Imagine attaining your dream job straight out of college. Now, imagine your boss asks you to go work in Paris. Fashion-frenzied and Paris-obsessed Netflix watchers were spun into a world of French baguettes and the tribulations of being a social media influencer this October when Netflix came out with its new hit comedy drama, “Emily in Paris.”
*Caution: Spoiler alerts below*
“Girl boss” Emily Cooper, played by Lily Collins, works as a marketing executive out of Chicago but finds herself with the opportunity of a lifetime when her boss asks if she would spend a few months in Paris and provide an American perspective to a Parisian marketing firm. Like every great rom-com, Cooper breaks up with her American boyfriend soon after settling into Paris. Her new job treats her like an incompetent intern, and she finds herself working hard to gain the respect of her co-workers. A modern twist to a classic tale, Cooper has the confidence and drive to share her ideas. When she pushes to be heard, her coworkers begin to notice her intellect.
Cooper being a noticeable person is the groundwork of the entire show. With no prior knowledge of French or Parisian norms, her character is fashion forward, but also confused about the Parisian way of life. She begins to document all of her slip ups and adventures on social media to find herself quickly gaining a following. There’s also a romance with a French chef who happens to be her apartment neighbor.
University of Minnesota third-year Abby Weisser is a Hallmark movie regular, especially during the colder months. The October release of “Emily in Paris” was perfect timing for her new cheesy drama TV-binge.
“I feel like if you can look past the acting quality and the plot line being so unrealistic, it’s a really fun show — especially during all this craziness that’s been happening — because it is so predictable,” Weisser said.
At the end of the season, Cooper’s boss in Chicago receives an email stating that she must stay in Paris due to her exceptional work performance.
On Nov. 11, Netflix announced that the show will return for a second season. According to Netflix, the next season will hone in on Cooper’s arch nemesis, her boss. It will also include Cooper finally looking like a local, instead of a lost tourist.
“Emily’s character is the most cliché. I’m definitely watching season two,” said University of Minnesota fourth-year Lindsey Underberg, who began watching the show with her roommates as a joke and ended up finishing the entire season.
University of Minnesota fourth-year Emily Meyer got hooked when she was looking for something to take her mind off school. Plus, the show played right into her love of rom-coms. “I don’t have any expectations for season two but I want to know what happens with Emily and Gabriel,” Meyer said.
Gabriel is Cooper’s bistro chef/lover. The end of season one leaves viewers on a cliffhanger as to whether Gabriel will get back with his ex or choose Cooper.
“Emily in Paris” invites viewers to join in a pre-COVID-19 fantasy where a girl can escape her ordinary American life and travel across the world to pursue her dream career. According to Weisser, that’s what makes it so great.
“It’s a guilty pleasure type of show. You watch it to indulge even though you know that would never happen in real life.”
