Emily in Paris hosts season 5 premiere with Ted Sarandos and Darren Star

“Emily in Paris” has grown up. The series celebrated its anticipated Season 5 at a grand premiere at the Grand Rex Theater in Paris, featuring Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and series creator Darren Star, just hours after receiving the prestigious Legion of Honor from French President Emmanuel Macron.

Sarandos and Star were joined by the hit show’s boisterous cast, fully clothed, including Lily Collins, Ashley Park, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Lucas Bravo, Lucien Laviscount, Eugenio Franceschini and newcomer Minnie Driver and Michele Laroque. The rest of the cast, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery, William Abadie, Paul Forman and Arnaud Binard were also there.

While the first two episodes shown at the premiere are set in Rome — where Emily (Collins) has just moved to run the Grateau office and live the dolce vita with her Italian beau Marcello — Star told audiences to be sure the show returns to Paris later.

Collins, resplendent in a black Armani dress, joked about the playful feud that emerged between Macron and Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri after the French president vowed to “fight hard” to keep the show in Paris when he learned it would move to the Italian capital.

“I never expected that in a million years we would be part of a European political love triangle,” Collins said with a laugh.

After Brigitte Macron, the French first lady, who made a cameo in season 4, Emmanuel Macron could be next, Star teased. “I asked him, so let’s see what happens!” he said.

While standing on stage to kick off the premiere, Sarandos spoke about the “Emily in Paris” journey since its launch in the midst of the pandemic in 2020 and the ways in which it has turned into a cultural phenomenon.

“When Emily first came on the scene, the world was a very different place. We were stuck at home. We were looking for connection. We were looking for a little escapism. And ‘Emily in Paris’ was exactly what we needed,” Sarandos said. “This incredible show from Darren Star came at just the right time to remind people why they love Paris and inspired many people to dream of their own Paris adventure,” he continued, admitting that his wife Nicole was “one of Emily’s biggest fans.”

“And since then, Emily in Paris has become a global sensation, sparking conversations about culture, fashion and friendship,” he said, before adding, “The fruit of the remarkable is how ‘Emily in Paris’ has deepened the cultural conversation between France and the world. It even sparked a very friendly rivalry with Italy over which country would claim Emily’s heart.”

Before taking the stage, Collins also spoke about the show “growing up” beyond escapism and seeing her character mature.

“Every year it really feels like Emily is learning more and more and growing as a person,” Collins said. “She has the inner confidence that she may have lacked in season one when it comes to stepping into a new job, a new city and new friends,” she said. “This year was very special to see how she took on new challenges and also dealt better with vulnerability, which I think is a real strength of Emily. So this year was very nice to let go of perfection more.”

Leroy-Beaulieu, whose character Sylvie has shown more emotional vulnerability this season, welcomed the shift in tone. “It’s about breaking the armor,” she said. “Underneath the comedy lies loneliness, doubt, uncertainty – and strength. That paradox is beautiful.”

Ashley Park, dressed in custom Dolce & Gabbana with Chopard jewels, agreed. “The writers outdo themselves every year,” she says. “There’s more love, more drama, and it’s really unexpected. The stakes are higher because these characters now have history.”

This season is also racier than the previous ones, bringing the show closer to “Sex and the City.” Lucien Laviscount, who plays Alfie – Emily’s British on-and-off boyfriend – teased: “This season is sexy. It’s going to be steamy.”

Eugenio Franceschini, who plays Marcello, recalled a whirlwind audition opposite Collins with whom he seems to have strong chemistry. “I flew from the Alps to Paris,” he said. “She was wonderful – kind, humble. The perfect partner.”

Bravo, who plays handsome French chef Gabriel, promised a lighter, sexier version of his character in this new season. “We wanted fun,” he said, looking chic in a Brioni suit. “That’s what people want when they watch this show.” As for Emily? “I always strive for love,” he added. “But maybe everyone ends up alone. That’s the modern world.”

Star, meanwhile, said season 5 was his favorite yet. “There’s a lot of story this season,” he said. “There’s a strong storyline that continues throughout, with twists and turns and new relationships. Emily really grows as a character. The show grows a little bit.”

“Emily in Paris” is executive produced by Tony Hernandez, Lilly Burns, Andrew Fleming, Stephen Brown, Alison Brown, Robin Schiff, Grant Sloss and Joe Murphy. Co-executive producers are Stephen Brown, Grant Sloss and Murphy. Producers are Ryan McCormick, Raphaël Benoliel, Collins, Jake Fuller.

All ten episodes of season 5 of “Emily in Paris” will be released on December 18.