Emily In Paris Season 5 Review: Rome Looks Good On Emily In The Heroine’s Most Likable Season Yet

As I started watching season 5 of Emily in Paris, I found myself wondering if the show would now be called Emily in Rome. Season 4 ended with Emily moving to Rome to manage the new office there, and starting a relationship with Marcello Muratori, who comes from a wealthy family that owns a cashmere company.

The opening title for season 5 of Emily in Paris playfully changes “Paris” to “Rome,” hinting that both cities will be important to the story. The season begins with Emily seemingly settled and happy in her new life, but that tranquility doesn’t last for long.

As Agence Grateau works to attract more clients in Rome, the show continues its tradition of over-the-top marketing mishaps and PR crises. This season, Emily is also increasingly annoyed that her boss, Sylvie, isn’t letting her take the creative lead she expected. Romance is a major focus in Season 5, with Emily, Sylvie, Mindy, Gabriel, Alfie, and Luc all navigating complicated relationships. However, the biggest improvement in this season is how much it stands apart from previous seasons, and that’s largely thanks to Emily’s own growth and choices.

Emily’s Transformation In Season 5 Is Deeper Than Just A Haircut

Season 5 of Emily in Paris brings not only a new setting but also a fresh look for Emily herself – a chic, modern bob. It’s her most significant hairstyle change since she impulsively cut bangs in season 3. Despite appearing polished and put-together in her new surroundings, Emily is actually facing challenges, and the show finally delves into her more vulnerable side.

For a while, a common complaint about Emily in Paris was that Emily always seemed to succeed despite being new to France. It would have been a mistake for season 5, set in Rome, to continue that pattern, and thankfully, it doesn’t. This season, Emily faces real challenges in both her personal life and at work.

The season 5 premiere starts with a chaotic Zoom call between Agence Grateau and a client named Antoine. Emily, true to form, jumps in with a surprising suggestion. While she usually impresses clients, this time Antoine quickly ends the call, immediately signaling a bumpy ride ahead for Emily this season.

Emily has plenty of awkward, funny moments – like when she insists on wearing impractical high heels while truffle hunting with Marcello’s family. However, these moments also show how much she’s matured since moving to Paris. When her boss, Sylvie, tells her she doesn’t always need to have all the answers, Emily really takes it to heart, and we see this growth reflected in her journey throughout the season.

In previous seasons, Emily’s tendency to always try to fix everything and be the hero made her difficult to like. She often prioritized her own need to be perfect, disregarding the feelings and experiences of others around her, including the cultures she encountered. However, season 5 delves into the reasons behind this behavior, with Emily confiding in Mindy about why she feels compelled to always have the answer. This vulnerability finally allows viewers to connect with and understand her in a way they haven’t before, creating more sympathy for her character than in previous seasons of Emily in Paris.

Like many viewers, I watch Emily in Paris for its lighthearted and glamorous depiction of French life, even though I often find Emily’s actions frustrating. However, in the latest season, Emily starts to grow and apply what she’s learned to her work and relationships, all while remaining true to herself. The character has evolved significantly, and even if you usually watch the show ironically, season 5 makes it difficult to dislike Emily Cooper.

Emily In Paris Season 5 Romances Are A Mixed Bag, But The Show Breaks Its Love Triangle Problem

I was concerned when Gabriel traveled to Rome at the end of season 4, wondering if it meant another complicated love story for Emily in Paris in season 5. Emily and Gabriel have been caught in so many relationship dramas already, and the show didn’t need another one. Luckily, season 5 avoids this predictable pattern, and it especially gives Gabriel’s character a satisfying arc.

While some of the romantic storylines in Emily in Paris season 5 are delightful, others fall flat – and unfortunately, Emily and Marcello’s relationship is one of the latter. Marcello initially brought some excitement to Emily’s predictable romance with Gabriel, but now that he’s a more prominent character, their lack of chemistry is noticeable, and the show feels dragged down by their scenes together.

Okay, so love triangles are still a thing this season – honestly, it wouldn’t be Emily in Paris without them! But they actually manage to feel fresh, which is a relief. Luc’s whole situation in Rome is pretty funny, but the real drama comes from a totally unexpected love triangle with two characters we already adore. Seriously, it’s the most exciting and messy one Emily in Paris has ever done, and I was hooked!

Sylvie’s romantic life was a letdown in season 5. Despite often criticizing Emily for her casual relationships, Sylvie acts quite childish when it comes to her own love interests. She always looks great, but unlike Emily, who develops as a character this season, Sylvie seems to go backward.

One of the best parts of Sylvie’s story in season 5 is her strong friendships with women. Seeing her reconnect with two friends from her past is much more engaging than her romantic storylines. Beyond Sylvie, the show also highlights the deepening bond between Emily and Mindy, giving their friendship the same weight as Emily’s love life. This focus on female connection is a positive step forward for Emily in Paris.

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2025-12-18 13:59