The romantic whirlwind that is Netflix’s "Emily in Paris" certainly left fans guessing after its last season. Our favorite American in France, Emily Cooper, stirred up her love life and career, leaving her Parisian routine behind. Emily (played by Lily Collins) originally moved from the U.S. to France, facing many challenges. She then found herself caught between Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) and Alfie (Lucien Laviscount). But by the end of Season 4, things had truly shifted.
Emily and Gabriel’s attempt at romance hit a wall. Emily then seemed to move on with Marcello (Eugenio Franceschini). Meanwhile, Gabriel realized he wanted to fight for Emily. But our heroine was already off to Rome, seemingly starting a new chapter with Marcello.
Will Emily Stay in Paris or Rome?
Despite Emily’s Roman adventure, the show’s creator, Darren Star, quickly set the record straight. He confirmed in September 2024 that the show wouldn’t suddenly become "Emily in Rome." He told Deadline that Emily hasn’t changed her Instagram name, pointing out that Sylvie’s company simply has an office in Rome. Emily is just helping get that branch running. Star stressed that this isn’t a permanent move for Emily or the series. Paris remains the main setting.
There was even some political pressure to keep the show in its original city. French President Emmanuel Macron told Variety in October 2024 he would "fight hard" to prevent the show from moving to Italy. Variety later confirmed the next season will indeed stay in Paris, with some filming taking place in Rome. The team is also exploring a third new spot, possibly Saint-Tropez or Megeve. Star mentioned to TVLine in September 2024 that these new locations just "expand the show’s universe." He noted it will be interesting to explore cultural differences between the French and Italians, adding it’s a "whole new world," but Paris is not being abandoned.
The Drama Behind the Scenes
Off-screen, a bit of drama unfolded with Lucas Bravo, who plays Gabriel. He had expressed concerns about his character’s direction. In October 2024, Bravo shared his thoughts with IndieWire. He felt Gabriel had lost some of his charm, becoming "unaware of his surroundings" and "lost in translation." He said playing a "melancholy, sad, depressed, and lost" character for three seasons wasn’t fun anymore. Bravo even hinted he might not return for Season 5, as his contract was ending. He wanted to see Gabriel become his "fun, mischievous, playful, lively self" again.
Despite his previous frustrations, Lucas Bravo did sign on for Season 5 after Netflix renewed the series. Filming for Season 5 is set to begin in May 2025. Gabriel’s Michelin-rated restaurant will still be a key location. Bravo reiterated his earlier feelings to IndieWire in October 2024, saying the "sexy chef" part of him from Season 1 had faded. He felt distant from the character due to the creative decisions made. He admitted trying to add nuances but faced limitations. He said they "don’t have much freedom on set" and can’t change lines or emotions. He concluded that the creators "know what they want and we just have to comply."
According to reports from a prominent news channel, a source shared how upset cast and crew were about Bravo’s comments. The insider stated simply, "The show is Emily in Paris, not Gabriel in Paris," predicting "a lot of tension." However, in April 2025, Bravo sounded much more positive. He told Parade that the fifth season is "the best one yet" and filming was about to start. He joked that creator Darren Star had given him a few hints, promising fans would "go crazy."
The Shifting Love Triangle
Will Emily and Gabriel ever truly reconcile? Creator Darren Star discussed this with Deadline after the Season 4 finale. He believes Gabriel realized he made a mistake and doesn’t want to let Emily go. While it doesn’t mean they’ll be together right away, Gabriel feels there’s "unfinished business" between them.
And what about Marcello? Star wouldn’t confirm Marcello’s role in Season 5 to TVLine. He noted that viewers know much more about Gabriel than Marcello. Marcello is a newer interest for Emily, an "infatuation." Gabriel and Emily, on the other hand, share a deep history. Star hinted that their "romantic fantasies" might have faded a bit, and couples sometimes need to "lose what you have before you realize how much it means."
Who’s In and Who’s Out?
Alfie (Lucien Laviscount) and Camille (Camille Razat) had less screen time in the latter half of Season 4. But fear not, Alfie fans! Star promised that characters might temporarily leave but are never truly "off the table." Laviscount is officially set to return as a regular for Season 5. He told Us in October 2024 that he loves filming the show and his castmates. He’s "grateful" to keep playing Alfie.
Sadly, Camille Razat, who plays Camille, will not be back for Season 5. This news broke in April 2025. Star had previously hinted at her uncertain future, saying "she’s part of the show’s world" but couldn’t confirm how much she’d be seen. Razat herself confirmed her departure to TVLine in April 2025. She called her time on Emily in Paris a "truly wonderful experience." She thanked the team at Netflix and Paramount for the opportunity. Razat added that the door was left open for Camille’s return, as she "will always be part of the Emily in Paris world."
Production Hit a Snag
Early filming in Rome hit an unexpected bump in May 2025. The announcement of Pope Leo XIV, who took over the Catholic Church after Pope Francis’ passing, caused delays. A source told Us exclusively that news helicopters covering the new Pope created "chaos" and "tons of noise." This forced Lily Collins and Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, who plays Sylvie, to "reshoot takes" because the noise was so extreme.
New Faces on the Block
The cast is expanding! Netflix announced in May 2025 that Minnie Driver is joining Season 5. She’ll play Princess Jane, a friend of Sylvie who married into a royal family. Driver shared her excitement on Instagram, posting photos from Italy and saying she was "MORE THAN thrilled" to be part of the show.
In July 2025, it was confirmed that Bryan Greenberg and Michèle Laroque will also be joining the Season 5 cast.
When Can We Watch?
Mark your calendars! Season 5 of Emily in Paris drops on Netflix on December 18.
First Look Released!
Netflix gave fans a taste of the new season in August. They released a series of images showing Emily in Italy, often with Marcello. One picture showed the couple gazing into each other’s eyes while walking.