The City of Light is about to shine even brighter, but not without a twist that could dim the hearts of Emily in Paris fans worldwide. Netflix has officially announced the return of its beloved romantic comedy for a fifth season, set to premiere on December 18, 2025, with all ten episodes dropping in a binge-worthy format. The announcement comes hot on the heels of Season 4’s dramatic finale, which saw Emily Cooper, played by the effervescent Lily Collins, trading Parisian croissants for Roman cappuccinos and igniting a new romance that has fans buzzing. But the latest news is sending shockwaves through the fandom: Emily may finally slip into a wedding dress, only for a significant male character to exit stage left. Who could it be, and what does this mean for Emily’s whirlwind journey? Buckle up, because Season 5 promises to be a rollercoaster of love, loss, and haute couture.

For those who binged Season 4, the image of Emily speeding through Rome on a Vespa with her new Italian beau, Marcello Muratori (Eugenio Franceschini), is still fresh. Their chemistry, sparked on the snowy slopes of Megève and cemented in the Eternal City, marked a turning point for Emily, who has spent four seasons navigating a tangled web of romance with chef Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) and British banker Alfie (Lucien Laviscount). Season 4’s finale saw Emily embracing her role as head of Agence Grateau’s new Rome office, a move that symbolized her quest for a better work-life balance and a chance to prioritize herself. But the latest tease about a wedding dress has fans speculating: Is Emily preparing to say “I do,” and if so, to whom?

The idea of Emily in a wedding dress is nothing short of iconic. Known for her bold fashion choices—think polka-dot dresses inspired by Italian cinema legends like Sophia Loren—Emily’s potential bridal moment is sure to be a sartorial spectacle. Costume designer Marylin Fitoussi has hinted that Season 5’s wardrobe will pay homage to 1940s and 1950s Italian glamour, with black-and-white prints and elegant silhouettes. Imagine Emily gliding through Venice’s canals or Paris’s cobblestone streets in a gown that blends French chic with Italian romance—a vision that could steal the show. Yet, the question remains: Is this wedding dress for a real ceremony, a work-related photoshoot, or perhaps a dream sequence? The show’s creator, Darren Star, has a knack for keeping fans guessing, and this tease feels like classic Emily in Paris bait.

But the real bombshell is the news of a major male character’s departure. Season 4 already shook things up with the exit of Camille (Camille Razat), who announced her departure in April 2025, citing her character’s arc reaching a natural conclusion. Now, whispers of another exit have fans placing bets on who might leave Emily’s orbit. The most obvious candidates are Gabriel, Alfie, or Marcello, but the show’s history of surprises suggests it could be someone less expected. Let’s break down the possibilities.

Gabriel, the brooding French chef, has been Emily’s on-again, off-again love interest since Season 1. Their romance has weathered canceled weddings, a fake pregnancy, and countless misunderstandings, but Season 4 ended with Gabriel reeling from Emily’s move to Rome. Actor Lucas Bravo has publicly expressed frustration with Gabriel’s arc, describing his character as having been “turned into guacamole” by questionable writing choices. Despite this, Bravo is confirmed to return, and Gabriel’s Michelin-starred restaurant will feature prominently in Season 5. Could his departure be a temporary exit, perhaps as he chases Emily to Rome, echoing Sex and the City’s dramatic reunions? Or is the show setting up a redemption arc for Gabriel, only to pull the rug out from under fans?

Then there’s Alfie, the charming Brit who captured Emily’s heart in Season 2. After their breakup in Season 4, Alfie encouraged Gabriel to fight for Emily, showing his selflessness. Lucien Laviscount, who plays Alfie, has been upgraded to a series regular for Season 5, suggesting a larger role. This makes his departure less likely, but the show thrives on misdirection. Could Alfie’s exit be emotional rather than physical, as he steps back to let Emily follow her heart elsewhere? Fans adore Alfie’s wit and loyalty, making his potential departure a gut-punch.

Marcello, the newest addition to Emily’s love life, seems like the least likely to leave, given his central role in Season 4’s finale. Their Roman holiday, complete with Vespa rides and heartfelt confessions, positioned Marcello as Emily’s chance at a fresh start. Darren Star has teased that their “real spark” will continue to play out, but what if Marcello’s departure is the twist no one sees coming? Perhaps a family obligation tied to his luxury wool business pulls him away, leaving Emily to navigate her new Roman life alone.

The dark horse in this mystery could be a supporting character like Julien (Samuel Arnold) or Luc (Bruno Gouery), whose workplace antics at Agence Grateau have been a comedic backbone. Their departure would shift the dynamic of Emily’s professional world, but it’s hard to imagine the show losing their charm. Another possibility is Nicolas (Paul Forman), Mindy’s boyfriend, whose storyline tied to his father’s scandal could lead to an exit. The mention of an “unexpected” name has fans speculating about a wildcard—perhaps even a new character introduced early in Season 5.

Beyond the romance and departures, Season 5 promises to expand its cultural canvas. Emily’s adventures will span Paris, Rome, and Venice, with filming locations including the dreamy canals of the latter, as confirmed by set photos from August 2025. The season’s logline hints at professional and romantic challenges for Emily as she settles into her role in Rome. A work idea gone wrong will lead to “heartbreak and career setbacks,” while a “big secret” threatens one of her closest relationships—perhaps with best friend Mindy (Ashley Park) or boss Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu). The show’s signature blend of drama, fashion, and humor will keep viewers hooked, with returning cast members like William Abadie, Thalia Besson, and newcomers Minnie Driver and Michèle Laroque adding fresh energy.

As production continues, with scenes shot in Rome and Paris, the anticipation builds. Will Emily’s wedding dress moment be a fairy-tale ending or a dramatic misstep? Who will walk away from her life, and how will it reshape her journey? Emily in Paris has always thrived on its ability to balance whimsy with chaos, and Season 5 seems poised to deliver both in spades. Whether Emily finds love, heartbreak, or something in between, one thing is certain: her passport will be stamped with more unforgettable moments, and fans will be along for the ride, eagerly awaiting the next chic twist.