“The Carrie Diaries” is a captivating and stylish television series that originally aired from 2013 to 2014, created by Amy B. Harris. The show serves as a prequel to the iconic series “Sex and the City” and offers a fresh and nostalgic perspective on the formative years of the beloved fashionista and writer, Carrie Bradshaw.
Set in the 1980s, the series transports viewers to a time of neon fashion, Walkmans, and the birth of the Manhattan glamour that would come to define the original “Sex and the City” series. The story centers around a young and aspiring Carrie Bradshaw, portrayed by AnnaSophia Robb, as she navigates her final years of high school in the fictional Connecticut town of Castlebury.
At the heart of the show is the character of Carrie, a spirited and creative teenager with a passion for fashion, writing, and self-discovery. Her journey begins with the unexpected death of her mother, leaving her and her younger sister, Dorrit (Stefania Owen), to grapple with the loss and navigate the complexities of family life.
One of the defining moments in Carrie’s life occurs when she secures an internship at a prestigious law firm in New York City, thanks to a chance encounter with the enigmatic Larissa Loughlin (Freema Agyeman), an editor at Interview Magazine. Larissa takes Carrie under her wing, introducing her to the exhilarating world of fashion, nightlife, and the vibrant culture of the 1980s.
Carrie’s time in the city provides a platform for her passion for writing and her love for fashion. She begins working at Interview Magazine as an intern and eventually as a writer, forging her path in the world of journalism. Her forays into Manhattan offer glimpses of the exciting, glamorous, and sometimes chaotic existence that would later define her character in “Sex and the City.”
Throughout the series, “The Carrie Diaries” captures the essence of coming of age, with Carrie navigating high school relationships, friendships, and the complexities of young love. She develops a close bond with her best friend, Mouse (Ellen Wong), and her new high school friends, including the charming Sebastian Kydd (Austin Butler), with whom she embarks on a tumultuous and passionate romance.
The show also explores the dynamics of family, as Carrie grapples with her father, Tom Bradshaw (Matt Letscher), who is learning to navigate single parenthood while dealing with his own grief. The relationship between Carrie and her younger sister, Dorrit, offers moments of both tension and sisterly affection, as they cope with their mother’s death in their unique ways.
As the series unfolds, Carrie faces challenges and dilemmas, from peer pressure and teenage rebellion to her evolving career aspirations. Her experiences in the city, and her internship at Interview Magazine, provide her with opportunities for personal and creative growth. The show captures the essence of self-discovery, the pursuit of dreams, and the formation of a distinct identity.
“The Carrie Diaries” also introduces memorable supporting characters, each contributing to the tapestry of Carrie’s life:
Donna LaDonna (Chloe Bridges): Donna is a fashionable and somewhat aloof high school classmate who frequently clashes with Carrie. Her character adds a touch of teenage rivalry to the series.
Walt Reynolds (Brendan Dooling): Walt is Carrie’s close friend and confidant, who is dealing with his own exploration of identity and sexuality.
Bennett Wilcox (Jake Robinson): Bennett is a witty and openly gay writer at Interview Magazine who becomes a supportive colleague and friend to Carrie.
Tom’s girlfriend, Deb (Nadia Dajani): Deb is a charming and kind woman who brings a sense of warmth to the Bradshaw family.
“The Carrie Diaries” combines elements of nostalgia, coming-of-age drama, and fashion-forward storytelling. The 1980s backdrop provides a vibrant and visually engaging setting, with fashion playing a central role in the series. Carrie’s evolving style and her growing presence in the fashion world reflect the emergence of her iconic fashion sense.
The show also explores themes of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. Carrie’s journey from a small-town teenager to a writer and fashionista in New York City highlights the importance of determination and the power of embracing one’s individuality.
While “The Carrie Diaries” offers a unique perspective on the character of Carrie Bradshaw, it remains true to the spirit of “Sex and the City.” It provides a deeper understanding of the events and experiences that shaped the beloved character, making it a must-watch for fans of the original series.
Despite its relatively short run, “The Carrie Diaries” leaves a lasting impression with its engaging characters, stylish aesthetics, and relatable themes of self-discovery and young love. It celebrates the essence of growing up, the allure of the city, and the birth of a young writer who would go on to become a symbol of New York fashion and dating culture in the iconic “Sex and the City.”