'Emily in Paris' Creator Explains Why Love Doesn't Come Easily to His Characters

emily in paris
Emily in Paris Renewed for Season 5Netflix

Spoilers below.

It’s time to start learning Italian, because Emily in Paris is headed back...to Rome. The fun, fashionable Netflix sensation isn’t over yet, and there’s a lot more to explore after Emily moves to Italy for new career opportunities—and a new man. Here’s everything we know about Emily’s next chapter so far.

Was Emily in Paris renewed for season 5?

Yes, Netflix officially announced the news on September 16, days after the season 4, part 2 premiere. “We’re thrilled with the incredible response to this season of Emily in Paris and excited to return for a fifth to continue Emily’s adventures in Rome and Paris!” Darren Star told Netflix’s Tudum.

Speculation was already bubbling up in May this year, when a major hint dropped during the Cannes Film Festival at the amfAR Gala, which raises money for HIV and AIDS research. One of the prizes up for auction was a guest role in Emily in Paris’ fifth season.

Supermodel Winnie Harlow and actress Paris Jackson presented the prize on behalf of the show’s creator, Darren Star. “One of you is going to leave here tonight with a walk-on role in season 5 of the hit TV show Emily In Paris,” Jackson told the crowd. She and Harlow also mentioned the season would begin filming in mid 2025, according to Variety.

Ramin Setoodeh, the co-editor-in-chief of Variety, gave an update on X, stating that the winner had bid 250,000 euros, which translates to about $271,121.50.

However, as Variety points out, Netflix has not officially renewed the series for a fifth season—at least not yet. The amfAR website listed that the walk-on-role is “contingent upon season 5 pickup.Thankfully, the winner didn’t leave empty handed.

“To tide you over until then, the winning bidder and a guest are invited to attend the Los Angeles première of Emily In Paris Season 4 this August,” amfAR added.

Variety reports that, originally, the wording amfAR used to describe the prize made it appear as though production for season 5 has already begun. But, in fact, a new season is still sadly up in the air.

What will season 5 of Emily in Paris be about?

Emily in Paris season 4 was split into two parts, with the first half released on August 15, followed by the second half on September 12. During the latter, Emily ventured out of her French fantasy and headed to Italy. There, she met the handsome Marcello, played by newcomer Eugenio Franceschini. Unfortunately, she met him because Gabriel left her abandoned on a mountainside as he careened after Camille—who, as it turns out, is not really pregnant.

Season 4 also saw Emily competing at work and in romance with Genevieve, played by Thalia Besson, a New Yorker who moves to Paris to work at the agency. At first, the pair hit it off, but then Genevieve starts making the moves on Gabriel. They both speak French, you see.

The season ends with Emily heading to Rome with Marcello because she wants to be put first in her relationships. Gabriel discovers Camille’s non-pregnancy. In an interview with Deadline, Darren Star assured fans that Emily will return to France eventually. Perhaps in season 5?

“She didn’t change her Instagram handle to Emily in Rome. She is working in Rome sometimes. Sylvie’s company has an office in Rome. Emily’s getting that on its feet,” he said. “I don’t necessarily think that it means a permanent—in my mind, it’s definitely not a permanent—move to Rome. We’re not leaving Paris.”

He continued, “I think Gabriel realized that he doesn’t want to let Emily go so easily, and he might have made a big mistake. They certainly had a big fight and a cooling off period. But I think he realized that by the end of the season, that there’s something that he doesn’t want to let Emily go. I don’t know what that means. Doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to be together instantly or ever. I don’t know, but I think he feels there’s unfinished business with the two of them.”

As he confirmed to Tudum, “It doesn’t mean she’s not going to be in Paris, but she’s going to have a presence in Rome.”

Lilly Collins said there’ll be more of Emily and Marcello’s romance in season 5 too. “I feel like they have a real spark and a real connection and a real romantic connection. A lot of that’s going to continue to play out next season,” she said on Good Morning America.

In another interview, Star explained why his characters have so much trouble with love.

“I don’t think there’s much of a story once happily-ever-after happens,” said Star. “These are very passionate relationships and strong characters and what keeps me engaged is finding those obstacles that feel truly emotional.”

Who will be cast in season 5 of Emily in Paris?

Lily Collins and Lucas Bravo as Emily and Gabriel are the centerpiece of the show, so it would be surprising if they did not return. Then, of course, there’s Ashley Park as Mindy Chen. There might be continued appearances from Franceschini and Besson and the usual cast of Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie Grateau, Samuel Arnold as Julien, Bruno Gouery as Luc, and William Abadie as Antoine Lambert.

Fans noticed that Lucien Laviscount and Camille Razat made minimal appearances in season four as Alfie and Camille, respectively, but Star said that doesn’t mean they won’t be back.

“People come and go out of people’s lives in shows for a period of time, but it doesn’t mean that they’re off the table,” Star said. “I think there’s a reason to sort of love and hate Genevieve, but I think they’re very different characters. I think Camille and Gabrielle had a lot of history, but I think Genevieve just has her own agenda. She’s really just, she’s young, ambitious, and thinking about herself.”

Has production started on season 5 of Emily in Paris?

Not yet, but we’re looking out for updates.

This post will be updated.

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