Lily Collins jokes about Paris and Rome rivalry as ‘Emily In Paris’ shifts cities

‘Emily In Paris’ Season 5 premieres in Paris as Lily Collins addresses the rivalry sparked by show’s Rome storyline

Emily In Paris marked its return to the spotlight with a high-profile Season 5 premiere at the Grand Rex theatre in Paris, bringing together cast members, creators and Netflix executives for a night that reflected how far the series has travelled culturally. What began as escapist television during the pandemic has now found itself at the centre of a light hearted but widely discussed rivalry between Paris and Rome.

The new season opens with Emily relocating to Rome to oversee the Grateau office while embracing a fresh chapter in her personal life. The move quickly caught attention beyond the show’s fan base, with French President Emmanuel Macron publicly expressing his wish to keep the series rooted in Paris. Rome’s mayor Roberto Gualtieri responded in kind, turning the setting change into a playful cultural talking point across Europe.

Lily Collins addressed the unexpected reaction while attending the premiere, laughing as she acknowledged that she never imagined the show would become part of what she described as a European political love triangle. Her comments were met with amusement from attendees and echoed widely online, where viewers described the moment as surreal but fitting for a series that thrives on exaggerated charm and global visibility.

Netflix co-chief executive Ted Sarandos reflected on the show’s origins, noting that Emily In Paris arrived at a time when audiences were seeking comfort and visual escape. He credited the series with reigniting interest in Paris for international viewers and said its continued evolution has helped deepen cultural conversations well beyond fashion and romance.

Cast members also spoke about how the characters have matured. Collins explained that Emily now carries greater confidence and allows herself vulnerability, a shift she believes adds depth to the role. Philippine Leroy Beaulieu welcomed the emotional layers given to Sylvie, while Ashley Park noted that the relationships feel richer because the characters now share years of history.

Lucien Laviscount teased a racier tone this season, while Lucas Bravo promised a lighter and more playful version of Gabriel. New cast members described the set as energetic and collaborative, reinforcing the sense that the show has settled comfortably into its identity.

Online reactions following the premiere highlighted amusement rather than backlash, with many viewers enjoying the idea that a Netflix series could spark such visible cultural chatter. Others praised the show for leaning into its larger-than-life appeal while still allowing characters to grow. Season 5 of Emily In Paris launches globally on December 18.