Lily Collins on Emily in Paris Season 5: ‘She’s Bolder, Braver and More Adventurous’

Dust off the berets and the impractical-but-iconic outfits Emily in Paris is back. In its fifth season, the hit Netflix romantic comedy expands beyond the French capital as Emily trades Parisian streets for Rome, embarking on her boldest adventure yet.

Created by Darren Star and starring Lily Collins, the series first premiered in 2020 and quickly built a global fanbase. The story follows Chicago-born marketing executive Emily Cooper, who lands her dream job in Paris and navigates its challenges in both love and work.

In Season 5, Emily steps into a new role as head of Agence Grateau, the luxury marketing firm owned by Sylvie Grateau, played by Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu. Now based in Rome, Emily faces fresh professional obstacles and unexpected romantic twists. Just as she begins to find her rhythm in the Eternal City, a daring marketing idea backfires unraveling her carefully built progress and shaking up her personal life.

Returning cast members include Ashley Park as Mindy Chen, Lucas Bravo as Gabriel, Samuel Arnold as Julien, and Bruno Gouery as Luc. They are joined by Eugenio Franceschini as Emily’s boyfriend Marcello and Lucien Laviscount as Alfie. New additions this season include Minnie Driver as Princess Jane, Sylvie’s flamboyant, mischievous longtime friend.

Collins, 36, who also serves as a producer, says Emily has grown significantly since her Parisian beginnings.
“Emily once again has more confidence, a stronger voice, and a more defined sense of identity,” she says. “She’s bolder, braver, stronger, and more adventurous… learning from both practical situations and deeper emotional experiences.”

Season 5 takes Emily through Rome and Venice, and Collins says the shift in scenery also shifts Emily’s wardrobe.
“It was incredible to film in both Rome and Venice,” she says. “This season flows between two countries more than ever before. We were very much inspired by Italian cinema, and I wore a lot of red it felt powerful, strong, romantic, and sensual.”

The wardrobe evolution also includes a surprising twist: fewer heels.
“It felt more grounding and comfortable,” Collins says. “It represents a shift Emily can run around the city and do her job without worrying about tripping.”

Series creator Darren Star, 64, says this is one of his favourite seasons yet.
“It goes off in a different direction the story feels fresh,” he explains. “It’s not about Emily’s relationship with Gabriel anymore. The locations are incredible, and the relationships feel more mature.”

Star says introducing Minnie Driver’s Princess Jane added new energy to the dynamic, especially for Sylvie.
“She’s a great comic character. Minnie Driver is a dream so funny and grounded,” he says.

Collins agrees, saying Driver brings a comedic yet chaotic flair.
“Emily is definitely annoyed by her and threatened,” she says. “Jane stirs things up in the best, most dramatic ways.”

According to Collins, audiences should prepare for a more dramatic and emotionally charged season.
“After four seasons, it felt right for certain pivotal moments to finally happen,” she says. “There’s more grounded drama, big relationship shifts, and so many unexpected twists and turns.”

Emily in Paris Season 5 premieres on Netflix on Thursday, December 18.