Emily in Paris back on Netflix: stop or encore?

The most French of Americans is back on Netflix. Season 4 of the flashy “Emily in Paris” is now available on the platform. This raises the question: is this one season too many or the one of reunions?

The hit series Emily in Paris is back for a fourth season, and the question is: should we still be interested in it? The answer may well be yes, especially if you enjoyed the first three seasons. This first part of season 4 – which we were able to see in its entirety – retains all the ingredients that made the series a success: polished production, enchanting Parisian settings and light but entertaining plots.

A series that takes responsibility

One of Emily in Paris’ strengths is its ability to capture the magic of Paris. This season is no exception, once again offering picture-postcard views of the capital. Trips outside the city, such as a trip to Giverny, are filmed with a meticulous attention to detail that makes you want to pack your bags in a second.

Although the series is often criticized for its unrealistic depictions, it is always fully aware of its frivolous and inconsequential nature. And it assumes them with a resolutely offbeat tone. The situations are sometimes (often) exaggerated, but that is precisely what makes Emily in Paris so charming. The series never takes itself seriously and continues to play to its strengths: glamour, humor and a light-hearted look at Parisian life.

Unlike Sex and the City, Darren Star's previous cult series, Emily in Paris is not intended to make any statement about the condition of women, at best just to send a few well-aimed digs at French culture. Emily (Lily Collins) is just a young woman who lives her best life in Paris, with couture dresses and cute French boys. Does that deserve a witchcraft trial? We don't think so.

French characters in the spotlight

This season puts more emphasis on the French characters, offering more depth to their development. Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) remains incontestably the best character of the series. Both formidable in business and at work, but also fair. And of course, funny! The appearances of French guests like Liliane Rovère or Mademoiselle Agnès bring an additional local touch, always pleasant to discover.

We're not going to pretend to sulk. Emily in Paris will never enter the Pantheon of series, nevertheless it continues to seduce with its charm and its light atmosphere. Yes, the plot does not revolutionize the genre. But it continues to offer effective entertainment, a (more) guilty pleasure. So, stop or encore? It looks like Emily still has a bright future ahead of it on Netflix.

Emily in Paris is currently available on Netflix.