Netflix's Emily in Paris returns with Season 5 set to debut on Dec. 18, and star Lucien Laviscount is promising fans a dramatic ride. Laviscount, who plays Alfie, told People that the upcoming episodes will push characters in unexpected directions, saying, 'strap in' because 'it goes left, so far left, and a little bit right this season.'
Season 5 shifts the action from Paris to Italy, with Emily entering a new chapter in Rome and rekindling an on-screen dynamic with Marcello (Eugenio Franceschini). Alfie, Emily's season 2 love interest, remains a factor as the romantic-comedy drama reimagines relationships against a new European backdrop. The ensemble cast also includes Ashley Park, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery, Paul Forman and William Abadie. Production for the upcoming season wrapped in May, with portions filmed in Rome and Venice. Laviscount called the experience “amazing” and said it was good to be back on set in Europe.
Lily Collins has discussed the show’s evolution since its 2020 debut, noting that the fashion-forward comedy preserves romance while expanding Emily’s world. Collins, who stars as Emily, has described the move from Paris to Rome as a natural progression that keeps the series fresh, with on-screen relationships and friendships growing alongside Emily’s career ambitions. The cast has grown closer over time, and Collins said the move to Italy lets the characters explore new histories and moments across Europe.
On the creative side, Laviscount described Alfie as someone who speaks his truth even in difficult moments, a trait he says aligns with his own approach to acting. He added that returning to the Paris setting was rewarding, even as much of Season 5 unfolds in Rome and Venice as Emily navigates life beyond the French capital. "Alfie’s been an amazing part of my life now. It’s been cool," he said.
In October, Lucas Bravo, who plays Gabriel, signaled hesitancy about returning for Season 5. In an interview with Le Figaro, Bravo said life is short and five months of shooting is a heavy commitment, expressing a desire for Gabriel to grow in the new chapters. He later told The Hollywood Reporter that he hoped his character would evolve, suggesting some Season 5 directions might not align with his vision for Gabriel.
Tragedy touched the production during the Venice shoot: on Aug. 21, an assistant director, Diego Borella, 47, reportedly collapsed at the Hotel Danieli and died of a heart attack as the crew filmed the final scene of Season 5. La Repubblica cited paramedics arriving around 7 p.m. Borella’s death prompted renewed attention to safety and the toll of high-pressure shoots on international locations. At the time, Lily Collins had posted snapshots from the Venice set, underscoring the day-to-day intensity and camaraderie of the production.
The world of Emily in Paris continues to orbit Emily’s life as a young American marketing executive navigating romance, career challenges and cultural shifts. Season 5 is structured around Emily’s relocation to Italy, with the action spread across Rome and Venice, signaling a broader European stage for the beloved rom-com. Darren Star, the show’s creator, has described the shift as a way to maintain the romantic, high-fashion energy fans expect while delivering fresh storytelling in new cities. The Netflix series remains a touchstone for stylish, lighthearted entertainment that blends fashion, humor and heart in a contemporary, international setting.