Introduction

In a surprising twist at the close of season four of Netflix's popular series "Emily in Paris," viewers learned that the beloved character Emily Cooper, portrayed by Lily Collins, would be making her way to Rome. This major development sparked intense reactions, with French President Emmanuel Macron stepping into the fray to advocate for the show to remain in Paris. "We will fight hard to keep 'Emily in Paris' right where it belongs—Paris," Macron declared in a recent interview with Variety.

About the Series

The series follows Emily, a young American marketing executive who relocates from Chicago to Paris, immersing herself in the vibrant culture and lifestyle of the city. As one of Netflix's most-watched shows, it captivated audiences globally and even clinched a renewal for a fifth season, which creator Darren Star hinted would showcase Emily's new Italian adventures.

Reactions from Rome

Rome's mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, cheekily responded to Macron's comments via social media, suggesting that "Emily is doing great in Rome," and questioning whether Macron truly had no more pressing concerns. He added, "A production giant like Netflix doesn’t take orders from political leaders."

Macron's Personal Ties and Tourism Impact

Interestingly, Macron has had personal ties to the show; his wife, Brigitte, made a cameo in season four, delighting fans when Emily asked to take a selfie with her. Macron expressed pride in his wife's involvement, stating, "It was a very good moment for her and for the image of France." Despite facing criticism for its portrayal of Paris and its sometimes clichéd narrative, "Emily in Paris" has significantly boosted tourism in the French capital. A study conducted by France's national film center found that around 10% of visitors cited the series as their inspiration for coming to France, with 38% of those pointing directly to "Emily in Paris."

Macron's Humor and Conclusion

While Macron acknowledges the show's influence on tourism, he humorously indicated he would not be following in his wife's footsteps by appearing in the series himself. "I’m less attractive than Brigitte," he quipped. As the debate continues about the show's future location, one thing remains clear: "Emily in Paris" has not only woven itself into the fabric of French culture but also sparked a new conversation about its place in the world of streaming entertainment. Will Emily remain in Paris, or will she answer the call of Rome? Stay tuned!