Olivia Rodrigo Draws on ‘Sex and the City’ Relationship for New Album’s Emotional Core

Olivia Rodrigo says her upcoming third studio album takes unexpected inspiration from one of television’s most enduring on-again, off-again couples: Miranda Hobbs and Steve Brady.

Speaking during a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Rodrigo explained that “multiple songs” on her new record, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, were shaped by the emotional dynamic between the two characters from Sex and the City.

The singer described the album as a deliberate shift in tone compared to her earlier work. While her previous releases leaned heavily into heartbreak and youthful frustration, this project centers more directly on romantic love, though not without complexity. Rodrigo said she set out to write songs that explore relationships from a more hopeful perspective, while still acknowledging the vulnerability and uncertainty that often accompany them.

“I knew I wanted this record to be about romantic love in a more positive sense,” she said, noting that her earlier albums reflected a more “angsty” emotional landscape. At the same time, she emphasized that she didn’t want the new material to feel overly idealized. Instead, she aimed to balance affection with a sense of longing and introspection, drawing on the idea that even the most meaningful relationships carry elements of doubt and emotional tension.

Rodrigo pointed to songs like Love Song by The Cure and Video Games by Lana Del Rey as examples of the kind of emotional tone she was aiming for, love songs that resonate precisely because they are tinged with sadness.

The influence of Sex and the City came into focus as Rodrigo reflected on a specific moment between Miranda and Steve. In the scene, Miranda expresses how deeply she misses sharing everyday experiences with him, a realization that resonated strongly with the singer. Rodrigo said watching that exchange prompted her to think about how intimacy is often rooted in small, personal connections rather than grand gestures.

“I remember seeing that and thinking, I have to write something about this,” she said, describing the couple’s storyline as one that captures both the comfort and fragility of long-term relationships. Rodrigo added that she has watched the series multiple times and considers it one of her favorites.

The album’s first single, Drop Dead, offers an early glimpse into this new direction. Rodrigo described the track as centered on the excitement of an early romantic connection, specifically, the energy of a first date that feels promising. She framed the song as the opening chapter of the album’s broader narrative, which she said unfolds in a more nuanced way across the full tracklist.

Beyond the album itself, Rodrigo is preparing for an extensive promotional cycle that includes live performances and a new tour. She told Fallon she has been deeply involved in planning the shows and is eager to bring the new material to audiences. “I’ve been working so hard on it,” she said, describing the upcoming performances as something she’s especially excited about.

The singer is also set to appear on Saturday Night Live, where she will take on both hosting and musical duties, a milestone she described as a long-standing goal. The appearance will include a performance of “Drop Dead” along with another new song from the album.

You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love is scheduled for release on June 12 and will follow Rodrigo’s 2023 album Guts.