Bridget Moynahan, the actress known for portraying Natasha on HBO's iconic series Sex and the City, recently opened up about the changing perceptions of her character as the show’s fanbase has matured over the past 25 years.
Speaking with Swooon, Moynahan, now 53, noted how audience reactions to Natasha evolved from disdain to support, reflecting the growing maturity of viewers. "Over the years, people have found when they first saw it, they were hATING on Natasha. And as they grew up, they’re like, ‘We were all Carrie at the time, but we should have been supporting Natasha,'" she explained.
This insight highlights the nostalgic and transformative nature of Sex and the City's fan relationship, indicating how many who initially sided with Carrie Bradshaw have since recognized the complexity of Natasha's character. "I think that's just interesting... it's just nice to see how it keeps growing," Moynahan remarked.
Sex and the City originally aired from 1998 to 2004, captivating audiences with its unapologetic exploration of life, love, and friendship among four women living in New York City. The show made history and broke barriers, solidifying its place as one of the most influential television programs of its era.
With the reboot, And Just Like That..., launching in 2021, original cast members Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis have returned to continue the story. Though Kim Cattrall, who played the beloved Samantha, had limited involvement, the revival opened the narrative to newer generations.
A notable moment for Moynahan's Natasha came when the character was referenced years later—when Carrie Bradshaw realizes Mr. Big had left $1 million to Natasha in his will. When asked about what Natasha might do with the money, Moynahan humorously speculated, "I suppose she probably put it toward the kids’ education."
Meanwhile, Moynahan has achieved success beyond her Sex and the City role, starring as Erin Reagan alongside Tom Selleck on Blue Bloods. After running for over 14 seasons, the beloved police drama is concluding, with its final episode set to air on December 13. Reflecting on her time with the show, Moynahan emphasized the lasting relationships formed with the crew and cast, noting how they experienced life events together. "We had crew members... We’ve had babies, we’ve gotten divorced, we’ve gotten married, we’ve had births, deaths, everything. And we’ve done it together," she said.
The lasting influence of Sex and the City can be felt across pop culture, as it not only provided entertainment but launched the careers of several actors who appeared on the show. Many seasoned actors made memorable cameos, contributing to the series' acclaim and showcasing its impact on television.
Fans of the series continue to celebrate its legacy, reflecting on the character journeys and the societal conversations the show sparked. The narrative of four iconic characters continues to resonate today, offering insight and connection to new generations of viewers.
Both Sex and the City and its reboot, And Just Like That..., can be streamed on Max, allowing fans to revisit the narratives or discover them anew. With the end of Blue Bloods, Moynahan is poised to transition from one chapter to another, continuing to leave her mark on the television industry, much like her character Natasha did so many years ago.
