The Best of 'Sex and the City's Samantha Jones

Widely recognized as the true main character of the show, Samantha Jones put the sex in Sex and the City. From punchy one-liners about oral in public to her bold wardrobe we still want to steal, she’s an undeniable TV icon. In celebration of Kim Cattrall's birthday, take a look back at her best character.

samantha jones is the heart of sex and the city pic.twitter.com/YvgvE5BrC3

— amélie (@ephhemere) January 11, 2021

When the series became popular in the '90s, Samantha's spicy and fashionable character made two things clear. One, she was that friend who would never judge you, and two, you could count on her for the truth. So much so that after the sequel, And Just Like That…'s final episode, fans thanked her for not returning to the sequel and leaving the character's legacy alone. According to some, Samantha Jones should've been the show's lead -- sorry, Carrie!

Scroll on for our favorite moments.

the world was introduced to the legendary Samantha Jones https://t.co/u3kqxJyYsl pic.twitter.com/es7LSyNtUX

— hannah (@dumbandfunn) June 18, 2024

The Liberated Bestie

Yes, she was outspoken — but it came with endless sex tips that everyone from buttoned-up Charlotte to chaotic Carrie tried. And it wasn't just sex tips, either. The friend group could always count on her "date like a man" advice to get them out of a funk and back in the driver’s seat of their own life. For example, "Listen to me! The right guy is an illusion; start living your lives!"

Power Suits >

Samantha Jones was the queen of the power suit. Whether the PR executive was on a quick lunch stroll, lending a listening ear to her chaotic friends or meeting a lover, her wardrobe matched her no BS attitude. When she wasn't in a power suit, her wardrobe was likely fire red or equally as loud, making the perfect match for her passionate aura.

To Catch a Cheater

In the six seasons of the show, Samantha fell in love less than five times. The worst crash out? Richard Wright, the extremely wealthy hotel owner who matched her energy – but later cheated on her in Season 5. A true woman scorned, she printed pink posters of Richard with the word "CHEATER" gleaming across the top.

"I love you, but I love me more."

Of the few times Samantha fell in love, fans adored her relationship with Smith Jerrod the most. Despite the age difference, it was the first time viewers witnessed her being loved and respected by a partner. So, when she ended the relationship with the iconic quote "I love you, but I love me more," she won us over again. It wasn't the first time she said this, either. She gave Richard the same one-liner when they split -- and it hit just as hard the first time.

Tough Love

Speaking of lending a listening ear to Carrie, what made Samantha's fabulous character a favorite was her friendship. A true gem portraying sisterhood on TV for millennial and Gen Z women, she understood the nuance of sisterhood – from slut shaming to supporting your friend when they date a loser.

Had a crush? She'd confidently wingman and sling affirmations at the bar. Left at the altar by the guy she warned you about? She wouldn't dare say "I told you so." Her nonjudgmental nature, paired with hilarious sex stories, made her comedic TV gold and the strong friend you needed.

In other news, Bad Bunny, the drag queen, is memorialized in this new photography book.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebae