The fifth season of the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris has arrived, delivering fashion, friendship, and a seismic shift in the love life of its titular character, played by Lily Collins. The new episodes, which began streaming on 18 December 2025, introduce fresh faces and emotional goodbyes, culminating in a finale that leaves Emily decidedly unattached.
A Season of New Beginnings and Heartfelt Goodbyes
Season five welcomes Emmy-nominated actress Minnie Driver as Princess Jane, a pivotal new character. The season also pays tribute to assistant director Diego Borella, who sadly passed away during filming in Venice. At its heart, the narrative delves into Emily's romantic escapade with Italian entrepreneur Marcello, portrayed by Eugenio Franceschini. Collins herself highlighted that Marcello represented a chance for Emily to find a better work-life balance and "smile without condition."
However, the path of love never runs smooth. While in Paris, Emily explored connections with others, including newcomer Jake (Bryan Greenberg). Meanwhile, her on-off flame, chef Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), dropped a bombshell: he was leaving his restaurant to become a private chef on a yacht, meaning he would barely be in Paris. Their final, hesitant farewell left a palpable sting, with Gabriel clearly still carrying a torch for her.
The Venice Twist and a Fateful Decision
The drama peaked during Venice Fashion Week. Emily, supporting Marcello's dream to launch his own clothing line, discovered an engagement ring and mistakenly believed a proposal was imminent. In a huge twist, the ring was actually for Nico (Paul Forman) to give to Mindy Chen (Ashley Park), after he won her back by leaving his family business.
Marcello's own fortunes changed when his mother, impressed by his triumphant fashion show, made him head of the family business and dropped her lawsuit. This victory came with a cost: it required his return to Italy. He invited Emily to join him, forcing her into a tough choice. Ultimately, Emily chose her life and career in Paris, ending her relationship with Marcello. Thankfully, Princess Jane's financial intervention saved Sylvie's agency, securing Emily's job.
Unresolved Futures and Hopeful Glimmers
As the season closed, Emily is single, focusing on work and planning Mindy's hen do. The engagement party planning was disrupted when Alfie (Lucien Laviscount) discovered Mindy was engaged, leading her to confront lingering feelings for him. In a crucial final moment, Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) informed Gabriel that Emily was now single and in Paris, leaving the ball in his court.
Viewers are left to ponder whether Gabriel will abandon his dream job to pursue Emily, and if Mindy will call off her engagement to Nico. For now, Emily is taking a hiatus from romance. With the series yet to be renewed for a sixth season, fans must wait to see if these stories will continue.
