Start and End Dates at a Glance
Sex and the City began on June 6, 1998, and ended on February 22, 2004. The show aired on HBO in the United States over six seasons. This timeline covers the series premiere, finale, and notable transition points, providing a factual baseline for when the show was on television and how its run has been defined in public records.
Series Launch: June 1998
Sex and the City premiered on June 6, 1998, on HBO. The early episodes introduced the four lead characters and established the show’s blend of romantic storytelling, urban life, and frank conversation about relationships and sexuality. From the start, the series stood out for its explicit female perspective and its focus on the professional and personal lives of women in their thirties and forties navigating New York City.
Final Season and Finale: 2003–2004
By the end of its run, Sex and the City had aired six seasons. The series finale aired on February 22, 2004, concluding the longform narrative that had begun in 1998. The finale drew significant viewership and conversation, marking the end of the original television run. In the years that followed, the conclusion of the series remained a reference point for discussions about the show’s cultural impact and legacy.
Season-by-Season Timeline
Understanding the year-by-year progression helps clarify when the show started and how its run unfolded. Below is a concise breakdown of the seasons and their air years.
| Season | Season Premiere | Season Finale | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | June 6, 1998 | August 23, 1998 | Series launch; introduction of main characters |
| Season 2 | June 7, 1999 | August 22, 1999 | Continuation of ongoing storylines |
| Season 3 | June 4, 2000 | September 10, 2000 | Expansion of character arcs |
| Season 4 | June 3, 2001 | September 23, 2001 | Pivotal developments in relationships |
| Season 5 | June 2, 2002 | September 22, 2062 | Continued exploration of personal lives |
| Season 6 | June 8, 2003 | February 22, 2004 | Series finale and conclusion |
Beyond the Original Run
After the original series concluded in 2004, the story continued in other forms. There were films, including a sequel released years later, and various specials that revisited the characters. These extensions built on the existing narrative but did not alter the core dates of the television series itself. The original show’s timeline remains defined by the 1998 to 2004 window.
Key Timeline Takeaways
- Series premiere: June 6, 1998
- Series finale: February 22, 2004
- Total seasons: 6
- Network: HBO
- Primary context: Television drama about relationships and urban life
Common Questions About the Timeline
Fans often ask about exact years, gaps between seasons, and how long the show lasted in calendar terms. The start and end points are fixed by broadcast records, and the overall duration spans roughly five and a half years from first episode to last episode. This concise overview addresses the most frequent inquiries about when the show began and when it concluded in straightforward terms.