The latest instalment of the hit Netflix series, Emily in Paris Season 5, is now streaming, but the dramatic events of the previous season are crucial to understanding the new episodes. With Lily Collins once again leading the cast as Emily Cooper, Season 4 ended on several major cliffhangers that will shape the new storylines.
Emily's Roman Holiday and Romantic Crossroads
The most significant development saw Emily make a huge career leap, relocating to Rome to head up Agence Grateau's new office there. This move was precipitated by her new romance with Marcello, a kind stranger she met on a skiing trip after being ditched by Gabriel. After a rocky start where Marcello feared Emily was using him to sign his family's business, his mother eventually agreed to work with Agence Grateau, paving the way for their reconciliation and Emily's transfer.
However, the season concluded with a major twist. After earning a Michelin star, Gabriel realised his mistake in letting Emily go. Upon learning she had moved to Rome, he was last seen determinedly asking for her specific location, setting up a classic love triangle dilemma for Season 5 as Emily faces a potential choice between her new life in Italy and her past in Paris.
Supporting Cast: Breakups, Betrayals and New Beginnings
Emily's best friend, Mindy, had an eventful season torn between boyfriend Nico and ex Benoit. Her Eurovision dreams were shattered due to Nico's actions, leading to their breakup. By the season's end, she was heading to Shanghai for a judging role on Chinese Popstar, signalling a fresh start far from Paris.
Back at the agency, Julien returned to Agence Grateau after a brief stint at rival firm JVMA. Meanwhile, Sylvie confronted JVMA CEO Louis de Leon about an inappropriate incident from her past, adding a layer of professional tension and personal vindication to the narrative.
Unpacking the Season 4 Fallout
The core romantic arc of Season 4 began with Emily choosing Gabriel over Alfie, only for a false pregnancy scare involving Gabriel's ex, Camille, to drive them apart. It was later revealed Camille's pregnancy was a false alarm, and she decided to pursue adoption independently. This series of misunderstandings and heartbreaks ultimately propelled Emily towards Marcello and her new Roman adventure.
As summarised by Netflix, Season 4 saw Emily tackle "conflict with honesty," emerging with "deeper connections, renewed clarity, and a readiness to embrace new possibilities." With Season 5 now available as of December 18, fans are eager to see if Emily's stability in Rome will last or if Gabriel's pursuit will bring her back to Paris, all while she navigates the inevitable professional and personal challenges that define her journey.
