In the world of escapist television, there are very few shows as ubiquitous in the cultural zeitgeist as Emily in Paris. With the release of Season 5 on December 18, 2025, the waiting game is finally over for fans who craved a solution following the cliffhanger ending in Italy. This is a monumental shift for the show as it leaves the charm of Emily in Paris behind for the ancient beauty of Rome for the first time ever. Below is a detailed critique of the latest foray with Emily Cooper and whether this is a fashionable success or a backtrack into repetition.

A New Setting In The Eternal City

The biggest difference that comes with this season is that there is a geographical change. Emily in Paris is, in fact, not completely set in Paris, since there is also a big portion of the story that occurs in Rome. Emily, played by the charming Lily Collins, was not longer a fish out of water in France, since she is now in Italy, where she is in charge of the satellite office of Agence Grateau.

It feels like a breath of fresh air. The last four years of Parisian roofs are replaced with the historical landmarks of Rome. The cinematography is stunning in its depiction of the warmth of Italy. It makes the city a character. From the ride past the Colosseum to the romantic dinners in the secret piazzas, the aesthetic of the series is still the strongest part of it.

Career Stakes and Marketing Madness

Professionally, Emily finds herself dealing with the most trying times. The character of Sylvie Grateau, done to perfection by Philippine Leroy Beaulieu, remains a constant source of mentorship as well as opposition. The opening of Agence Grateau’s Italian market accelerates as Emily tries to clinch a big contract for a luxury cashmere brand, which belongs to Marcello Muratori’s family.

However, the show does not give Emily an easy pass, as it had in previous seasons. Emily’s reckless ideas for marketing, for instance, sometimes prove to be her downfall in Season 5, and there are repercussions for her as a professional. There is a certain maturity to this writing, as Emily realizes that it is all right to not necessarily know all the answers.

The Complex Web of Romantic Ties

Of course, the epicenter of the series is still Emily’s love life. Season 5 sees Emily’s complicated love affair with Marcello, the dashing Italian heir. Emily’s love life with Marcello has undeniable chemistry that is just the opposite of her complicated love history with Gabriel. This season, Emily finally chooses her own happiness instead of being in the midst of the love triangle.

However, it’s worth noting that Gabriel is still very much part of Emily’s orbit. His attempt to win Michelin stars in Paris keeps him in Emily’s mind, even when she’s halfway around the world. There’s to be commended on the balance that has to be struck in this show to integrate these two different worlds in such a way that doesn’t seem to be retreading old ground. The inclusion of Genevieve raises the possibility that Emily’s new world still has consequences for her friends back in Paris.

Evolution of Fashion & Style in Season 5

It wouldn’t be Emily in Paris without the fashion! Costume designer Marylin Fitoussi has done it again by mixing the Parisian style with the glamour of Italy. Emily’s closet this year has more structured elements, embracing the Roman holiday theme with bright colors and classic cuts.

The secondary characters, even the likes of Mindy Chen, played by Ashley Park, also have their share of the spotlight. The storyline of Mindy getting involved in Eurovision acts as a colorful musical setting that sees the incorporation of even bolder costumes. The costumes are a part of the visual storytelling that symbolizes Emily’s growth into a more established personality.

Final Verdict

The fifth season of “Emily in Paris” is the refreshing twist that “Emily” needed before becoming stale. With the main events of the show taking place in Rome, the writers of this season were able to give the audience a much-needed revival of the same while retaining the elements that fans adore. Although the story is lighthearted and even sometimes foreseen, the development of the characters is showing.

This is the perfect binge watch if you are looking to transport yourself to a world of luxury, love, and gorgeous scenery. Whether you are Team Gabriel or Team Marcello, it is hard to argue about the fact that Emily Cooper is still a master at grabbing our attention.