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By her own admission, Chicago-native Emily (Lily Collins) initially viewed Paris as just a “fun little detour.” Yet, by the end of Season 2 of Emily in Paris, she came to the realization that her “life” was indeed in Paris. In Season 3, Emily aligned herself more closely with her French boss and colleagues, and the first part of the new season on Netflix (comprising five episodes) reveals her embracing the French lifestyle with renewed enthusiasm, flaunting striking outfits as she navigates her new world.
As Season 4 begins, Emily is depicted as more self-assured at work, having earned the trust of Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu), her demanding boss at the French luxury marketing agency. Despite her professional progress, her personal life remains tumultuous—a staple of the Darren Star-created series, which thrives on romantic entanglements and humorous misunderstandings among friends and lovers.
Following the dramatic fallout that halted the wedding of Camille (Camille Razat) and Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), Emily grapples with her love life. She is still infatuated with Gabriel, her neighbor and chef, who is now expecting a baby with Camille. Emily's other love interest, Alfie (Lucien Laviscount), is sulking over their situation. Meanwhile, Sylvie has reconciled with her husband, who is attempting to launch a business in Paris, but their relationship is strained by unresolved issues from their past. The drama is further enriched by subplots involving Emily’s friend Mindy (Ashley Park) and her colleagues Julian (Samuel Arnold) and Luc (Bruno Gouery).
While this season lacks the grand dramatic moments, like the dream sequence where Emily is pushed off the Eiffel Tower by feuding superiors, it maintains the show's signature escapist charm. Fans of the series will find comfort in its picturesque visuals, sunny ambiance, light humor, and romance. The season features a lavish masquerade ball in Episode 3, complete with role-playing and a carriage scene, although it falls short of the impact seen in post-Bridgerton fare.
Since Emily in Paris began streaming in 2020, it has garnered a mixed reception. Some viewers adore its charming escapism, while others critique it for being overly superficial and cheesy. Nevertheless, the creators have remained steadfast, continuing to deliver the series' signature drama with flair. They have made efforts to avoid clichés and occasionally venture outside Paris, with some scenes filmed in Giverny, the home of Impressionist painter Claude Monet.
Unlike Sex and the City, another successful show by Darren Star, Emily in Paris does not offer relationship advice or adopt a faux feminist stance. Instead, it provides lighthearted entertainment brimming with style and sass. Viewers seeking deeper insights from its storyline might be disappointed. The final five episodes of Season 4 are set to premiere on September 12.
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