Top 10 Underappreciated Sex And The City Episodes

#10: “Boy, Interrupted”
There are many elements that make this a classic “Sex and the City” episode, yet it isn’t exactly among the show’s most popular. The title is a witty pop culture reference, there are multiple celebrity guest appearances, and it features an irresistible love interest. We’re not talking about David Duchovny’s Jeremy — Carrie’s admittedly dreamy high school boyfriend. No, we’re focusing on Dr. Robert Leeds, the criminally underrated sports doctor who has a short-lived relationship with Miranda. If that’s not enough to convince you, “Boy, Interrupted” also features Samantha committing identity theft and using the name “Annabelle Bronstein”! What more could anyone ask for?
#9: “I Love a Charade”
The season five finale centers on a wedding that the show’s central foursome find just about unbelievable. Nathan Lane plays Bobby, a singer Carrie assumed was gay, but who’s about to marry recurring minor character Bitsy Von Muffling. Confusion around this milestone event provides much of the humor in the episode, but that isn’t even its biggest draw. Rather, Carrie’s multiple encounters with Berger make for some fascinating viewing. After awkward run-ins at a highway rest stop and Samantha’s party, the pair finally get it right at the Hamptons nuptials. The real question is whether these cringe-worthy moments are red flags themselves!
#8: “Great Sexpectations”
“Sex and the City” is known for portraying challenging relationship scenarios. It can even provide a road map for how to navigate them — or how not to. Some of this episode’s dating quandaries are admittedly more serious than others. Samantha’s attempt to seduce her waiter falls on the sillier side of things. Carrie, on the other hand, faces a true head-scratcher: she has off-the-charts chemistry with Berger in public, but it’s a different story between the sheets. It’s not exactly easy to watch, but the storyline is arguably among the show’s more realistic. Plus, the episode features a huge moment for Charlotte, who embarks upon her journey of religious conversion!
#7: “Ring a Ding Ding”
It’s no secret that financial matters can complicate relationships, romantic and otherwise. This idea provides the premise for “Ring a Ding Ding,” a dramatic episode that finds Carrie at a major crossroads. Her ex-boyfriend Aidan has left her with an ultimatum of sorts: buy their formerly shared apartment from him, or vacate the premises. Of course, this leads to the absolutely unforgettable revelation that Carrie’s shoe collection is worth roughly $40 000. But more importantly, her expectation that Charlotte would suggest lending her money like the other women leads to some serious conflict. Luckily, the episode ends on a heartwarming note. Charlotte offers her engagement ring as a down payment loan, making for one of the show’s most meaningful friendship moments ever.
#6: “Four Women and a Funeral”
Considering how fun and frivolous this show can be, a mortality-themed episode might come as a surprise. Its tone, somewhere between macabre and darkly funny, is somewhat unusual compared to what we’re used to. However, it proves that “Sex and the City” is capable of tackling a variety of topics with a dose of humor. After they attend a service for a fashion industry wunderkind, the gals process the concept of death in different ways. Each plot line relates to the theme in a unique way, with Samantha experiencing the death of her social life while Miranda chokes on her takeout. Thankfully, the women survive it all!
#5: “The Domino Effect”
Carrie and Mr. Big have one of the show’s longest-lasting - and most complicated - relationships. Though they’re not together in this episode, it still contains one of their all-time best storylines. Big returns to New York for an angioplasty, which triggers some strong emotions in Carrie. She ends up caring for him in his hotel room afterward, and the usually reserved playboy suddenly becomes vulnerable. Unfortunately, his emotional side vanishes about as abruptly as it had appeared. It’s a bittersweet moment for fans of the pairing, but it perfectly captures the nuances of the duo’s legendary romance.
#4: “A ‘Vogue’ Idea”
“Sex and the City” is obviously about gender politics. But with its focus on romance, it doesn’t necessarily dive as deeply into how being a woman shapes workplace experiences. A major exception would be “A ‘Vogue’ Idea,” which finds Carrie freelancing for the titular fashion magazine. Her editor, Enid, is a bit harsh, while Julian appears more sympathetic. Unfortunately, he’s also responsible for the episode’s mistreatment plotline. While touring the office closets with Carrie, the older man propositions her in a majorly creepy way. Thankfully, the offensive incident is a blip in our protagonist’s otherwise successful career trajectory. But considering how relevant the subject matter at hand is, we’d say this episode deserves more recognition.
#3: “Belles of the Balls”
We think it’s safe to say that Carrie’s two great loves are Mr. Big and Aidan. In this episode, the men finally come to terms with their simmering rivalry for her affection. As it so happens, they also come to blows. The drama begins with Carrie inviting Big to Aidan’s country home, where we’d seen her experience cabin life in the previous episode. To no viewer’s surprise, tensions mount until an all-out brawl takes place in the mud. This kind of duel is a classic romance trope, but its sheer messiness makes it one-of-a-kind. As a bonus point of interest, “Belles of the Balls” also sees Miranda touchingly supporting Steve through a difficult medical experience.
#2: “Sex and Another City”
This show is all about New York, which makes the times the women do venture out of town all the more memorable. The second part of their L.A. adventure is both hilarious and thought-provoking, as they learn that all that glitters is not gold. Notably, Miranda meets up with an old friend who claims to love his new West Coast lifestyle. Vince Vaughn, meanwhile, plays an assistant to Carrie Fisher who lies to the other Carrie about his job. The crowning jewel, though, has to be the Playboy Mansion party. If you ask us, the foursome’s outfits alone are enough to make this episode required viewing.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“The Post-It Always Sticks Twice”
The Way Berger Dumps Carrie Is Terrible, but Unforgettable
“Hot Child in the City”
This Episode’s Youth-Themed Storyline Is One for the Ages
“Games People Play”
Carrie Meets Her New Fling, Played by Jon Bon Jovi, in a Therapist’s Office
“Where There’s Smoke…”
The Girls Attend a Staten Island Event We Wish We’d Been Invited To
“To Market, to Market”
Six Seasons In, Dating Isn’t Getting Any Easier
#1: “The Real Me”
If you ask us, this episode should be regarded as one of “Sex and the City”’s best-ever. Each of the main characters has a storyline relating to their self-confidence or body image, and they’re truly poignant. Samantha celebrates herself with a racy photoshoot, Charlotte unforgettably gets to know “depressed” private parts and Miranda is confused by a fellow gym goer's admiration for her. Unsurprisingly, though, Carrie’s narrative steals the show — the fashion show, that is. She’s asked to show off her best model walk in a revealing outfit, but humiliates herself on the runway. However, in a simple act that sums up what fans love about the character and the show, she gets back up and completes the circuit. It just goes to show that even in times of struggle, perseverance pays off.
