Podcast Title: Are You A Charlotte?
Episode: Sarah Jessica Parker
Release Date: May 12, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts (Kristin Davis)
Introduction
In this captivating episode of "Are You A Charlotte?", Kristin Davis delves deep into the legacy of "Sex and the City" by bringing aboard none other than Sarah Jessica Parker as her special guest. The episode promises an intimate look into the behind-the-scenes moments, untold stories, and the enduring friendship between the show's stars.
Welcome and Initial Reflections [04:10 - 07:03]
Kristin warmly welcomes Sarah Jessica Parker, expressing excitement over her participation:
Kristin Davis: "Everybody, welcome to Are You A Charlotte? Guess who? My guest is Sarah Jessica Parker. Do a little dance, Sarah." [04:10]
Sarah reciprocates the enthusiasm, hinting at the depth of their collaboration:
Sarah Jessica Parker: "I'm so happy to be and I'm so proud of you." [06:08]
The conversation quickly shifts to the origins of the podcast idea, with Kristin reflecting on how the pilot episode from 1997 still resonates today.
Behind the Scenes and Casting Stories [07:04 - 16:50]
The duo reminisces about their early days, touching upon memorable events and encounters:
Sarah Jessica Parker: "We went to an AMFAR event for Kevin Huvain, and then we went to the Abbey. [...] Chelsea Handler was there." [07:04]
They discuss the challenges of maintaining personal relationships amidst the pressures of fame and the demanding schedule of the show. Kristin shares her surprise at learning about Cynthia's involvement in the casting process:
Kristin Davis: "I never knew this." [27:15]
Sarah reveals intriguing details about the casting read and her initial hesitations:
Sarah Jessica Parker: "I panicked. I was like, I can't be on a TV show. Oh, I don't think I'm suited for that life." [33:02]
The Evolution of HBO and Industry Insights [37:09 - 56:17]
A significant portion of the discussion centers around HBO's transformative role in the television industry and the birth of groundbreaking shows like "The Sopranos":
Sarah Jessica Parker: "Ted Turner basically spearheaded that entire thing. And to watch him and the passion with which he talks about it and the commitment [...] we were like the spawn, the child of it." [47:10]
They elaborate on the innovative programming strategies HBO employed, emphasizing the platform's commitment to creative freedom:
Sarah Jessica Parker: "It was the first people that said, oh, we're gonna program. We're gonna counter-programming." [54:28]
Kristin connects these industry shifts to their own experiences, highlighting the mutual growth and the unforeseen legacy of their collaboration:
Kristin Davis: "The fact that people still love the show, I feel like is honoring all of that commitment from all of the people that have been part of it for all this time." [11:33]
Personal Anecdotes and Memories [16:50 - 37:09]
Sarah shares heartfelt memories, including unexpected encounters and the emotional rollercoaster of the show's early days:
Sarah Jessica Parker: "I was walking down the street in New York City and [...] someone sent a copy of the pilot to a producer. When the show was picked up, I panicked." [32:13]
Kristin and Sarah delve into the dynamics of their off-screen relationships, emphasizing the camaraderie and mutual support that sustained them through intense filming schedules:
Kristin Davis: "We've been together now for almost 30 years, and to me, it's really obvious, all of the personal relationships and the joys that we have of our personal selves." [06:17]
The Legacy and Lasting Impact [56:17 - 59:04]
As the episode draws to a close, Kristin and Sarah reflect on the enduring legacy of "Sex and the City" and its impact on television and popular culture. They discuss how the show's themes remain relevant, fostering conversations about women's lives, relationships, and empowerment.
Sarah Jessica Parker: "Through change you can succeed. You just have to dream. You have to dream and follow your dreams." [52:08]
Kristin shares her admiration for the unwavering confidence of HBO executives, which allowed creative freedom and set the stage for future successes:
Sarah Jessica Parker: "It was the ego involved. And I say this with admiration, not with condemnation. It was their sense of their confidence in their choices that liberated David Chase and certainly Darren and then Michael Patrick." [53:08]
Conclusion
This episode of "Are You A Charlotte?" offers a profound exploration of "Sex and the City"'s creation, its cultural significance, and the deep bond between its stars. Kristin Davis and Sarah Jessica Parker provide listeners with a rich tapestry of memories, insights, and reflections that honor the show's legacy while celebrating its continued relevance.
Notable Quotes:
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Kristin Davis: "The fact that people still love the show, I feel like is honoring all of that commitment from all of the people that have been part of it for all this time." [11:33]
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Sarah Jessica Parker: "Through change you can succeed. You just have to dream. You have to dream and follow your dreams." [52:08]
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Sarah Jessica Parker: "It was like, yeah, interesting. We just did a table read of a thing and now then, you know, probably in 10 days we're gonna shoot it, right." [31:00]
Key Takeaways:
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Behind-the-Scenes Insights: The episode uncovers the intricate process of casting and producing "Sex and the City", highlighting the collaborative efforts of cast and crew.
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Industry Evolution: A deep dive into HBO's pioneering strategies that revolutionized television, setting the stage for modern streaming platforms.
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Personal Bonds: The enduring friendship and mutual support between Kristin Davis and Sarah Jessica Parker serve as the emotional backbone of the conversation.
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Legacy and Relevance: "Sex and the City" continues to influence contemporary discussions around women's empowerment, relationships, and urban life.
For fans of "Sex and the City" and those interested in the intricacies of television production, this episode of "Are You A Charlotte?" is an unmissable journey through nostalgia, friendship, and industry evolution.