Emily in Paris season 5 has had an unexpected critical turnaround, going from one of the series' lowest early Rotten Tomatoes ratings to its highest yet. Created by Sex and the City alum Darren Star, the Netflix series follows American marketing executive Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) as she navigates work, friendships, and romance in Europe's most iconic cities.
After its premiere on December 18, Emily in Paris season 5 debuted with a 56% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes. Early scores indicated a rocky start for the season, with the show's highly anticipated Italian storyline landing as the weakest debut the series has seen to date.
However, as more reviews rolled in, critics began grading the Rome-set season more favorably. At the time of writing, Emily in Paris season 5 holds a 75% critics' score, making it the highest critical score Emily in Paris has achieved to date for any season. See how its scores compare to previous seasons below:
|
RT Critics Score |
RT Audience Score |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Season 1 |
61% |
54% |
|
Season 2 |
58% |
48% |
|
Season 3 |
67% |
51% |
|
Season 4 |
68% |
48% |
|
Season 5 |
75% |
41% |
Emily in Paris season 5 sees Emily take on a stronger leadership role as she oversees the Rome division of Agence Grateau, balancing a fresh mix of career pressure and romantic uncertainty as she adjusts to life in Italy. Just as she begins to find her footing, a risky work decision backfires, setting off an emotional fallout and real career consequences.
As Emily tries to balance her established French life with her new start in Italy, a major secret threatens to wreck one of her closest relationships, pushing the season into its most high-stakes territory for Emily yet.
While critics have warmed up to season 5, audience reception tells a different story. Despite earning a series-high 75% critics' score, Emily in Paris currently holds a 41% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, the lowest of the show so far. The stark contrast highlights a growing divide between critics' and longtime viewers' perspectives, many of whom feel frustrated with the show's creative decisions, character choices, and evolving tone in its latest season.
The show's creative choices have also sparked conversation behind the scenes, particularly around Gabriel's arc. Lucas Bravo had been candid about his frustrations with the direction of the character before season 5 started production, suggesting that Gabriel's storyline had strayed from what initially made him compelling. This mirrors some fan reactions, with viewers arguing that Gabriel feels increasingly sidelined amid Emily's expanding world.
However, it seems that Emily in Paris season 5 is fixing its Gabriel problem. Season 5 gives Gabriel a smaller but more purposeful arc, allowing him to take a step back, regain his essence, and giving him a storyline that feels more genuine to his character. This not only addressed cast and fan concerns but also sets up possibilities for Emily in Paris season 6, perhaps setting Greece up to be the next stop in Emily's life in Europe.
Emily in Paris season 5 is now streaming on Netflix.
