And just like that Mr. Big is back
Peloton ad revives ‘SATC’ heartthrob
Peloton took on its hardest spin class Sunday — trying to turn the death of “Mr. Big” on one of its bikes into a positive.
The fitness company released a commercial featuring Chris Noth on Sunday — just days after his beloved “Sex and the City” character died of a heart attack after riding a Peloton bike in HBO Max’s “And Just Like That . . .” revival series.
In the show’s premiere episode Thursday, Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, came home to find Mr. Big lying motionless in the shower.
She later discovered he suffered a heart attack moments after taking a spin class on a pricey Peloton bike with his favorite instructor, Allegra, portrayed by an actual Peloton instructor, Jess King.
The pilot episode sent the company’s stock into a tailspin and induced fears from online commenters that the exercise machines could trigger coronary episodes.
The company’s new ad shows Noth and King sitting across from each other on a couch.
“To new beginnings,” Noth tells King, who replies, “You look great.”
“Oh, I feel great,” Noth adds. “Should we take another ride? Life’s too short not to.”
Ryan Reynolds makes an appearance via voice-over at the end, intoning, “And just like that . . . the world was reminded that regular cycling stimulates and improves your heart, lungs and circulation, reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Cycling strengthens your heart, muscles, lowers resting pulse and reduces blood fat levels. He’s alive.”
Following the character’s death, Peloton went into damage control to counter concerns raised by viewers over any potential health issues from riding their bikes.
“I’m sure ‘SATC’ fans, like me, are saddened by the news that Mr. Big
dies of a heart attack,” cardiologist Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, who works on Peloton’s Health & Wellness Advisory Council, told Us Weekly.
“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,” Steinbaum added. “These lifestyle choices and perhaps even his family history, which often is a significant factor, were the likely cause of his death.”
Meanwhile, “riding his Peloton bike may have even helped delay his
cardiac event,” Steinbaum declared.
Peloton execs were thrown a curveball following the “And Just Like That . . .” scene, as they reportedly were made aware their bikes would appear in the episode but were unware of the context.
“Due to confidentiality reasons, HBO did not disclose the broader context surrounding the scene to Peloton in advance,” Peloton spokesperson Denise Kelly said.
And fans of the show were thrown off as well.
“AND JUST LIKE THAT . . . They ruined ‘Sex and the City,’ ” one irate watcher wrote. “Thanks for destroying Big and Carrie!”