The Netflix hit series Emily in Paris has captivated global audiences with its glamorous depiction of the French capital, from the stylish cobblestone streets to the romance of Parisian life. Despite its stereotypical portrayal of French culture, the show has been a huge success. However, with the upcoming fifth season set to film in Rome, President Emmanuel Macron has made it clear that he will fight to keep the production in France.
In an interview with Variety, Macron expressed his desire to keep the show based in Paris, saying, “We will fight hard. And we will ask them to remain in Paris! Emily in Paris in Rome doesn’t make sense.” His comments come as Emily in Paris moves part of its storyline to Italy for its next season, following the main character, Emily, as she embarks on new adventures in Rome.
Macron’s personal connection to the show deepened when his wife, Brigitte Macron, made a cameo appearance in the fourth season. Playing herself, the 71-year-old former teacher meets Emily in a restaurant and mentions that she follows her on Instagram. Macron proudly noted, “I was super proud, and she was very happy to do it. It’s just a few minutes, but I think it was a very good moment for her.” Brigitte’s involvement in the series marked the second time she was referenced, having been mentioned in the first season in a humorous Instagram post shared by Emily.
While Emily in Paris has been criticized by many French critics for its exaggerated and idealized depiction of Paris, it has undeniably had a positive impact on tourism. A study by France’s National Centre for Cinema and Animation found that about 38% of tourists cited the series as one of the reasons for their visit to Paris. The city’s tourist office even offers a guide to notable filming locations from the show, which has also sparked an increase in online searches about relocating to the city.
The show’s creator, Darren Star, explained the move to Rome by saying that Emily had become “very comfortable in Paris” and that he wanted to challenge her in new ways by introducing unfamiliar environments. Despite this creative shift, the fifth season is expected to still feature Paris alongside the Italian capital.
However, not everyone is pleased with the show’s portrayal of the city. Some Parisian officials, including David Belliard, the Green deputy mayor for transport and public spaces, have criticized the series for offering a dangerously romanticized version of Paris. They argue that it downplays real issues such as the climate crisis and overlooks green transportation options while glorifying historic apartment buildings that are poorly insulated.
For now, as Emily sets off on new adventures in Rome, Macron hopes to bring her back to Paris.