EMILY IN PARIS – SEASON 5 (2025) – Still Serving Looks, Laughs, and Loops
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Few comedy series can boast the knack for reinvention—or at least relentless relocation—quite like Emily in Paris. As Season 5 opens, it whisks our plucky heroine away from her Parisian playground to the sun-dappled streets of Rome, arm in arm with her new Italian beau, Marcello. At first, this Roman holiday promises a burst of fresh flavor: a vibrant setting, new faces, and a chance for Emily to trade croissants for cannoli. Yet, almost comedically, the entire supporting cast manages to land in Rome as well, as if their French visas came with a magical “follow Emily” clause. The office may have moved, but the décor—and the drama—remains suspiciously familiar.
Unfortunately, Emily’s Roman romance fizzles faster than you can say “ciao, bella.” The chemistry between her and Marcello feels about as authentic as pre-packaged tiramisu, and the gorgeous Italian backdrops are squandered, with much of the action inexplicably unfolding indoors or in generic locales. One can’t help but suspect that most of these “Emily in Rome” episodes were brought to you by a green screen and a healthy dose of Parisian déjà vu.
But just as we’re settling into our seats at the Colosseum, the show packs up and sprints back to Paris by episode five. In true sitcom fashion, every character’s Roman adventure unravels simultaneously, paving the way for a seamless return to the familiar boulevards and even more familiar antics.
Season 5 finds Emily’s romantic escapades veering into farce. Her dizzying dance of breakups and make-ups with a rotating cast of hunky suitors has become less whirlwind and more merry-go-round, making her feel more like a serial monogamist than ever before. The charm and stamina that once defined Emily now seem stretched thin, as her love life grows increasingly implausible (if still amusing).
Yet, if there’s one reason fans keep tuning in, it’s the show’s unwavering commitment to spectacle. The glossy production values, fabulous wardrobes, some naughty moments and scenic shots remain as irresistible as ever. Supporting players—especially Emily’s best friend Mindy (played with verve by Ashley Park) and her formidable boss Sylvie (brought to life by the effortlessly sharp Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu)—truly shine. Park dazzles with her musical interludes with her singing and dancing, while Leroy-Beaulieu’s Sylvie is as ruthlessly chic as ever, effortlessly emulating class while stealing scenes with a single arch of her eyebrow.
Season 5 may stumble with a wobbly start, but it finds its footing as the episodes roll on. Though the plotlines often end up back where they began, the show’s infectious energy and aspirational visuals remind us why we’re here: not for intricate storytelling, but for the escapist fantasy, the vibrant aesthetics, and the playful skewering of Parisian (and now Roman) clichés. For fans seeking another colorful romp through the world of Emily Cooper, Season 5 delivers just enough sparkle to leave us curious for what city—or love interest—she’ll conquer next.