In a heartfelt interview with People magazine just days after the season’s release, Lily Collins opened up about the emotional and pivotal finale of Emily in Paris Season 5, revealing why she believes her character’s bold decision to walk away from romance and a dream opportunity marks a significant turning point. The Netflix hit, which dropped all 10 episodes on December 18, 2025, has sparked intense discussions among fans, with Collins emphasizing the maturity and self-empowerment at the heart of Emily Cooper’s journey.

For five seasons, viewers have followed the wide-eyed American marketer Emily Cooper, played by the effervescent Lily Collins, as she navigates love, career, and culture shocks in the City of Light—and beyond. Created by Darren Star, the series has evolved from a fish-out-of-water comedy into a deeper exploration of ambition, friendship, and self-discovery. Season 5, often dubbed the “Roman Holiday” chapter, takes Emily to Italy, where she heads the new Rome office of Agence Grateau while entangled in a passionate romance with Marcello Muratori, the charming heir to a luxury cashmere brand portrayed by Eugenio Franceschini.

The season builds to a crescendo in Venice during Fashion Week, where professional triumphs mix with personal revelations. Emily, believing Marcello is about to propose, faces disappointment when the ring turns out to be for another purpose. More crucially, she realizes that committing fully to Marcello means abandoning the life she’s built in Paris. In a mature, respectful breakup, Emily chooses to return home, prioritizing her career and personal growth over a fairytale relocation to Italy.

Collins, in her exclusive chat with People, described this choice as “honest and empowering.” “Every relationship helps Emily understand what she truly wants,” she shared, noting that this time, Emily recognizes she’s not ready to sacrifice her identity. The actress appreciated how the split was handled with “maturity, love, and respect,” avoiding unnecessary drama or heartbreak. Instead, the finale shows Emily back in Paris—confident, composed, and thriving professionally—offering a hopeful image of independence.

This ending stands out in a series known for its whirlwind romances and love triangles. Past seasons left Emily torn between suitors like Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) and Alfie (Lucien Laviscount), often prioritizing relationships over self. Season 5 shifts the focus: Emily’s Roman adventure, while glamorous, ultimately reinforces that Paris is her true home. As creator Darren Star has affirmed, “She’s Emily in Paris—that’s where her heart is.”

Yet, true to form, the season doesn’t wrap everything neatly. A tantalizing cliffhanger arrives via postcard: Gabriel, now working as a private chef on a yacht and enjoying time off in Greece, invites Emily to join him. This subtle gesture hints at unresolved feelings without forcing a reunion, leaving fans speculating about a potential “Emily in Greece” for Season 6. Collins has expressed excitement about the possibility, exclaiming “Why not?” in interviews, while noting the show’s evolving maturity.

The supporting cast shines brightly this season. Ashley Park’s Mindy Chen grapples with her own romantic chaos, accepting a proposal from Nicolas (Paul Forman) only to encounter ex Alfie and question her choices. Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu’s Sylvie faces agency crises, and new additions like Minnie Driver as a quirky influencer inject fresh energy. The fashion, as always, is a character unto itself—bold, eclectic, and unapologetic—with Emily’s wardrobe reflecting her growing confidence.

Critically, Season 5 has earned solid praise, holding a 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers calling it a “fashion-forward romantic escape” full of “absurd moments and likeable characters.” Some note its fluffy, escapist charm, while others appreciate the subtle growth in storytelling. Viewership has been strong, quickly climbing Netflix charts and solidifying the show’s status as a global comfort watch.

Behind the scenes, filming spanned Paris, Rome, and Venice, capturing the opulent backdrops that make the series visually intoxicating. Collins, who also serves as a producer, has spoken about the joy of exploring new locations while staying true to Emily’s core optimism. The actress credits the role with influencing her own playful approach to fashion and life.

As buzz builds for a potential sixth season—hinted at by strong performance and open-ended threads—fans are left pondering Emily’s next move. Will she respond to Gabriel’s invitation? Rebuild her career amid agency turmoil? Or continue embracing single life? Collins remains optimistic, loving how the finale portrays Emily as “not broken, but whole.”

In an era of complex antiheroes, Emily in Paris remains delightfully uncomplicated: a celebration of growth, glamour, and going after what feels right—even if it means choosing yourself first. With its mix of heartbreak, humor, and haute couture, Season 5 proves the show still has plenty of joie de vivre left.

The season also delves into themes of work-life balance, with Emily’s ambitious push in Rome leading to unintended consequences, like losing key clients. Yet, these setbacks feel earned, highlighting the realities of professional risks without diminishing her resilience.

Friendships take center stage too. A temporary rift with Mindy adds tension, resolved through honest communication—a sign of the characters’ maturation. Collins and Park’s real-life bond translates onscreen, making their scenes a highlight.

Ultimately, Season 5’s cliffhanger feels refreshing: hopeful yet open-ended. Emily returns to Paris empowered, ready for whatever comes next—be it career triumphs, new romances, or simply enjoying the city on her own terms. As Collins put it, this ending leaves viewers with intrigue and optimism, perfectly teeing up more adventures.

Whether sailing to Greece or strutting Parisian streets, one thing is clear: Emily Cooper’s story of self-discovery is far from over, and fans couldn’t be more hooked.