Bobby Lee Reflects on His Departure from And Just Like That
Bobby Lee recently shared his thoughts on why he believes he was cut from the HBO Max series “And Just Like That,” a spinoff of the iconic “Sex and the City.” During an interview at San Diego Comic-Con, Lee suggested that his character, Jackie Nee, was part of the “woke elements” that the showrunners decided to remove for the upcoming season. Lee, who portrayed Carrie Bradshaw’s podcast co-host for the first two seasons, expressed his feelings candidly, stating, “Some of the woke elements of the show, they got rid of, and I think I was a part of that.” He noted that other characters, including Sara Ramirez’s Che Diaz, also did not return for the third season. While Lee admitted he had not kept up with the show, he speculated that the series was trying to make changes to its cast and storylines. Despite his departure, Lee spoke fondly of his time on the show, emphasizing the positive relationships he built with the cast and crew. “Sarah Jessica Parker is the nicest person I’ve ever met. She made me feel so at ease,” he recalled. His experience on set, especially with Parker, left a lasting impression on him, and he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the series. “And Just Like That” continues to follow Carrie, Miranda Hobbs (Cynthia Nixon), and Charlotte York (Kristin Davis) as they navigate life in New York City in their 50s. The show has seen significant changes in its cast over the seasons, with several characters exiting ahead of season three. Ramirez’s Che Diaz, who was a central figure in the first two seasons, also departed after their romance with Miranda ended in a dramatic fashion. The third season has shifted its focus away from the podcast, which was a significant aspect of Carrie’s life in the previous seasons. This change in direction contributed to the absence of Lee’s character, along with others like Ivan Hernandez’s Franklyn Silvias and Ali Stroker’s Chloe. The show has introduced new characters, including Miranda’s brief fling, Mary (played by Rosie O’Donnell), and her new love interest, Joy (Dolly Wells). Lee’s departure from “And Just Like That” has sparked discussions among fans regarding the show’s evolving narrative and character dynamics. While some viewers may miss the original cast members, others are curious to see how the new additions will influence the storyline. Reflecting on his time filming, Lee shared a personal anecdote about his journey to sobriety, which he credits in part to his experiences on set. He recalled a particularly challenging moment when he was filming while intoxicated, leading him to reevaluate his life choices. “When I was using … this is the most horrifying thing … I was in Hawaii and I was blackout drunk,” he recalled. This moment of clarity ultimately helped him embrace a healthier lifestyle. Despite the changes in the cast and the storyline, Lee remains supportive of the show’s direction and the efforts made to diversify its characters. “I have nothing but love for the cast and crew,” he said, reinforcing his positive outlook on his experience. As “And Just Like That” continues to air on HBO Max, viewers can expect to see how the new season unfolds and what it means for the beloved characters from “Sex and the City.” The show airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET, and fans are eager to see how Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte navigate the complexities of life and love in their 50s. In the ever-evolving landscape of television, Bobby Lee’s reflections highlight the importance of representation and the challenges that come with adapting beloved franchises for modern audiences. As the conversation around inclusion and diversity continues, shows like “And Just Like That” are at the forefront, navigating the delicate balance between honoring the past and embracing the future.