The Carrie Diaries (2013–2014) User Reviews (62)

The sweet and innocent Carrie

[coryroset · 7/10 · 22 January 2013]

First of all, this show is not based on SITC HBO show. This series is based off of the novels written by Candace Bushnell. So all those people whining that this is a different Carrie and that the show got it all wrong, well, honestly, HBO got it wrong in the first place. So quit whining. And people complaining that young Carrie's face is all wrong? Yes, because the show is going to find another girl that looks EXACTLY like SJP. Seriously? And this show is on the CW. It's not going to be the same as a show on HBO.

All this nonsense from die-hard SITC fans aside, this show is pretty adorable. This is about Carrie before she became the Carrie we all know and love. Before the boys, heartbreak and living life in the city. This Carrie is still young and just learning about life and is just trying to get through high school. Overall, this show is fun and lighthearted and brings back some nostalgia for the '80's. It's well acted, the clothes are great and the relationships are relatable.

This is a CW show

[agapybee · 8/10 · 15 January 2013]

You need to understand that this show is not a SATC prequel, it's a CW show. It doesn't feel like SATC and it certainly doesn't have the essence of HBO.

People should stop complaining about it not being SATC, cause it's not. So, don't expect SATC's humor, don't expect SATC's plot and stories, and over all, don's expect SATC's characters. I don't know how old people who judge this show are, but why the heck are you watching it if you're over 30? This show is not for SATC's fans, it's for teenagers, and you shouldn't judge this according to your feelings. And don't get me wrong, I love SATC, that's why I'm not even thinking of comparing these two.

As for the actual show, it is a pleasant teen show, with beautiful people and amazing clothes. It's not entirely based on Carrie's life and the fact that it takes place during the 80s is charming.

Watch it if you like shows like Gossip Girl and 90210.

*CW and HBO are networks

LOVE AnnaSophia

[Rogue-32 · 6/10 · 15 January 2013]

Watched the pilot last night out of curiosity when I saw that the wonderful AnnaSophia Robb was starring as the young Carrie. I liked it.

I'm from New York, raised in Brooklyn, and when I was a teenager I started taking the subway into the City (Manhattan) on weekends, going to movies, matinees of Broadway/Off-Broadway plays, restaurants, stores, etc., and the exposure to such a huge, unlimited-opportunities place made me fall in love with it immediately. So I can relate to the way the show depicts the young Carrie's joyful reactions to discovering this vast and infinitely seductive new world.

AnnaSophia is an incredible actor; she's elevated everything I've seen her in by her mere presence and she most definitely does the same with this project. Her enthusiasm is contagious and I'll definitely continue watching just for her alone.

(PS: I've decided to not think of the show as a prequel to Sex and the City - and it IS Sex AND the City, not Sex IN the City - but rather to see it as a separate character for the most part; that way all the comparisons to SJP are avoided and I can simply enjoy it for the charming offering it looks like it's going to be.)

nothing even remotely 80's about this show

[plummoderndesign · 22 August 2013]

This is a very weird show, as it is very "little girly" with the cute voice over, etc. Yet, there are some pretty racy type things..which is fine if you are older and watching this. But then, if you are going to cater to both young and older audience, then give us some real nostalgic authenticity. Because as a person who was this age in the 80's, there is nothing even remotely fun about watching the show from that viewpoint either. The props are not that accurate, the clothes are not accurate, the phrases are not accurate.. who used the phrase "drama queen" in the 80's? That came much later. So it isn't even fun to watch for nostalgia. I am a few episodes in, and haven't once thought "oh wow, I remember that!" The music is okay, but they could choose better moments with that too.. it just seems like the production crew isn't really in touch with this era.. at all. And the show doesn't really seem appropriate for young girls, so I really don't see where this is going. Hopefully they figure it out later.

Fun and Fresh

[clarececil · 10/10 · 17 January 2013]

At first, I was annoyed because it's not SATC all over again. Then I realized, the SATC moves WERE SATC all over again and I was soooo tired of SATC over and over and over! This is different. It's cute, fresh, surprising and sweet. And it has some actual acting talent (as did SATC, of course!). It also offers a wonderful visual experience (the 80's always done) and the scenes feel real and authentic. It would be easy just to do a tableau of 80's images with no plot and this is not that. I'll keep watching for true entertainment and I'll try to keep my SATC-expert-know-it-all self quiet (perhaps I can soothe her with a cosmo?)

NOT a new TV series I will automatically write off

[peterantonrev · 7/10 · 14 January 2013]

Two negative reviews to one positive. Time to check in. I had an odd schizophrenic feeling (intrigued by the romance, but put off by the neurotic woman stuff) about Parker's Carrie and never really got into it. So I was biased going into Diaries.

The pilot played twice tonight back to back and I started a recording on the first hour not sure if it was a two-hour pilot or an immediate repeat. I had reception problems so bailed out and was going to abandon my interest but just watched the second playing in real time as long as it was there. I was captivated almost immediately.

For one thing, I think AnnaSophia is cute as the dickens as well as a compelling actor having just seen her in Bridge to Tarabitha. But beyond that, I thought Diaries was even truer to the Sex in the City theme than the original, if that makes any sense. There's something about the innocence of an origin back story that's more interesting than the ongoing series of contrived situations that all seem the same from week to week. The acting in general is easy and realistic without all the jargon and cultural quirks of much of today's TV.

Prime time television dramas and situation comedies generally tend to all have the same smell to me like dumpsters and garbage trucks have no matter what people throw away. Diaries seems fresh to me. I may well lose interest somewhere into the series, but I am going to put this on my recording schedule and look forward to a new addition to my core viewing listing.

Not SAC but huge potential.

[Marc-israel88 · 10/10 · 16 January 2013]

OK, I freely admit this is not even close to the original. However, this show is cute, engaging and clearly has the potential to become one of my favorites. It is also a bit predictable, but that is only because we have all seen SAC and know it's rhthym. In a time with endless reality TV, cop / blow things up shows The Carrie Diaries brings some fresh air with it. I'm eager to see where the writers take us and to see character growth. To the die hard SAC fans: change the channel if you're going to pick apart every small detail. To everyone else: enjoy AnnaSophia Robb's cuteness and thoughtful performance of the now famous and unforgettable Carrie Bradshaw. BTW, I've given the show a 10 rating because I already feel the haters trying to make their presence known.

A very interesting show (or shall I say, a prequel....)

[piacabanero · 7/10 · 2 February 2013]

The first thing I had to point out after I read some reviews is that you probably didn't know about The Carrie Diaries (and its sequel, Summer in the City) in the bookstores, released by Candice Bushnell about two years ago. Maybe you guys are so hammered up with the SATC TV show than the book, that's why. This thought lead to negative reviews saying Carrie's face became round, Carrie doesn't have a sister, etc. Well, the author has her ideas and I shall say that her intentions are shown pretty well in this new show.

I watched the pilot when I was resting due to a stomach ache. The first thing I noticed was the glimmer of the 1980's- surprisingly well done. Also, we get to see Manhattan in Carrie's eyes and how wonderful it was. I can understand most characters and to know if this could be my favorite show, I might need to watch more episodes.

Also, I have to say that AnnaSophia is great to be back on our screens. She definitely grew over the years- from a cute kid to a blossoming actress. Good on her and the fellow actors on the show!

I would say this is a lovingly decent sort of show..... we'll see.

It has potential!!!

[shydimple5 · 8/10 · 14 January 2013]

I think the pilot show is a great start and the music makes it good as well. I know that other viewers don't believe that this can be a Sex & the City, but it really does have potential and I strongly think that it's gonna make it!! I'm very excited to watch the next episode and so on.... The characters are cute and the music is good for the time the era that it's in. The beginning of the show tells how everything starts and where everything gets into place. Viewers out there should really give this show a chance to blossom into something great!!! =) As for "Carrie" not really looking like "Carrie" in Sex & the City, it will come later as she matures into the show and keep in mind that this is when she was younger!! She has to have time to go thru "childhood" and bloom into "adulthood" and her features body, mind, and soul will change throughout!

Mostly bland high school drama

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 22 August 2014]

The show begins in 1984. Carrie Bradshaw (AnnaSophia Robb) is a 16 year old high school student in Castlebury, Connecticut. Her dad (Matt Letscher) is left alone with her and her little sister Dorrit (Stefania Owen) after the death of her mother. Sebastian (Austin Butler) is the new pretty boy with the troubled past. Her best friends Maggie (Katie Findlay) and Walt Reynolds (Brendan Dooling) are dating except she's sleeping with an older man and he's gay. Her other friends are the smart Mouse (Ellen Wong) and nemesis-turn-friend Donna LaDonna (Chloe Bridges). She tries to have a life in Manhattan with an internship at a law office which she quits for one at Interview magazine for her flaky boss Larissa (Freema Agyeman). In the second year, she meets wild Samantha Jones (Lindsey Gort).

This show received lots of heat for not being a strict prequel to 'Sex and the City'. The tone is definitely a run-of-the-mill high school drama. It's pretty tame and unimpressive. I don't really care if it doesn't connect all the dots with SatC. However if the name isn't there, this is a very bland show. ASR is a very impressive young actress doing a solid job. Katie Findlay could be the next breakout star. She has a great story at the end of the first season. In fact, that was the only high point of the show. The rest is a passable affair.

I suggest skipping this one

[fawn_jane · 4/10 · 18 August 2013]

I don't even mind that Carrie Bradshaw here breaks canon from Sex and the City, which seems to be what most of the negative reviews go on and on about. I don't even mind that much that the lead actress looks like a "Bratz" doll. I could almost even overlook some trite teenager-coming-of- age stuff.

But after a few episodes the show just became painful to watch. The central conflicts in the show are downright trifling and unnecessary. Watching this show is like listening to some spoiled over-privileged white girl helplessly whine and complain about their nonexistent problems.

The last straw for me was the Thanksgiving episode. I won't spoil it, but basically what happens in that the writers utterly reduced Carrie to having NO common sense, just so she can fail and then whine and complain about how she failed. Lazy, stupid writing.

Worth watching, but not for die-hard SATC fans

[nataliejensen_8 · 8/10 · 23 January 2013]

I didn't really want to watch this show, as I had nothing but bad expectations. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the first episode, and I'll definitely watch the next episodes to come. As many have said, the show isn't really true to what we've learned about Carrie in the SATC show, however this show (or the first episode, anyway) was actually quite good. The actors look true to the age they're playing, and the acting was pretty well done. If you're expecting to watch a show that's completely true to the SATC story, this might not be the show for you. However, if you're looking for a new show with all the expected CW criteria, then this show is definitely worth watching.

Carrie Diaries

[felipepm17 · 7/10 · 12 August 2020]

Totally a guilty pleasure, but overall I enjoyed the show and specially the characters.

Boring

[bangel3322 · 3/10 · 24 March 2013]

Sarah Jessica Parker recently commented that this show was 'odd'. She was being polite. What she meant to say is that it is downright boring. It has no depth whatsoever, and no point. The characters in my opinion are dull and lifeless, and I agree with previous comments that obviously fans of SATC will be watching this and it is so disappointing when they change so many details of Carrie's life in this show. The little girl who plays her sister is a bad, bad actress, and her friends just aren't believable in their supporting roles. I really don't see this show going anywhere and I really hope it gets canceled and they put something decent in it's place.

Bring it back!

[prettigurl-16620 · 9/10 · 7 April 2020]

This show should have gotten another season! So sad it didnt...

Amazing - love love love it

[sam_gareth · 10/10 · 15 March 2013]

I am a 42 year old intelligent woman and I just adore this series.. I love that there is no swearing, sex scenes, car chasing, violence - it is light and a great mood enhancer - I always feel better after watching this program - the 80's theme is great however not very authentic - in saying this still very enjoyable - it is great to watch something wholesome when we live in such a dark world at times.. I hope they continue making this series for many, many years to come. Carries hair is fantastic and all the acting is very good.. the love connection between her and Sebastian is also very interesting to watch.. he is a very good looking lad - all the cast are very good actors and believable.. I really can't say enough about this show.. wish it was on every night

I'm so in love

[jibrat · 10/10 · 5 June 2019]

I love this show. It's great reminds me of high school but much better. Carrie's a sweet girl, Sebastian is HOT! and they belong together. Maggie though she makes me so mad!! She's so wreckless :( I wish she would treat herself better & think more. I'm so happy for Walt! Last but not least 80S MUSIC!!!! IT'S MY JAM!!! MUAS!

Doesn't gel with SATC - a bit painful for SATC fans

[phd_travel · 2/10 · 23 July 2013]

No matter how well intentioned "Carrie Diaries" is, things just do not gel with Sex and the City. I don't think SATC fans will like this series.

Major miscasting: First of all Anna Sophia Robb's facial features are too different from Sarah Jessica Parker - her round eyes and heart shaped face make her completely unimaginable in the role of a young Carrie. There must have been a young actress more similar to SJP.

Background inconsistencies: The story suffers in that the family background isn't right for the character of Carrie Bradshaw. I know SATC hardly showed any of Carrie's family but what they have now just isn't right. A sullen younger sister is so wrong - Carrie never mentioned a sister in the whole SATC. Should have been an only child. Her father also seems too upper middle class for Carrie's bohemian persona.

Kudos to the production for creating an 80s Manhattan - can't be that easy. The friends are mildly interesting, the slut, the gay guy etc. bring to mind an earlier Samantha and Stanford. Her love interest Austin Butler isn't that cute.

Overall it's a series that shouldn't have been made.

Better Than SATC

[Tv_MovieSnob · 10/10 · 21 June 2017]

This show is by far better than SATC I would actually love for it to come back and just take on a whole new direction for this Carrie Bradshaw she is completely different from SATC's Carrie Bradshaw and I just wish they would've continued this series it is so excellent, the characters, the friendships, the story lines and the fashion made you really feel as if you were back in the 80s I'm not sure if they'll ever bring this back but if they do I have major ideas of this show!

Bad Idea

[sburger555 · 1/10 · 28 January 2013]

This show was not thought out AT ALL. If they are trying to be true to sex and the city Carrie Bradshaw they've failed. Carrie tells us bits and pieces about her childhood in sex and the city and the first very obvious mistake they've made on the Carrie diaries is that she is being raised by her father and her mother has died...sex and the city Carrie Bradshaw was raised by a single mother, her father left her and her mother when she was 5. The writers and producers should probably have done a better job of either letting us know that this show actually has nothing to do with sex and the city Carrie, or they should have done better research.

Must watch!

[sarah-ritua · 10/10 · 9 January 2014]

Honestly, if you want to understand what goes through a normal and ordinary teenage girl's or guy's mind, this is basically it! The dirty parts, maybe not so much, but it's still a really good series to watch. I found out about this 2 days ago and started watching it. I recommended my friends to start watching it with it and they love it! Not only does it give that teenage drama and everyone's gotten in their lives, it gives a life lesson in every episode, a piece from the show that people can actually value and not see it as a show that revolves around sex and relationships. It shows how teenagers are nowadays. Other than that, the cast is absolutely amazing! Great choice in actors (Austin Butler everyone has the hots for him how could you not)and their characters are so alive and so very true to the generation. I can relate to the kind of issues they all go through, not Mags or the internship or the sex, just the relationship problems and how it's never easy. I really love the show, it got me hooked the moment Sebastian started talking to Carrie. I just finished catching up and might even watch my favorite episodes before the new episode this Friday! So excited for it. It's sad to know that it's actually a cancelled show, it disappoints me to know it because the show is hands down amazing. It has everything, the drama, the pressure, the reality, family problems, just everything everyone could possibly go through.

Great.

[lolaville · 10/10 · 2 June 2021]

I wasn't disappointed I actually was surprised I enjoyed watching these episodes.

Read the books!

[chloe-r-96 · 10/10 · 3 April 2013]

I have seen so many people complain that this is not a real prequel to SATC because so many of carries important life events have changed from the HBO TV series. I suggest that people agreeing with this should read the books that this young carrie is based on, you will see that she is very close to candace bushnells carrie in 'the carrie diarys' and even 'summer and the city'. These books show how the creator of sex and the city wanted young carrie to be, and this new TV series is so close to that it is unreal. Everyone keeps saying "the writers have changed everything" when they haven't changed much as they are sticking to the carrie diaries book! Another thing is like to point out is that I think they did an amazing job with casting carrie! She's not going to look exactly the same as SJP and she's only supposed to be 16! They want her to look fresh faced! All in all I am in love with this new show and really hope it stays on for another series, I believe that is has not had enough time to blossom and there are too many 'hard core' HBO SATC fans pulling it down.

I hate this series

[littlekzeats · 1/10 · 14 January 2013]

This is from the view of a New Yorker (who is actually living in Manhattan) and has been a die-hard fan of the real SATC:

1) This series doesn't have the typical witty comments as the original SATC. Instead, you get cheap lines like "sausage in the key hole". Not to mention all the clichés and oversimplifications.

2) They put Carrie Bradshaw in Century 21 out of all the boutiques that they could've used nearby (even in the fake 80s). Obviously whoever did this never lived in NYC! Do you know what Century 21 is??? It's like TJMax/Ross/Walmart of discount department stores!!! Seeing Carrie Bradshaw in Century 21 is just traumatizing! Errr... not to mention the missing Twin Towers that should've been next door??? Do NOT make a show about NYC when you don't even know where anything is!!! It's like the Burger dude the real Carrie dated back then who made his character in his novel to wear a scrunchie in Manhattan!!!

3) Anyone who has traveled between CT and Manhattan knows that it'll take at least 2 hours or more each way during non-rush hours. How in the world did Carrie went into the city for a party and managed to get back home in CT in such a quick time in the 80s is still a mystery to me.

4) Carrie was supposed to be left-handed. For some reason, the younger fake Carrie is right-handed.

5) Looking forward... So the fake younger Carrie is 16 now. Do you really want to watch her NEVER fining love for the next 20 years????!!!

Epic fail!

Just wait for it..

[Babydollgirl · 9/10 · 6 March 2013]

I hope some of you read the Books first. I did that in summer 2011 and I think they developed all the characters for the show really well. I love AnnaSophia as Carrie I think she's doing a great job. Not only does she sometimes remind me of Sarah Jessica Parker while acting, you can clearly see that she is putting a lot into her Role as Carrie. Also Austin Butler is a perfect Sebastian. The show has great music, I like the editing between the scenes and I just have to mention how incredible well-chosen the wardrobe of some of the cast is. The stylists are putting as much effort in the styling as how we are used to on SATC or Gossip Girl. That Show has a Lifestyle to it and it's worth watching! I just feel like people are way too busy with comparing how SATC was , that they forget that this one is based on the books which just tell a different Life chapter of Carrie's life. At one point in the second book called " Summer in the City " Carrie meets Samantha Jones for the first time. And then Miranda. So it all get's connected at a certain time. Therefor people need to relax and just enjoy the pre - story without judging so harsh about the non-similarities to Sex and the City.