Emmanuel Macron fights to keep "Emily in Paris" filming in France amid plans for season 5 in Rome

The series is credited with boosting French tourism, faces mixed reactions as it departs from its Parisian setting.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced his intention to fight to keep Emily in Paris filming in France after it was revealed that the fifth season of the hit Netflix series would partially take place in Rome. The show, which follows the life of an American marketing executive navigating French culture, has been a significant driver of tourism to Paris, increasing interest in the city’s landmarks and even sparking a surge in estate inquiries.

In an interview with Variety, Macron emphasized the importance of the show to France’s international image and its contribution to the tourism industry. "We will fight hard," he declared. "Emily in Paris in Rome doesn’t make sense." Macron's wife, Brigitte Macron, made a cameo in the fourth season, further cementing the series' ties to France.

Despite criticism from some French media outlets for its overly glamorous portrayal of Paris, Emily in Paris has enjoyed high viewership and remains one of Netflix's top comedies since its 2020 debut. French officials, however, expressed concerns about the show's romanticized depiction of Paris, which omits environmental issues and portrays unrealistic living conditions.

With Season 5 set to feature both Paris and Rome, the French government is keen to keep the show grounded in its original location to maintain its economic benefits.