By its fifth season, Emily in Paris knows exactly what it is—and instead of trying to reinvent itself this season (other than literally retitling the show Emily in Rome for a few episodes), it leans into character growth, emotional payoff, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. While the show still delivers on fashion (anyone else notice just how many polka dots Emily wore?), romance, and over-the-top moments, this season feels a bit more reflective than past seasons, asking its characters (and viewers) to consider whether they’re romanticizing the past or finally learning how to move forward.
Between unexpected romances, meaningful character arcs, and side plots that are equal parts unhinged and entertaining, season five of Emily in Paris sets the stage for what could be one of the show’s most important turning points yet. Warning: some spoilers ahead.
My review of Emily in Paris season 5
The new setting was a breath of fresh air
One of the highlights of season 5 was the time spent in Italy. From Rome to Venice, this season gave viewers the opportunity to experience iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and dreamy boat rides through Venice. We also got to see some of Emily’s day-to-day life in the city: Riding on the back of a motorcycle with her boyfriend Marcello, chaotically catching the bus for work, and dancing in the Roman streets. The change of scenery added a freshness to the season, but returning to Paris at the end of the season reminds us why Emily in Paris works best when the show is in its namesake city. Paris is truly at the heart of the series, and sometimes you have to miss something to realize how much you truly love it, which both Emily and I realized throughout season 5.
Mindy and Alfie had next-level chemistry
One of the major plot points of the season was the unexpected relationship between Mindy and Alfie. And while we all did a collective gasp when we saw them together in the season’s trailer, I have to admit: I love them together. Now, do I think that Mindy broke girl code by not clearing things with Emily first? Absolutely. And should Alfie and Mindy have been honest with Emily as soon as feelings started developing? Yes—this whole situation could have been avoided by a single, slightly uncomfortable conversation. But them together? The chemistry is undeniable. Not only did this new couple help shake things up plotwise, but it also forced Emily to stop constantly asking herself “what if” about past relationships. It’s another example that in its fifth season, Emily in Paris is asking its characters to move forward instead of focusing on the past, while still delivering on the charming relationships we know and love.
Gabriel’s character arc was so impactful
Gabriel didn’t get a ton of screen time this season, but when he did, it mattered. After seeing Emily in Rome with Marcello—and realizing he missed his opportunity to try to get her back—Gabriel quietly steps back and refocuses on himself and his career. Instead of choosing what could have been, he chooses to move forward. He comes to the realization that creative freedom over his food matters more to him than owning a restaurant, ultimately accepting a job as a private chef for a yacht owner, a role that allows him to rediscover his love for cooking while traveling the world. The truth is, he needed this time away to fully heal from all that happened with Emily and Camille last season.
One of the season’s most meaningful themes is La Belle Époque, translated as “Beautiful Era”—a period in French history characterized by cultural and societal flourishing. The idea comes up before the La Belle Époque-themed party at Maxim’s, as Emily meets Gabriel for lunch while he’s passing through in episode nine. Emily, overwhelmed after Marcello canceled his Venice Fashion Week event out of self-doubt, confides in Gabriel that she misses her early days in Paris. Gabriel gently reminds her that we tend to romanticize the past, and things were also hard in the early days. Before he leaves, he delivers what might be the best line in the season: “You know, they didn’t start calling it La Belle Époque until after it had passed. Nobody knows if they’re living their golden age. Maybe we’re living ours now.”
This quote encapsulates the growth every character experiences this season as they learn to move on. Gabriel’s character arc this season is undeniable, and I’m hoping we finally see him and Emily back together next season. (Full disclosure: They are endgame, IMO).
There were still plenty of unhinged side plots
Even with all the character growth, season 5 still delivered some truly unhinged side plots. Sylvie’s old friend Yvette being introduced into the season solely for the reveal at her dinner party that Sylvie has unknowingly been having a fling with her son? Absolutely diabolical. My jaw hit the floor so hard it left a bruise. The chaos that was the Jake the American plotline? I knew the moment I saw him on screen that it wasn’t going to last, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t so fun to watch. That random night with Jake, reminiscing on her old life in America, was exactly what Emily needed to appreciate the life she’s built and the friendships she’s found in Paris. In between the thoughtful reflections woven throughout the season are the campy over-the-top moments we know and love from the show.
So, should you watch season 5 of Emily in Paris?
If you watch Emily in Paris for escapism alone, this season may feel slower. Emily doesn’t crush it in her job this season, and her relationship with Marcello, while sweet (for the most part), doesn’t hit as hard as some of her former relationships. That said, if you’re invested in the characters and their growth, it’s one of the most rewarding seasons so far. You still have a lot of spectacle (Mindy singing ‘Espresso’ by Sabrina Carpenter in a giant espresso martini cup, for instance), but the show gives space for emotional growth and reflection.
Between Emily finally figuring out what Paris means to her, Gabriel’s season of hot-boy healing on a yacht, and side plots that are pure entertainment, season 5 feels like a thoughtful pause before whatever chaos season 6 is about to bring. And with several storylines clearly left unfinished, one thing is certain: Emily in Paris isn’t done surprising us just yet.
Lauren Barnhill, Contributing Writer
Lauren Barnhill is a freelance writer with a passion for all things fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle. Beyond The Everygirl, Lauren has written for top outlets including Real Simple, SUCCESS, and BuzzFeed. She is also the voice behind Leisurely, a Substack newsletter all about living an unhurried, intentional life.
