kristen Davis]

Right.

[Cynthia Nixon]

I remember that. I mean, even rewatching, I'm like. Like, I don't remember every detail, but I was like, oh, my God, we're so brave.

[Michael Patrick King]

It was brave.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right?

[Michael Patrick King]

I've had two. How many of you had. And Carrie actually takes a moment and goes, one. Like, what am I? You.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right, right, right.

[Michael Patrick King]

The idea of saying I've had two as a legitimate sentence in a shell.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right.

[Michael Patrick King]

Could you even say that now?

[Cynthia Nixon]

I don't think so. That's the other thing I wanted to ask you. Like, isn't it nutty how we. I felt at the time that we were doing something different and that it was going to help shift things in our, you know, TV landscape, cultural landscape. What was okay to talk about? And I feel like it did for a while. And then TV is kind of. Or streaming, whatever we're supposed to call it now has pulled. Pulled back from fear.

[Michael Patrick King]

The trick with us is we got in with, like, the comedy.

[Kristen Davis]

Yeah.

[Michael Patrick King]

Of the. Of the sex.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yep.

[Michael Patrick King]

And that was the shocking thing. But it was not just sex. It was funny sex.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yeah.

[Michael Patrick King]

Sex with the laugh.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yeah.

[Michael Patrick King]

So we slid in. That was the calling card.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Got it. Yeah. Yeah.

[Michael Patrick King]

We like, hey, it's funny.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yeah.

[Michael Patrick King]

You're laughing. And we're not asking you to be aroused. In fact, if you are aroused, there's Something wrong. Yeah, yeah. And then slowly we became to slip in other things that women were talking about and not talking about on television.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right, but still they're not talking about

[Michael Patrick King]

on television for sure. Like, I'm not walking down the street after Hermes with a kerchief on her head.

[Cynthia Nixon]

I know.

[Michael Patrick King]

Saying, I've had two. What have you had?

[Kristen Davis]

Totally.

[Michael Patrick King]

You know, like the casual, sophisticated.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yes.

[Michael Patrick King]

Grown up. Real life. Real life, yeah. In a very stylized frame, of course. Real life.

[Cynthia Nixon]

And was anyone at HBO worried?

[Michael Patrick King]

No.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Which is we just had such.

[Michael Patrick King]

I mean, we had a wonderful, wonderful experience there. It was always, be you, don't even. Be tv.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yeah.

[Michael Patrick King]

Be hbo.

[Kristen Davis]

Yeah.

[Michael Patrick King]

Don't be that. Be whatever that is. And they followed us and they trusted us because we rarely went too far in any direction where it was. The audience got pushed away.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Well, that was the joy of having the different characters and the different perspectives.

[Michael Patrick King]

Well, yes, everyone's perspective makes the Miranda story tolerable for an enormous amount of people.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right, right, right. And also, so, okay, I remember that at one point, it was at least

[Kristen Davis]

floated to me that we were both

[Cynthia Nixon]

going to get pregnant, and then we were going to contrast our different mothering styles. And then at a certain point, you called me and said, I'm really sorry, Charlotte's not gonna get pregnant. I was like, what? Like, because of course I wanted what Charlotte wanted, which was to get pregnant. Right. And you said that because no one was even really in relationships in the writer's room at that point, much less having children. Right. At that point in our lives, you were like, we just don't have enough story material to be contrasting.

[Michael Patrick King]

Yeah, samesies.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yeah.

[Michael Patrick King]

Like, oh, you're pregnant's this, my pregnant's this. And it's so much more interesting for Charlotte to do her pregnancy through Miranda.

[Kristen Davis]

Yeah.

[Michael Patrick King]

All the way to the baby shower.

[Kristen Davis]

Oh, yeah.

[Michael Patrick King]

You know, like how Charlotte would do the baby shower. So it's always better if you have one person experiencing something and everybody reacting to it. And we got Charlotte there eventually.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yeah, definitely, Definitely. But she needed to have a longer story.

[Michael Patrick King]

But it was so much more authentic, too.

[Kristen Davis]

I agree.

[Cynthia Nixon]

I agree totally.

[Michael Patrick King]

And the struggle was so good for you as an actor.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Definitely.

[Michael Patrick King]

So good for Charlotte.

[Kristen Davis]

Spring is in the air and Aleve's long lasting pain relief is here to keep you moving. The days are longer and the flowers are blooming. Whether it's gardening, yard work, or just spending more time outdoors, spring has a way of getting us moving despite any body pain. That's where Aleve can keep you going. With just one dose, Aleve gives you long lasting body pain relief for up to 12 hours from sun up to sundown. Aleve's got your back. Try Aleve. Use as directed for minor aches and pains. You know that fantasy version of your life? The one where you wake up and the light's hitting just right and you do a 20 minute workout in your gorgeous living room and you feel like the lead in your own movie. Yeah, that's not a fantasy anymore. You can get your own Reformer. I just got one and it is so beautiful and I just love it so much and it's just right there. It makes it so, so easy. And you can say hello to your Reformer. It basically worked out my workout problem. I was paying for studio classes and I'd cancel half the time. The parking, the scheduling. Then I saw your Reformer and my first thought wasn't even about working out. It was wow, that's beautiful. What a beautiful piece of gorgeous furniture. And it really is you guys. Every Reformer comes with access to over 1000 instructor led workouts on the youe Reformer app App including all the tools and accessories. Your first three months on the app are free and you've got expert LED classes. Whether you're a day one beginner or a post work decompressor, they deliver across mainland USA within seven days. Just go to your reformer.com hey your reformer. Thanks for working out my workout problem. Use the code are YOUASHARLOTTE200 for $200 off your [e-mail] your space, your pace, your Reformer make every day feel epic in the all new Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. The Palisade Hybrid is packed full of features, cutting edge tech up to an EPA estimated 619 miles of range on select trims and class leading interior space. The new Palisade Hybrid is redefining what it means to drive an suv. For starters, let's talk about interior space. It's class leading, which is just a fancy way of saying that the whole crew and everyone's going to be comfy. You've got seating for seven or eight passengers are available, front and second row relaxation seats. Basically a spa day on wheels and an available class exclusive blind spot view monitor that shows you a video feed of your blind spot with right in the dash. How smart is that? There's even an available class exclusive built in dash cam. So whether it's a scenic drive or someone cuts you off and pretends like it didn't happen, you've got the receipts. And if you're all about the sound experience. Like me, the available Bose 14 speaker audio system is going to blow you away. I also love the tech forward touches like standard 100 watt USB C ports because fast charging is non negotiable. These and the standard passenger talk intercom that lets you chat with people in the back without yelling. Ah moms, you know what I'm talking about. Ready to upgrade your ride? Learn more about the Hyundai [e-mail] Call 562-314-4603 for complete details. Not many things in life offer 100% satisfaction guaranteed. But you know what does the Womanizer Enhance. It is the first pleasure toy to reach a 100% orgasm rate during its user testing phase. It's also waterproof so you can use it in the shower or bath. To get the Womanizer Enhance or any other womanizer toy use code Charlotte that is C H A R L O T T E and go to womanizer.com spelled W-O-M-A-N-I Z-E-R.com for 20% off site wide. My Hyundai hot take is gonna have to go with the Miranda Charlotte scene

[Cynthia Nixon]

on the street because it is the first scene that Cynthia and I have just by ourselves. And I love it and it's so beautifully written and it's so beautifully filmed out there.

[Kristen Davis]

I believe we're on fifth Avenue with all kinds of people.

[Cynthia Nixon]

And I love her performance so much

[Kristen Davis]

and I love how she walks behind me. So it's really, really sweet. That's going to be my Hyundai hot take. Celebrating iconic moments, bold moves and unforgettable style. Just like Hyundai.

[Cynthia Nixon]

It is interesting to watch because you know, at the time I was watching everything and micro, you know, criticizing myself in my head. And now you know how I do that.

[Kristen Davis]

Yeah, I know it's hard for us.

[Michael Patrick King]

I feel bad for you. I know I feel bad for all actors. I mean I get the joy of writing them stuff and watching them do it and editing them and falling in love with them from a not inside them point of view. And I always say to actors, can you even see how good you are?

[Cynthia Nixon]

Not at the time.

[Michael Patrick King]

And they go, no. They look away and they don't feel it. They don't feel it. And it's so much a part of my journey job is to feel so excited and happy for the work that people have done. Like it's my favorite part of the job is to see people accomplish, even in the writing room, but to see people accomplish something amazing.

[Cynthia Nixon]

You're an excellent mentor.

[Michael Patrick King]

Thank you. I am.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yes.

[Michael Patrick King]

But actors can't ever step outside themselves and feel it the way the audience is. And I have called you so many times and said, did you watch the episode? No, I'll get to it. No, the kids have to be asleep. No, I won't. No, I can't. I won't be able to go to sleep if I watch it. I'm afraid to watch it.

[Cynthia Nixon]

It's true. All of it is true. All of it is true.

[Michael Patrick King]

And I feel that way with network notes.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yes.

[Michael Patrick King]

If they come in after 5 o' clock and I see an email, I'm like, I'm not reading those. I'll fall asleep. I can't fall asleep. I'll ruin my day tomorrow.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Totally, totally.

[Michael Patrick King]

But, like, I felt bad because I've also. I've called you and harassed you.

[Cynthia Nixon]

It's true.

[Michael Patrick King]

Imprint on you.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yes.

[Michael Patrick King]

How special it is.

[Kristen Davis]

Thank you.

[Cynthia Nixon]

And I appreciate that.

[Kristen Davis]

I appreciate that because I'm not lying. You know, you don't call.

[Michael Patrick King]

There's no purpose of me calling. And I feel it. And this episode is particularly thrilling.

[Cynthia Nixon]

I'm so glad you're here for this episode. Right. Because this is what goes on with me. And I think the joy, many joys of this podcast, one is that I get to have you here to talk about it.

[Michael Patrick King]

My joy, too.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Thank you. There's so many elements that, like, we weren't able to talk about at the time because we're just in it. Right. And it was so all encompassing.

[Michael Patrick King]

It's the distance to see it now. Yes.

[Cynthia Nixon]

That's what I said.

[Michael Patrick King]

Like, when I watched this yesterday, because I knew I was coming here, I was like, bang on all cylinders.

[Kristen Davis]

Agreed.

[Michael Patrick King]

There's jokes, there's pain, there's style. Yeah. It's beautifully filmed by David Frankel.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Oh, my God. Incredible.

[Michael Patrick King]

You know who went on to do Prada?

[Kristen Davis]

I know.

[Michael Patrick King]

And Prada too.

[Cynthia Nixon]

And Prada too. Which we're gonna talk about.

[Michael Patrick King]

I mean, it has an elegant film quality to it. It's very sure of itself, but yet surprising.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Definitely.

[Michael Patrick King]

And all that time has gone by and I still go, wow, me too.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Me too. And that's what I was gonna say about watching myself. Right. Because at the time we would get the VHS tapes, we would run home, put them in nervously.

[Kristen Davis]

Nervously.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right. And there might be a card or there might be temp music or whatever, but still, it would be so thrill. When I'd come on, I'd be like, oh, I don't think I nailed that. You know, you're Just so critical.

[Kristen Davis]

Right.

[Cynthia Nixon]

I know. But now, 30 years almost later, I'm like, wow, I was so much better than I thought I was. And then every once in a while, I'm like, no, that's interesting.

[Michael Patrick King]

And I wonder. I wonder. I couldn't help but wonder exactly, is that part of the important mix that when you're doing it, you don't think you're good? Like, if you were good, would you be different?

[Cynthia Nixon]

I think you'd be less vulnerable.

[Michael Patrick King]

Yeah.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Do you know what I mean? Yeah. And that. That is.

[Michael Patrick King]

Sure.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yeah.

[Michael Patrick King]

Less unsure.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right. You have some unsure. You know, especially. It depends on your character, obviously. Right. But, like, if there's no vulnerability, like, even if you think about Meryl playing, you know, whatever her name is in the Miranda Priestley. Thank you. How could I forget? Weird that it's Miranda, you know, if she weren't Meryl and weren't playing all those layers, she. It wouldn't be as brilliant. It would be hard. Right. Like, you have to keep some kind of vulnerability unsure, you know, off. You're slightly off balance, you know, depending on the character, of course. But. But for me.

[Michael Patrick King]

Yeah. Well, now I've worked with you for so many amazing years. You know me better than I know vibrations of storytelling.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yes.

[Michael Patrick King]

That in this one too. I love it. You're gonna have to endure this. But I love it when the emotion overwhelms your performance. Like when you pick in this episode, when you take out the result and I wanna point out something. You take out the paper after you've. Coming from an infidelity moment.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yes.

[Michael Patrick King]

Good writing with the proof. And when you hold it up to her, you the actor, or you, the. Charlotte knew it was upside down when you took it out of your purse and you corrected it. You were in your moment.

[Kristen Davis]

You were really.

[Michael Patrick King]

And then your voice cracks.

[Cynthia Nixon]

I love that part. That part. Yes. There are other parts of that scene that I'm like, I could have done better.

[Michael Patrick King]

Okay.

[Cynthia Nixon]

But the thing that I love, they're also amazing. I mean, and I think they're also amazing.

[Michael Patrick King]

And the fact that we were able to swing that storyline over to Carrie and have it be a Carrie Aiden thing.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Forgotten that.

[Michael Patrick King]

And like, how a moment of shame.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yeah.

[Michael Patrick King]

Which is always so important.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yes.

[Michael Patrick King]

When a character suddenly realizes I'm ashamed of something.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right.

[Michael Patrick King]

And then they have to admit it. Right. And then Corbett's so open. And then the weird trick of don't tell Steve. There's a lot of great knitting on that. Like, it's all knit together. Like, you can't get them apart. They're all great.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yes. It's so great. And the thing that I was thinking about with that, which we've been, you know, this whole season, I'm like, what would Michael Patrick say about X or Y or Z? So you're here now, so I'm going to ask you when. So with the Aiden in general, I

[Michael Patrick King]

have a lot of opinions about X, Y and Z.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Thank God. So that's why we love you. So one of the reasons when Aiden comes back, it is so fascinating, right? Because like, we've. I've, you know, I'm rewatching. I'm having all different feelings about Big because time has passed and whatnot. And then I have a lot of different feelings about Aiden. I love Aiden and he's very complicated because Corbitt brings so much to him. Right. And you guys really open him up when he comes back. Like, he's less like the anti Big, which is kind of how he starts out. Right. But like, in this particular episode too, the complexities are just so much with. He doesn't have a lot, but it's. But she's. I feel her through line in this particular season at least is that she feels like he wants something slightly different. You know, it's like when she has to stop smoking the first time.

[Michael Patrick King]

Yeah.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right. Did you guys perceive it that way?

[Michael Patrick King]

Yes.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Got it.

[Michael Patrick King]

He wanted a perfect image of her.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Got it.

[Michael Patrick King]

And an abortion doesn't go in that.

[Cynthia Nixon]

So. And would you connect it all back? Like, even from the beginning when she's like, I'm. Yes.

[Michael Patrick King]

Aiden wanted Carrie to be a certain way. And the struggle was. And it always. It carried all the way through to their eventual breakup on. And just like that.

[Cynthia Nixon]

That's what I thought.

[Michael Patrick King]

She wasn't ever going to be that way.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Interesting.

[Michael Patrick King]

And he tried and they both tried. And we all love people, but there's something in him. He says a line when he's there in the fountain when they're going to get after the party, and he says, I want to get a ring on it. I want to lock this down.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yes.

[Michael Patrick King]

And that was a very male line that I heard from one of the crew members.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Whoa.

[Michael Patrick King]

And I was like, oh, that's so male and so straight guy. You got to lock this down. You got to get a ring on it.

[Kristen Davis]

Yes.

[Michael Patrick King]

And Aiden has that quality. And the great thing about Corbett is he. It's not his main color. His main color is love and playfulness. But he brought all that and it sort of added to the don't disappoint me guy.

[Kristen Davis]

Right.

[Michael Patrick King]

So I couldn't date a smoker. That everybody understands. And then that puts in Carrie's mind, I can't be with someone who had an abortion. Even though he never said it.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right.

[Michael Patrick King]

And he accepts it. And she actually says to him at that scene. Which I love. What I love about being able to write a show for years and grow the characters. And in a city you can put so much of real life in it. Like, the idea is, I've never seen another show where characters have to wait in line for a table.

[Cynthia Nixon]

So good.

[Michael Patrick King]

But then they have to wait in line for a bar.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Totally.

[Michael Patrick King]

Which then gives us the opportunity to do a cool scene where they're drinking beer out of bottles on the street. That idea of being able to do, like, how many times have I waited and just had to wait? And the odd non romance part of it, the casual big conversation rather than the big conversation, big scene. And the other thing that I love about writing is Carrie's man that she got pregnant from.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Oh, my God.

[Michael Patrick King]

At the saloon.

[Kristen Davis]

Incredible.

[Michael Patrick King]

I worked at the saloon. So in that era, I was one of those waiters at the saloon. So it was still there. And my biggest fear was that I would still be a waiter 20 years later. And so then we wrote a character who was still a waiter 20 years later.

[Cynthia Nixon]

It was like a knife to the gut.

[Michael Patrick King]

And here's the big personal story. When I worked at the saloon, I was an A day waiter, which they called AMS because you came in at 11 and you worked till 4.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Got it. You did not make the big money.

[Michael Patrick King]

The night waiters were called PMs.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Okay.

[Michael Patrick King]

And they would come in and dump attitude on the eight. Like, I would be cleaning the cappuccino thing, hitting the thing, and the PMs would come by and they would go like, hi. And I'd be like, you're a waiter too. Like, you're a pm, so you're better than me. We're all still waiting on tables. But. So I had this. And the saloon was a very notoriously rough place to work. The manager was tough. And I actually quit that restaurant because they wouldn't let any waiters get anyone to cover for them for Christmas.

[Cynthia Nixon]

What?

[Michael Patrick King]

And they said the manager put a big sign up that said, anyone who doesn't work their Christmas shift has the pleasure of firing themselves.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Oh, my God.

[Michael Patrick King]

And I was like, waiting Christmas. So I took the tables used to be covered in butcher paper. So I took a giant ream of butcher paper and put up over the time clock. I have had the pleasure of firing myself. Wow. And walked out. And to this day, people say I was at the saloon when you had the pleasure of fucking firing yourself.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Oh, my God.

[Michael Patrick King]

But the story is how it relates to us as we filmed at the saloon. And I was executive producing and sitting next to Frankel at a table where I used to fold napkins.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Unbelievable.

[Michael Patrick King]

For. For the AM shift.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Unbelievable.

[Michael Patrick King]

I was like, this is fantastic.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Fantastic beyond belief. When that guy. When she goes. You know, because I love. I. I had totally forgotten Carrie's storyline, right? Which is the joy of the rewatch. You know, you don't remember all of it. And I was like, oh my God, this is so good that she lies. And they. Then she. But she's talking to us honestly. And then she's trying to figure out

[Kristen Davis]

how to tell him.

[Cynthia Nixon]

But he obviously has so many quiet judgments going on, right? They should be telling Steve. They should be doing that. Which I feel for him too. He's stuck in the middle of it, all, right.

[Kristen Davis]

And then when she goes back to

[Cynthia Nixon]

the saloon, I'm like, oh my gosh,

[Michael Patrick King]

she's going to the saloon.

[Kristen Davis]

And then, I mean.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Cause I was around, you know, in the later 80s, right. So. And I didn't work there, but I was a waitress in town. I mean, it was a very specific time of the culture, you know. And we would all go to the Odeon because it was open laid.

[Michael Patrick King]

Talk about tower. They were. And we tunnel. They went.

[Cynthia Nixon]

And he's like, no, I didn't go. But when that guy walks out, because she sits down and the. When that waiter. I was. I mean, you literally are just like, oh my God, excellent casting.

[Kristen Davis]

Because he looks so sad, but he's

[Michael Patrick King]

got the hair a little bit deflated.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Definitely, but the hair's still there.

[Michael Patrick King]

He's cute. You saw who he was.

[Cynthia Nixon]

But he's definitely worn down, right? Because he doesn't mean it.

[Michael Patrick King]

But like literally that is the joy of. Of being able to write Sex and the City when It was on HBO because they were 30 minutes, no commercials. You could get a lot of story in. Everyone could have a story and you could have like these sort of epic morals. The moral of the story is friends. Like when Charlotte shows up with those beautiful white hydrangeas. Charlotte, yay. And she says these flowers or for whatever flowers you're supposed to do in a situation like this, she does not approve. But she shows up and loves.

[Kristen Davis]

Spring is in the air and leaves long lasting pain. Relief is here to keep you moving. The days are longer and the flowers are blooming. Whether it's gardening, yard work or just spending more time outdoors, spring has a way of getting us moving despite any body pain. That's where Aleve can keep you going. With just one dose, Aleve gives you long lasting body pain relief for up to 12 hours from sunup to sundown. Aleve's got your back. Try Aleve Use as directed for minor aches and pains Want to know how I worked out my workout problem? You're a Reformer. Yep. Not just a mindful private workout, but a piece of gorgeous furniture too. It really is. I just got one myself. It's so beautiful and so incredibly easy to just hop on, get a quick workout and then get ready for my day. And every Reformer comes with access to over 1000 instructor led workouts on the youe Reformer app, including all the tools and accessories. Your first three months on the app are free and You've got expert led classes right from the start. They deliver across mainland USA within seven days. Just visit YourReformer.com hey you reformer, thanks for working out my workout problem. Go to your reformer.com and use the code are you a Charlotte 200 for $200 off your purchase. Your space, your pace, your Reformer make every day feel epic in the all new Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. The Palisade Hybrid is packed full of features, cutting edge tech, up to an EPA estimated 619 miles of range on select trims and class leading interior space. The new Palisade Hybrid is redefining what it means to drive an suv. For starters, let's talk about interior space. It's class leading, which is just a fancy way of saying that the whole crew and everyone's going to be comfy. You've got seating for seven or eight passengers are available, front and second row relaxation seats, basically a spa day on wheels and an available class exclusive blind spot view monitor that shows you a video feed of your blind spot right in the dash. How smart is that? There's even an available class exclusive built in dash cam. So whether it's a scenic drive or someone cuts you off and pretends like it didn't happen, you've got the receipts. And if you're all about the sound experience like me, the available Bose 14 speaker audio system is going to blow you away. I also love the tech forward touches like standard 100 watt USB C ports because fast charging is non negotiable. These and the standard passenger talk intercom that lets you chat with people in the back without yelling. Ah Moms. You know what I'm talking about. Ready to upgrade your ride? Learn more about the Hyundai [e-mail] Call 562-314-4603 for complete details. Not many things in life offer 100% satisfaction guaranteed. But you know what does? The Womanizer Enhance? It is the first pleasure toy to reach a 100% orgasm rate during its user testing phase. It's also waterproof, so you can use it in the shower or bath. To get the Womanizer Enhance or any other Womanizer toy use code Charlotte, that is C H A R L O T T E. And go to womanizer.com spelled W O M A N I Z-E-R.com for 20% off site wide.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Also, the thing that was so great, because I didn't really remember that scene. Of course, I remember the walking on the street scene because I think I was predominantly worried about that scene. As my producers point out, it's the first time that Cynthia and I have had a scene by ourselves. Isn't that adorable?

[Michael Patrick King]

Yes. That's a very big deal, right? By design.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Probably well chosen, right?

[Kristen Davis]

Couldn't be more perfect.

[Michael Patrick King]

And I remember it was also so unique.

[Cynthia Nixon]

So unique. Unheard of.

[Michael Patrick King]

Don't walk.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right.

[Michael Patrick King]

And the line. She knew she was there.

[Cynthia Nixon]

The voiceover.

[Michael Patrick King]

Yeah, yeah. But it's a really great.

[Cynthia Nixon]

It's really good.

[Michael Patrick King]

And then Miranda says, I saw you and see me. You know, like the honesty of it all.

[Cynthia Nixon]

This is what I see when I'm watching myself in that scene, the way it begins. See, the other thing I was thinking about because of course, I did watch it last night before bed. So then I did lay in bed and think about it a lot because it still is very stimulating for me. Like, us in general. Part of why I love us, part of why I want to work together until we die is because it's overstimulating. Do you know what I'm saying? It's so much, you know, it's like all the things. It's rich and exciting and we know each other and you guys write, like, with everything. Like everyone is laying it out there, right? I love that. And then that's what we all want, right? But then it's also overstimulating when you're just trying to live your life in sleep. But when I watched it sleep when you're dead. It's true, it's true, it's true. But then. Yeah. Yes, but of course, my childhood at 6:00am yeah, it's true. But no, I mean, it's more about just trying to do the best that you can do with all of it. Right. And some of it is great to be overstimulated because then you're processing and you're thinking about the things and how did this happen? And what do I remember versus what I see when I look at it, Right? And what I remember was being nervous and feeling like Cynthia was very, very there for me. And I do 100% remember the paper situation, because I think Frankel was like, oh, I want you to get the paper. But you have to. You know how you have to hold things higher on film so that everyone can see them in the take, higher than you feel comfortable or whatever. So I had to get it up high. I had to get it out of my bag and get it up high. And unlike Sarah Jessica, I'm not the most prop type lover person in the world.

[Michael Patrick King]

Disagree.

[Cynthia Nixon]

You're adorable. But, you know, she always will, like, give me more. You know what I mean?

[Michael Patrick King]

I'm disagree.

[Cynthia Nixon]

I mean, okay, I love you. So I'm trying to get it out. I can see myself trying to get it out. And I can see that it's not going perfectly, but it's also so perfect for the scene, right. Is where, like, you are one with the character and she. It's so real. But then what I feel. And I also think I did talk to, I think Jenny, who wrote this episode, that. That episode, this episode, we weren't at the place in our lives where we really knew people going through this yet, you know, And I had said to her, I don't know if I really did justice or whatever. And she said, you did, you did, you did. And I was like, I don't know. And I do feel when I look at it, what I see is that you're deepening Charlotte, like, little by little by little, like third season, all into where. Like, where we break up the first time when she's on the tennis court, you know, and she's like, I think we should separate. I'm just like, what? I don't remember that. Oh, my God. Like, you know, she's struggling to manage the fact that her vision is not what she wanted, you know, which is a big.

[Michael Patrick King]

And these aren't little obstacles.

[Cynthia Nixon]

No, they're huge obstacles. But she's gonna try to keep it together. And so she doesn't have her feelings.

[Michael Patrick King]

That was her job.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Exactly. And that's what I see in the show. Exactly. And that's what I see in this scene. Right. It's like she's walking along looking kind of depressed but not devastated. And I'm thinking, why did I make that choice? And I'm sure that no one really wanted me to look devastated walking down the street. Right. And also, is it Charlotte to look.

[Michael Patrick King]

You look like you're in shock.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Do what? Okay, excellent.

[Michael Patrick King]

You look like you came from a plane crash but survived.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Excellent. Okay, that's great, Michael. This is why I need you around. Okay. Thank God.

[Michael Patrick King]

Why? Because we have the ability to alter the reality?

[Cynthia Nixon]

No, because I have the ability to alter my mind. With your insight, you look shell shocked,

[Michael Patrick King]

almost like a emotional zombie.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Okay, great. Great. That's helpful. Thank you so much. Because I'm wondering to myself, like. Because I do say to Miranda, I knew it. I knew it would, you know, And I said earlier, too, like, I've got to make an appointment to find out, because I just know it's me. Right? So I was like, am I playing that? This is just, you know, giving credence to my fear. What am I playing there? But I'm going to go with playing everything.

[Michael Patrick King]

Here's the reality.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Tell me.

[Michael Patrick King]

It was a very hard scene because you have to break in it. And when you have an expectation that you have to break, I don't know how you do it. That's the hardest part. I've seen so many moments where the actor gets there and they might have had it at rehearsal.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right.

[Michael Patrick King]

And it's dried up.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Oh, it's the worst. Yeah, that's the worst. And then it goes away totally.

[Michael Patrick King]

And so you have the expectation of, I'm walking into this, right. And probably you're thinking, I hope this goes well. And Charlotte's thinking, I hope this all goes well.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Totally. That is when there is fear. Yes, yes. All of it.

[Kristen Davis]

All of it.

[Michael Patrick King]

And then you play the surprise of seeing Miranda and the embarrassment of being caught.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right.

[Michael Patrick King]

And then the anger.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Did you feel anger?

[Michael Patrick King]

Yes, it's true.

[Cynthia Nixon]

See, this is what I think is happening, too. Do you remember the seasons which I feel like would have been season two, where you guys, not you personally, the writers in general, like Jenny. I remember specifically telling me, like, Charlotte does not get mad.

[Kristen Davis]

Do you remember this?

[Michael Patrick King]

No. I don't think of anybody as not getting mad ever.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Right. That would be insane. Right. It was kind of like Darren, maybe Jenny, and. And it was more like when we were beginning and kind of really starting from the more archetypal, real archetypes. Yes, yes. And as it went, we deepened, deepened, deepened. Right. And remember how many guys I went through in season two?

[Michael Patrick King]

Yeah. Fantastic.

[Cynthia Nixon]

So many fantastic. For sure. Definitely.

[Michael Patrick King]

You can horn.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yes, that would be the one.

[Michael Patrick King]

I like to always bring that up to trigger you because I know you still. You still haven't done.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Mad.

[Michael Patrick King]

You still haven't done your work on that one.

[Cynthia Nixon]

True. I have not. I'm still mad.

[Michael Patrick King]

I'm here to remind you. You or you still have to work through that.

[Cynthia Nixon]

I know. Because Charlotte didn't get to have her feelings about it. That's why I have not worked through it, because everyone told me, you cannot be mad. Charlotte doesn't get mad.

[Michael Patrick King]

Okay.

[Cynthia Nixon]

I know. It was crazy.

[Kristen Davis]

Crazy.

[Michael Patrick King]

She gets overwhelmed. She gets shut down. She gets derailed. Definitely gets humiliated.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Definitely.

[Michael Patrick King]

She carries all of that.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yes.

[Michael Patrick King]

But the funny thing is that she doesn't know what to do with it.

[Cynthia Nixon]

I guess that's. That's a good point. And that's that if someone had said that to me that way, it might have helped. Because at the time, I was just like, well, I'm just going to try to shove these feelings down, you know? Which I guess is what she's doing. Right? Right. Right. Right now.

[Michael Patrick King]

Maybe you should let go of those feelings.

[Cynthia Nixon]

I mean, I'm not. Believe me. This is not what's going through in my mind. And when I'm laying in bed,

[Kristen Davis]

maybe.

[Michael Patrick King]

I don't know, maybe you still feel so protective of that moment.

[Cynthia Nixon]

I do.

[Michael Patrick King]

It's like a real ex. It's a weird combination of real.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Because that guy also made me mad.

[Michael Patrick King]

Just thinking.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yes.

[Michael Patrick King]

Should I have spoken up for my. Myself, like the. There's like a. That's the. The.

[Cynthia Nixon]

No, it's true. And Cynthia told me not to. That's why I didn't. Because right after yourself. I did not.

[Kristen Davis]

No.

[Michael Patrick King]

Cynthia's advice.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Cynthia thought it was hysterical and that I should not say a word.

[Michael Patrick King]

Yeah.

[Cynthia Nixon]

And so I didn't. But I wanted to. And then that guy himself made me mad. So it all.

[Michael Patrick King]

Or did he?

[Cynthia Nixon]

He did. I'll tell you what he did. This is what he did. He. You're trying to save him. That's so sweet.

[Michael Patrick King]

I'm just trying to say he did his job.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Oh, he did his job. But what he did is. He did his job.

[Michael Patrick King]

Are we still here on this guy?

[Cynthia Nixon]

We are.

[Michael Patrick King]

You two better get it together.

[Cynthia Nixon]

I don't even know his name.

[Michael Patrick King]

I think if you're gonna hold on to a grudge, we should find out that deer actor.

[Cynthia Nixon]

We should find out this poor guy's

[Michael Patrick King]

face since he is now your nemesis.

[Cynthia Nixon]

There's like three, and he's one of them. He wanted. He. Nicole was directing that. Nicole Hlofsner. She did his side first.

[Kristen Davis]

Irritating.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Okay. Then it was lunch. So he had shouted at me. She kept telling him to shout louder and to be closer to my face. So those were the two directions she gave him, which I was like, nicole,

[Michael Patrick King]

okay, like, let's talk about the evolution of you. I'm now jumping. I'm jumping forward so many years.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Okay, great.

[Michael Patrick King]

To the evolution of you feeling that you can't express yourself about a thing to the day on end. Just like that. Where Harry was maybe gonna get hard after the whole thing, and he couldn't get hard. He still wasn't hard. And you had to give him a

[Cynthia Nixon]

hand job Final season or what?

[Michael Patrick King]

The final season.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Okay.

[Michael Patrick King]

Had to give him a hand job. Not written that way. Oh, it was. They make love. And then we don't know how we know that it didn't happen, because, to be quite frank, he's inside of her. We don't know what's going on.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Oh, yes. This was a little vague. Yes, yes, yes.

[Michael Patrick King]

We had a new. Our intimacy coordinator was Unpregnant Adam Matron.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yes, yes, yes, yes.

[Michael Patrick King]

We had a new one who was from England and very concerned about her actors and looking through the lens. Anyway, I came in as the director at 5am and realized, oh, no, that's not gonna be funny. It's just gonna be another scene. It has to be a hand job, and you have to be fully clothed and giving a hand job. And I came up to you first thing in the set. We're about to rehearse.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Oh, no, I don't remember what I said.

[Michael Patrick King]

Kristen, I've been thinking. I think you're giving him a hand job instead of making love. And she was like, what? What? Wait, what? And I was like, it's a hand job. And you're like, wait, what does that mean? What are you showing? And I was like, I'm showing from here up your arm and. Okay, all right, good.

[Kristen Davis]

Did I do it?

[Michael Patrick King]

Yeah. We had a big dialogue. I said to you, this is how it goes. I think it'll be funnier. You go, it will be okay. And then the woman said, I don't have the paperwork for a hand job. And you said, we're fine. And she goes, no, I need to have the paperwork. Paperwork. So now we were fine, and we don't have the paperwork for anything. We had to do a quick paperwork and you had to sign off. But it's a long way from feeling in a box that you couldn't have your feelings.

[Cynthia Nixon]

That's true. But you know what that is about? That is about you and our incredible long relationship.

[Michael Patrick King]

True, true. And also about you.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yes.

[Michael Patrick King]

Understanding what's better for the scene.

[Kristen Davis]

For sure.

[Cynthia Nixon]

For sure. But that's because I trust you.

[Michael Patrick King]

Yeah, yeah.

[Cynthia Nixon]

You know, so it's about trust and developing.

[Michael Patrick King]

Well, I trust you. That's what I can say.

[Cynthia Nixon]

100%.

[Michael Patrick King]

How are you okay with this?

[Cynthia Nixon]

Let's do this.

[Michael Patrick King]

If it doesn't work, I won't use it. And it was great. It was funny and it was the thing we do better.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yes.

[Michael Patrick King]

Which is comedy, sex.

[Cynthia Nixon]

100%.

[Kristen Davis]

Whatever.

[Michael Patrick King]

Sex.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Totally.

[Michael Patrick King]

Simulated penetration.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Definitely, definitely, definitely. And I do. Totally. I don't ever need to see that again or acted again. You know what I'm saying? Not for you, for anyone. So, like.

[Michael Patrick King]

Yeah, well, it's important. Maybe in something, maybe you'll do have to do it. But the reality is never say never. She's open. All you writers, directors, she's still open. She's a wonderful person to work with in simulated sex situations.

[Cynthia Nixon]

You're so sweet. Thinking about my career. That's so sweet. So sweet. Thank you.

[Michael Patrick King]

But yeah, I just wanted to draw a line from.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yeah, no, you're absolutely right. You're absolutely right.

[Michael Patrick King]

Which is what happens when a series really is allowed to exist and the people are there for each other and love each other and both. And that's what's so great about this episode. It just screams of growth.

[Cynthia Nixon]

Yes.

[Kristen Davis]

All right, everyone, thanks for joining us on Are youe With Charlotte. We are gonna be back with more Michael Patrick King. Cause when he's here, we could really talk for a long time. So please join us again later this week. Thanks everybody. Working out? Just got reformed with your Reformer. It's a gorgeous piece of furniture too. I just got one of these, you guys. It's so beautiful and it makes it so easy to do my workout. Just 20 minutes. I just hop on, hop off, get ready to go. It's amazing. Every Euroformer purchase includes access to Euroformer app which has over 1,000 instructor led on demand workouts. You get your first three months free on the app. If you're not quite ready to invest, you can actually rent your reformer for $39 a week. That's less than the average cost of a studio class your Reformer delivers to your home within seven days across mainland USA. Visit your reformer.com and use the code are YOUASHARLOTTE200 to receive $200 off your purchase. Your space, your pace, your Reformer not many things in life offer 100% satisfaction guaranteed, but you know what does the Womanizer enhance? It is the first pleasure toy to reach a 100% orgasm rate during its user testing phase. It's also waterproof, so you can use it in the shower or bath. To get the Womanizer enhanced or any other Womanizer toy use code Charlotte that is C H A R L-O-T T E and go to womanizer.com spelled W-O-M-A-N-I Z E R.com for 20% off site wide I have to tell you guys about Hill House Home. The brand behind the viral nap dress. The one with the signature smocking is both flattering and comfortable. What I love about Hill House dresses is how versatile they are. I just got the scarlet MIDI nap dress and I can wear it running errands during the day and at dinner or a party that night. No outfit change required. And it's not just dresses. Hill House started with bedding in 2016 and their robes and pajamas are so soft, made from the same cotton fabric as their baby onesies. They also have the cutest styles for women, babies and kids, including monogrammable robes, onesies and pajamas that make the perfect gift. I love my pink dress that I just got the other day from them. It's so comfortable I can wear it around the house and then I can run errands, I can go to lunch. It's I. It's a dream. Hill House makes fun fashion that makes you feel good, which explains why celebrities like Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo and Anne Hathaway have been spotted wearing it. Honestly, Charlotte York would be all over this. Get 15 off your first order of a hundred dollars or [e-mail] with the code CHARLOTTE15. Again, that's CHARLOTTE15 for 15 [e-mail] taking care of yourself means taking care of your eyes too. And that gritty, irritated feeling could be dry eye. Mibo, AKA Perfluorohexalactane Ophthalmic Solution is the only prescription dry eye drop that directly targets the number one cause of dry eye too much tear evaporation. Ask your eye doctor how you can treat dry eye differently with Mibo. Oh yeah, don't use if allergic to Mibo. Remove contacts before using and wait at least 30 minutes before putting them back in. Eye redness and blurred vision may occur. For info, call 1-800-553-5340 or visit miebo.com this is an I Heart podcast. Guaranteed human.