‘And Just Like That…’: Peloton Blames Something Else for [SPOILER]’s Heart Attack
And Just Like That… updated Sex and the City for modern times. Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) is a podcaster now and uses Instagram. Carrie also comments on returning to social life after having to stand six feet apart. Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) goes back to school and gets a bit confused about diversity and labels. Peloton fitness also factors into the new story, with tragic consequences.
[Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers for the first two episodes of And Just Like That… ]
Peloton has responded to the And Just Like That… series premiere. They’re confident that it wasn’t their exercise equipment that killed off a major character. New episodes of And Just Like That… premiere Thursdays on HBO Max.
Did Big really die in ‘And Just Like That’?
And Just Like That… caught viewers up to all the Sex and the City characters in the Dec. 9 premiere and introduced new ones. Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte (Kristin Davis) still meet up for lunch. In addition to Carrie’s career and Charlotte’s educational endeavors, Charlotte is organizing her daughter’s piano recital.
Big (Chris Noth) begs off the recital. While Carrie attends, Big gets on the Peloton for his 1000th workout. When he finishes, he runs a shower and drops his phone. Bending over to pick up the phone, Big starts clutching his chest. Carrie comes home much later and sees Big lying on the floor. She confirms at the end of the episode, “And just like that, Big died.”
Peloton responds to Big’s ‘And Just Like That’ death
The Los Angeles Times asked Peloton to comment on the episode. They received a statement from Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, serving on Peloton’s health and wellness advisory council because she is a preventative cardiologist. Dr. Steinbaum reminded viewers that Mr. Big’s lifestyle was such that exercise alone could not save him.
“I’m sure ‘SATC’ fans, like me, are saddened by the news that Mr. Big dies of a heart attack,” Dr. Steinbaum told the LA Times. ““Mr. Big lived what many would call an extravagant lifestyle — including cocktails, cigars, and big steaks — and was at serious risk as he had a previous cardiac event in Season 6. These lifestyle choices and perhaps even his family history, which often is a significant factor, were the likely cause of his death. Riding his Peloton Bike may have even helped delay his cardiac event.”
The second episode shows Carrie planning Big’s funeral. In that episode, Miranda’s husband, Steve (David Eigenberg), questions why a man with heart risks was using a Peloton. Miranda also has a line of dialogue that says Big asked his cardiologist before riding.
Peloton hopes the show can save lives
The creators of And Just Like That… notified Peloton that they were using their product. Peloton coach Jess King even played Allegra, the host Big followed on the bike. Dr. Steinbaum’s statement continued by encouraging viewers to take heed of Big’s tragedy.
“More than 80% of all cardiac-related deaths are preventable through lifestyle, diet and exercise modifications,” Steinberg wrote. “And while 25% of heart attacks each year are in patients who already had one (like Mr. Big), even then they are very, very treatable. The lesson here is, KNOW YOUR NUMBERS! It’s always important to talk to your doctor, get tested, and have a healthy prevention strategy. The good news is Peloton helps you track heart rate while you ride, so you can do it safely.”
