Watch Emily in Paris

Emily in Paris is a witty, playful, and dreamy romantic comedy series that follows the life and adventures of young American Emily Cooper (Lily Collins), an ambitious and optimistic marketing executive from Chicago who accepts a job transfer to the Paris office of a luxury marketing firm.

Once she arrives in the City of Lights, Emily finds herself in a whirlwind of culture shock: the language, the food, the fashion, the customs, the working culture, and the people are all vastly different from what she's used to. But she's determined to make the best of her new job, her new life, and her new city, and to show her French colleagues that her American perspective can bring a fresh and innovative angle to their campaigns.

However, Emily soon discovers that the Parisian lifestyle is not all croissants and coq au vin: she has to deal with the language barrier, the bureaucracy, the acerbic attitudes of her coworkers, the coldness of some locals, and the lack of a deep connection with anyone. Luckily, she befriends a few key people who help her navigate the ups and downs of her expat existence: her neighbor and nanny, the charming and wise Madeline (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu); her coworker and friend, the bubbly and spunky Mindy (Ashley Park); and a variety of potential love interests, from her chef neighbor Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) to her financier client Antoine (William Abadie) to her sultry colleague Julien (Samuel Arnold).

As Emily works on various marketing campaigns for high-profile clients, she also immerses herself in the Parisian culture, visiting museums, restaurants, bars, clubs, parks, and landmarks, and trying to learn some French along the way. She also does her best to stay connected with her long-distance boyfriend Doug (Roe Hartrampf), who stays behind in Chicago and struggles with his own career and personal challenges.

Throughout the ten episodes of the first season, Emily in Paris offers a lively and colorful portrait of the contrasts and commonalities between American and French lifestyles, as well as the challenges and joys of crossing cultural and personal boundaries. The show blends humor, romance, drama, and self-discovery in a way that appeals to both fans of the romantic comedy genre and fans of travel and culture shows.

Lily Collins shines in her portrayal of Emily, bringing her own brand of charm, humor, and vulnerability to the character. Emily is a mix of wide-eyed naivety, fierce determination, and curious enthusiasm, and Collins makes her a relatable and endearing protagonist. She also has great chemistry with her co-stars, especially Leroy-Beaulieu, who steals many scenes as the sophisticated and sardonic Madeline. The supporting cast is also strong, with Park providing a lot of comic relief as the irrepressible Mindy, and the various French actors bringing a range of accents and attitudes to their roles.

The show's location scouting and production design are top-notch, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Paris in all its glory. From the flashy fashion shows to the cozy cafes, from the opulent hotels to the trendy galleries, from the picturesque bridges to the lively street markets, Emily in Paris captures the city's many facets and moods with flair and elegance. The soundtrack also adds to the show's atmosphere, with a mix of French and American pop, indie, and classical songs that reflect Emily's eclectic tastes and her journey of discovery.

At its heart, Emily in Paris is a light and romantic confection that celebrates the joys and challenges of change, growth, and new beginnings. It may not be the most profound or realistic portrayal of expat life, but it's a fun and charming escape that invites viewers to dream, laugh, and fall in love with Paris all over again.

Emily in Paris is a series that ran for 4 seasons (40 episodes) between October 2, 2020 and on Netflix