23 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Sex and the City'

Erin McDowellApr 18, 2024, 22:46 IST

The cast of "Sex and the City."HBO/Newsmakers via Getty Images

"Sex and the City" premiered nearly 26 years ago and was recently added to Netflix.
You might not know that Kristin Davis was originally asked to read for the role of Carrie Bradshaw.

"Sex and the City" is now on Netflix, introducing a whole new crop of young women to the iconic Manhattan foursome.

However, you might not know that Sarah Jessica Parker, who played the main character Carrie Bradshaw, had to be convinced to sign on in the first place — and that Carrie was almost played by one of Parker's costars.

Here are 23 surprising things you probably didn't know about "Sex and the City."

The series is based on the book "Sex and the City" by Candace Bushnell, who said she was paid a paltry sum for the screen rights in the 1990s.

Candace Bushnell attends the New York premiere of "Sex and the City" in 2008.JIMI CELESTE/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images

Many of the characters were inspired by real-life people.

Sarah Jessica Parker and Chris Noth on the set of "Sex and the City."HBO/Getty Images

The female writers of "Sex and the City" often incorporated their own experiences and dating faux pas into the episodes.

A scene from "Sex and the City."HBO

Sarah Jessica Parker had to be talked into playing the iconic role of Carrie Bradshaw.

Sarah Jessica Parker and the show's creator, Darren Star.Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive/Getty Images

Kim Cattrall also originally passed on the opportunity to play Samantha Jones.

Kim Cattrall as Samantha Jones in "Sex and the City."Paramount Pictures/Newsmakers/Getty Images

Kristin Davis was originally asked to read for the role of Carrie, not Charlotte.

Kristin Davis.Getty Images

Charlotte York was originally written as a smaller role compared to the other three ladies.

Kristin Davis and Sarah Jessica Parker filming "Sex and the City."Tom Kingston/WireImage/Getty Images

Cynthia Nixon isn't a natural redhead but agreed to dye her blonde hair for the role of Miranda.

Cynthia Nixon and Sarah Jessica Parker film a scene from "Sex and the City."Matthew Peyton/Getty Images

The New York Star, the newspaper Carrie Bradshaw's column appears in, was named after the show's creator and executive producer.

Carrie on her laptop.Warner Bros. Television

You can visit Carrie's apartment in real life, but it's at a totally different address than the one mentioned in the series.

Sarah Jessica Parker in "Sex and the City."HBO

In the third season of the show, Sarah Jessica Parker had to get a tetanus shot after shooting one famous scene.

Big and Carrie.HBO

Not much thought was given to Mr. Big's real name before the finale.

"John."HBO

Sarah Jessica Parker was the only actress out of the main four who refused to do any nudity.

The cast of "Sex and the City."HBO/Newsmakers via Getty Images

In the original opening montage, Carrie wore a totally different outfit to the now-iconic pink-and-white ensemble.

Sarah Jessica Parker in the opening credits of "Sex and the City."HBO

"Sex and the City" costume designer Patricia Field bought Carrie's memorable white tutu in a bargain bin for only $5.

Sarah Jessica Parker and Patricia Field in 2003.Carmen Valdes/Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images

"Sex and the City" shaped many trends and led to a rise in the popularity of cupcakes.

Cynthia Nixon and Sarah Jessica Parker filming "Sex and the City" in front of Magnolia Bakery.HBO

"Sex and the City" fans convinced the show's creators to bring back John Corbett's character, Aidan Shaw, after he and Carrie broke up in the third season.

John Corbett as Aidan Shaw in "Sex and the City."HBO

In the first LA-shot episode, "Escape from New York," Carrie was supposed to meet with a different actor than Matthew McConaughey.

Matthew McConaughey.Gary Miller/Getty Images

Parker was pregnant during the fifth season of the show.

Sarah Jessica Parker and David Eigenberg filming "Sex and the City."James Devaney/WireImage

Sarah Jessica Parker had to have her heels taped to her feet while she ran through the streets of Paris in the "Sex and the City" finale.

Sarah Jessica Parker on the set of the "Sex and the City" finale in Paris.James Devaney/WireImage/Getty Images

The only item of clothing worn multiple times throughout the show was Carrie's fur coat.

Sarah Jessica Parker in "Sex and the City."IMDb/HBO

Christopher Noth's favorite scene from the show was when Carrie Bradshaw farted in bed.

Sarah Jessica Parker in "Sex and the City."HBO

Sarah Jessica Parker took home a lot of clothes from the series and the two movies after they wrapped.

Sarah Jessica Parker in "Sex and the City."HBO

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23 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Sex and the City'

The series is based on the book "Sex and the City" by Candace Bushnell, who said she was paid a paltry sum for the screen rights in the 1990s.

Many of the characters were inspired by real-life people.

The female writers of "Sex and the City" often incorporated their own experiences and dating faux pas into the episodes.

Sarah Jessica Parker had to be talked into playing the iconic role of Carrie Bradshaw.

Kim Cattrall also originally passed on the opportunity to play Samantha Jones.

Kristin Davis was originally asked to read for the role of Carrie, not Charlotte.

Charlotte York was originally written as a smaller role compared to the other three ladies.

Cynthia Nixon isn't a natural redhead but agreed to dye her blonde hair for the role of Miranda.

The New York Star, the newspaper Carrie Bradshaw's column appears in, was named after the show's creator and executive producer.

You can visit Carrie's apartment in real life, but it's at a totally different address than the one mentioned in the series.

In the third season of the show, Sarah Jessica Parker had to get a tetanus shot after shooting one famous scene.

Not much thought was given to Mr. Big's real name before the finale.

Sarah Jessica Parker was the only actress out of the main four who refused to do any nudity.

In the original opening montage, Carrie wore a totally different outfit to the now-iconic pink-and-white ensemble.

"Sex and the City" costume designer Patricia Field bought Carrie's memorable white tutu in a bargain bin for only $5.

"Sex and the City" shaped many trends and led to a rise in the popularity of cupcakes.

"Sex and the City" fans convinced the show's creators to bring back John Corbett's character, Aidan Shaw, after he and Carrie broke up in the third season.

In the first LA-shot episode, "Escape from New York," Carrie was supposed to meet with a different actor than Matthew McConaughey.

Parker was pregnant during the fifth season of the show.

Sarah Jessica Parker had to have her heels taped to her feet while she ran through the streets of Paris in the "Sex and the City" finale.

The only item of clothing worn multiple times throughout the show was Carrie's fur coat.

Christopher Noth's favorite scene from the show was when Carrie Bradshaw farted in bed.

Sarah Jessica Parker took home a lot of clothes from the series and the two movies after they wrapped.