The Epic Love Story of Carrie Bradshaw and Aidan Shaw: Unveiling Their Journey from 'Sex and the City' to 'And Just Like That'

Carrie Bradshaw and Aidan Shaw may not have been meant to be together in Sex and the City, but there seems to be hope for this beloved couple.

Introduced in season 3, Aidan, a carpenter played by John Corbett, became Carrie's partner after her breakup with Mr. Big, portrayed by Chris Noth. Unfortunately, their relationship hit a roadblock when Carrie cheated on Aidan with her ex.

Carrie and Aidan's renewed love was hindered by lingering past problems, leaving their happily ever after out of reach. In the second Sex and the City movie, Aidan made a short appearance, giving a hint that his story might unfold further in the revival.

Corbett playfully hinted to Page Six in April 2021 that he would be participating in And Just Like That, expressing his enthusiasm for the show. He mentioned the possibility of appearing in several episodes, and expressed his appreciation for the show's cast. However, to the unexpected disappointment of viewers, Corbett did not return to reprise his role in the first season. Showrunner Michael Patrick King later clarified that there were no plans to include Aidan in the initial episodes.

"No, there is no outdated information about Sarah Jessica Parker and John Corbett as actors and individuals," King told Deadline in February 2022. "We never mentioned anything about Aidan, just like we never confirmed that Steve Brady and Carrie Parker are reuniting."

He clarified, "We always aim to be tactful and consider the reality of what the audience is experiencing, and Aidan's return or absence has nothing to do with it. It simply felt like too much for Carrie this season. We wanted to guide her through this and towards a brighter future. The final episode is titled 'Seeing the Light' - our goal was to lead her out of the darkness. The concept of Aidan's return was a major plotline created by viewers at home that we had never intended."

Parker also shared her perspective on Corbett's unexpected remarks about a possible comeback. "He graciously reached out to apologize for making that comment in a joking manner," Parker revealed during her appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in the same month. "But I reassured him that it's fine because we live in a free country, and I actually found it quite delightful and enjoyable."

See the cherished moments between Carrie and Aidan below:

Credit: New Line Cinema/Hbo/Village Roadshow/Kobal/Shutterstock

Carrie Bradshaw and Aidan Shaw's Relationship Timeline: From 'Sex and the City' to 'And Just Like That'

Right couple, wrong timing? Carrie Bradshaw and Aidan Shaw weren't endgame in Sex and the City — but things appear to be looking up for the fan-favorite couple.

Fans were first acquainted with the carpenter, John Corbett, in the third season, as he embarked on a relationship with Carrie, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, after her breakup with Mr. Big, portrayed by Chris Noth. However, their romantic tale took a detour when the writer betrayed her current partner by rekindling her previous relationship.

Although Carrie and Aidan made an effort to rekindle their love six months later, their unresolved problems from the past hindered them from achieving their desired "happily ever after."

Country music singer Corbett hinted that Aidan's story would continue in the revival of Sex and the City, expressing excitement to be part of And Just Like That. He mentioned the possibility of appearing in several episodes and expressed his appreciation for the people involved in the show.

Viewers were in for a surprise when the musician ultimately didn't reprise his role in the first season. Showrunner Michael Patrick King denied any plans to include Aidan in the initial episodes, stating, "There's nothing old news about Sarah Jessica Parker and John Corbett as actors and beings and interests. We never said anything about Aidan, just like we never said Steve and Carrie are getting together."

He stated, "We make an effort to remain objective and consider the actual experiences of people. Aidan's presence or absence has no bearing on this. It simply felt overwhelming for Carrie. This season was quite demanding. Our aim was to guide her through it and lead her towards a brighter place. In fact, the final episode is titled 'Seeing the Light.' Our intention was never to include Aidan's return; that was a storyline that viewers at home created." Parker also shared her thoughts on Corbett's unexpected remarks regarding a possible comeback.

"He reached out in a very kind manner, showcasing his gentlemanly nature, and conveyed his apologies for his previous action which was intended as a joke," Parker revealed on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen during the same month. "However, I reassured him that he need not apologize as it's a free country, and furthermore, I found it quite delightful and enjoyable."

During the filming of the second season nearly a year later, the famous Hocus Pocus star confirmed the involvement of the To All the Boys actor. "Shh. Let's keep it a secret," she captioned photos on Instagram in January 2023, featuring herself and Corbett walking through the streets of New York City, embodying their respective fictional characters.

Scroll down to relive the relationship between Carrie and Aidan:

Credit: Hbo/Darren Star Productions/Kobal/Shutterstock

The 1st Try

Carrie encounters Aidan after Stanford (played by Willie Garson) shows her a newspaper ad featuring a photo of the furniture designer. Their paths cross in a charming moment, marking the beginning of their official dating journey and a gradual deepening of their connection.

Unfortunately, Carrie's emotional burdens stemming from her previous relationship with Big eventually give rise to various hurdles in her newfound love.

Credit: Hbo/Darren Star Productions/Kobal/Shutterstock

Carrie's Cheating Scandal

During her relationship with Aidan, Carrie encounters her married ex on multiple occasions, culminating in an affair that ultimately prompts her to confess everything to Aidan in the third season. This confession ultimately marks the end of their romance.

Credit: Hbo/Darren Star Productions/Kobal/Shutterstock

Crossing Paths

Later in the third season, Carrie and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) run into Steve (Eigenberg) and Aidan and learn their ex-boyfriends have both moved on.

Credit: WWW.STARTRAKSPHOTO.COM

Getting Back Together

Carrie's life takes an unexpected turn in season 4 as Aidan resurfaces, embarking on a new business venture with Steve by opening a bar. This reunion leads the two to rekindle their romance once again. Taking their relationship to the next level, Aidan and Carrie decide to move in together, marking a significant milestone. Ultimately, Aidan seizes the opportunity to propose to Carrie, and she willingly accepts, solidifying their commitment to each other.

Credit: Hbo/Darren Star Productions/Kobal/Shutterstock

Parting Ways Again

In the midst of this significant milestone, Carrie finds herself overwhelmed by the plethora of wedding arrangements. As she confronts her apprehension, she comes to the realization that she is simply unprepared to take the next leap forward.

Aidan, on the other hand, proposes the idea of eloping as he simply desires to be married. However, Carrie comes to the realization that her fiancé at the time continues to harbor concerns regarding her faithfulness, leading to their second breakup.

Credit: YouTube

A Brief Reunion

Carrie unexpectedly encounters Aidan in season 6, as she navigates her way around her newfound romantic interest, Jack Berger. During this encounter, Carrie discovers that Aidan has become a father to three sons - namely, Tate, Homer, and Wyatt - with his wife Kathy.

Credit: New Line Cinema/Hbo/Village Roadshow/Kobal/Shutterstock

An Unlikely Connection

In 2010, during the second sequel film, Carrie meets Aidan in Abu Dhabi and rekindles their connection. They share a dinner that unexpectedly leads to a passionate kiss. Promptly, Carrie discloses the incident to Big, igniting a spark of change in their marriage. As a result, the couple successfully resolves their conflicts.

Credit: Jose Perez/Bauergriffin.com / MEGA

A Triumphant Return

Parker and Corbett were seen capturing various scenes portraying Carrie and Aidan for the upcoming second season of AJLT. In the recently released photographs from January 2023, the duo appeared engaged in playful interactions, depicting their characters' flirtatious encounters as former partners.

Credit: RCF/MEGA

‘And Just Like That’ Kiss

Making his grand AJLT debut in the episode aired on July 27, 2023, Aidan extended an invitation to Carrie for a dinner date on Valentine's Day. Nevertheless, Aidan found himself torn as he discovered that Carrie was still residing in her iconic NYC brownstone from the original series.

"When you invited me to your place, I had imagined a different location," he expressed. "While we were at the restaurant, I couldn't help but think, 'This feels wonderful.' It's like we're back to where we began. However, the reality is that we ended things with that frustrating barrier I couldn't overcome and those floors...do you remember the ones I painstakingly renovated? It's all gone wrong. It's all trapped in there."

Upon Carrie's revelation that she wanted their new romance to succeed, Aidan declared his willingness to give it another shot, and they sealed the moment with a kiss.