Peloton responds to Sex and the City reboot's shocking death

Peloton has responded to the premiere of the Sex and the City revival after its iconic exercise bike was featured in a devastating scene. 

The highly-anticipated Sex and the City reboot has finally dropped—and surprise, surprise—it's already managed to reduce us to tears. 

And Just Like That...'s first episode, which hit screens on Thursday, December 9, left viewers reeling with—spolier alert!—the death of one of its most famous characters. Speculation that the cast would suffer a major loss had been swirling ever since a video of a funeral scene from the Sex and the City reboot went viral earlier this year, with many wondering if Samantha Jones would be killed off to justify her absence. 

It has now been revealed that the PR maven is well and truly alive, but has relocated to London and is no longer on speaking terms with her old friends. 

The funeral service was, in fact, for Carrie's husband, who dies suddenly in the final scene of the reboot's premiere. Mr. Big, a.k.a. John James Preston, is struck by a heart attack after a 45-minute long ride on his at-home Peloton bike, only to pass away in the arms of his beloved wife. 

Peloton, an exercise equipment company best known for its fancy stationary bikes, has been quick to defend its products in light of the shocking twist. Having long been considered one of the best cycling workouts you could do, the fitness giant wasn't about to let And Just Like That... confuse its fans. 

In a statement issued to the Los Angeles Times (opens in new tab), Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, who sits on Peloton's health and wellness advisory council, reminded viewers that the fictional New York businessman was already a likely candidate for a devastating heart attack. 

"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," she said. 

"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.

"More than 80% of all cardiac-related deaths are preventable through lifestyle, diet and exercise modifications. 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 (opens in new tab) 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.”