And Just Like That Episode 9 Recap: “Present Tense”
Episode 9 is a turning point for Carrie and Aidan. The story unfolds amid increasing tension in their relationship:
Aidan’s Jealousy Sparked: Carrie returns home to find Aidan interrogating her neighbor Duncan, seemingly threatened by their friendship. Duncan’s carefree, child-free existence feels like a silent rebuke to Aidan, who is weighed down by his own responsibilities.
Carrie’s Creativity vs. Relationship Pressure: Carrie, seeking solace and creative camaraderie, spends more time with Duncan. Aidan’s anxiety grows—heightened by memories of Carrie’s past infidelity in “Sex and the City”—leading to petty conflicts, including criticism of her “smelling like smoke,” a callback to old wounds.
The Argument: The couple’s simmering issues explode at brunch. Aidan confesses, “I do have trust issues with you around other men.” Carrie protests that she has been fully committed. The argument spirals into nitpicking over tenses—have or had trust issues, was or is 100% in. Both realize that their commitment is in the past tense, not present.
The Breakup: The relationship ends quietly but definitively. There’s no betrayal, just exhaustion and an inability to move past old pain. The breakup is underscored by Taylor Swift’s “How Did It End?” making the moment land even harder for viewers.
And Just Like That Season 3 Episode 9 Ending Explained
The ending is emblematic of the themes that have come to define the show’s reboot: adulthood doesn’t guarantee emotional closure, and love can’t survive without trust. Showrunners have confirmed that this breakup is final, with Taylor Swift’s “How Did It End?” signaling the end of the Carrie-Aidan saga for good.
Writers Julie Rottenberg and Elisa Zuritsky explain that Aidan’s inability to move past Carrie’s old infidelities (and his envy of her intellectual bond with Duncan) made real intimacy impossible. As Carrie candidly states she “was 100% in,” Aidan catches the verb choice—a subtle but definitive end. The episode closes with mutual sadness, not anger.
How Many Episodes in And Just Like That Season 3?
Season 3 of And Just Like That... is the longest yet, with 12 episodes. The season premiered on May 29, 2025, with new episodes released every Thursday at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT). Episode 9 aired on July 24, 2025, with the finale scheduled for August 14, 2025.
| Episode # | Title | Air Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Outlook Good | May 29, 2025 |
| 2 | The Rat Race | June 5, 2025 |
| 3 | Carrie Golightly | June 12, 2025 |
| 4 | Apples to Apples | June 19, 2025 |
| 5 | Under the Table | June 26, 2025 |
| 6 | Silent Mode | July 3, 2025 |
| 7 | They Wanna Have Fun | July 10, 2025 |
| 8 | Happily Ever After | July 17, 2025 |
| 9 | Present Tense | July 24, 2025 |
| 10 | [TBA] | July 31, 2025 |
| 11 | [TBA] | August 7, 2025 |
| 12 | [Finale] | August 14, 2025 |
And Just Like That Season 3 Episode 9 Cast
In Season 3, Episode 9 of And Just Like That..., titled "Present Tense," the main cast includes:
- Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw
- Cynthia Nixon as Miranda Hobbes
- Kristin Davis as Charlotte York Goldenblatt
- Sarita Choudhury as Seema Patel
- Nicole Ari Parker as Lisa Todd Wexley
- John Corbett as Aidan Shaw
- Andy Cohen as Daniel, the shoe salesman (cameo)
Where to Watch And Just Like That Season 3?
You can stream And Just Like That... Season 3 on the following platforms:
- HBO Max: Available in the U.S. with subscription plans starting at $9.99/month.
- NOW TV: Available in the UK, with episodes released weekly.
- Crave: Available in Canada, with new episodes airing on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.
FAQ
When was And Just Like That Season 3 Episode 9 released?
Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Max/HBO Max.
How many episodes are in Season 3?
12 episodes—the longest season so far.
When is the Season 3 finale?
August 14, 2025.
Disclaimer:
The information provided about And Just Like That Season 3, including the episode details, cast, and release schedule, is based on publicly available sources as of July 2025. All episodes, air dates, and character developments are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to official streaming platforms such as HBO Max or trusted entertainment news sources.
