Introduction

French President Emmanuel Macron has jumped into the spotlight following a dramatic twist at the end of Season four of Netflix's beloved series "Emily in Paris," where viewers learned that the titular character, played by Lily Collins, is headed to Rome. The news has stirred excitement among fans and prompted Macron to proclaim that France “will fight hard” to keep the show’s production in its iconic capital, Paris.

Macron's Comments

In a candid interview with Variety, Macron emphasized that "Emily in Paris" transitioning to Rome "doesn’t make sense," stressing the cultural importance of maintaining the show in the city known for its romance and charm. Netflix has made a significant impact with the series, which has remained a fixture among its most-watched titles.

The Plot of the Show

The show chronicles the life of Emily Cooper, a young American marketing executive, who relocates from Chicago to Paris for her dream job, navigating the highs and lows of life as an expatriate while reveling in the city's allure. With the announcement of a fifth season, creator Darren Star revealed that Emily will now “have a presence in Rome,” igniting a delightful rivalry between the two cities.

Reactions from Rome

Responding to Macron's comments, Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, humorously quipped on X, “Dear Emmanuel Macron, don’t worry: Emily is doing great in Rome. One can’t control the heart: let’s let her choose.” Gualtieri further suggested that perhaps Macron should focus on more pressing national matters, pointing out the production independence of Netflix which is often unyielding to political pressure.

Brigitte Macron's Cameo

Interestingly, President Macron has personal ties to the show; his wife, Brigitte Macron, made a cameo in Season four, bringing a relatable touch of French sophistication to the series. “I was super proud, and she was very happy to do it,” Macron reflected, highlighting that such appearances boost France's attractiveness on the global stage.

Cultural Impact and Criticism

Despite the show’s charm, “Emily in Paris” has faced criticism for amplifying Parisian clichés and neglecting serious social issues, such as homelessness. Nevertheless, recent studies reveal the show has positively influenced tourism in Paris, with around one in ten visitors citing films or series as their motivation for visiting France. Notably, “Emily in Paris” inspired 38% of those seeking a slice of French culture after watching the series.

Macron's Humble Take

When asked about making a cameo himself, Macron humbly stated, “I’m less attractive than Brigitte,” quipping that his wife steals the show.

Conclusion

Whether or not Emily ultimately chooses Paris over Rome remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: both cities are eager to claim her, in a real-life twist reminiscent of the drama unfolding on screen. Will Macron succeed in keeping his beloved series in Paris, or will Emily’s adventure take her to Italy? Only time will tell! Stay tuned for updates on this intriguing saga!