Stream It or Skip It: ‘Emily in Paris’ Season 3 on Netflix, Where Lily Collins Is Back With a Bang (and Bangs)

Bonjour, Emily in Paris fans! After surviving early criticism and warranted fun-poking, Darren Star’s Emmy-nominated series returns for a third season on Netflix with newfound confidence and the same amalgamation of chaos and joie de vivre we crave. When we last left Emily, she had to decide if she was staying at Savoir and heading home to Chicago or joining Sylvie’s new company and fully committing to a life in Paris. Will Emily sort out her professional, personal, and love life in these new 10 episodes? Or are we ending on another massive cliffhanger?

EMILY IN PARIS SEASON 3: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

Opening Shot: Season 3’s cold open kicks off with a view of the glistening Eiffel Tower at night. Peaceful music plays as the camera zooms in on Emily (Lily Collins). She’s wearing a fancy pink feathered cape and peering over the railing to take in those perfect Paris views. Her mentor Madeline (Kate Walsh) approaches and says, “This is unbelievable. You know, as chaotic as this trip has been I’m really going to miss this when we go back to Chicago.” An anxious-looking Emily replies, “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I’m not going back.” Madeline laughs off her comment, but Emily reveals she accepted a position with a French company. Madeline asks who would be stupid enough to hire an American who doesn’t speak French, and Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) emerges from the shadows. The two women close in on Emily, each trying to win her over, until Sylvie says, “You have to choose!” Flustered, Emily falls backwards over the Eiffel Tower railing and plunges to the ground. As Madeline screams, “WAKE UP,” Emily pops up in bed and we learn the opening sequence was just a dream.

The Gist: Emily (Collins) is officially dating Alfie (Lucien Laviscount), but she’s still harboring feelings for hot chef Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), who’s back with his ex Camille (Camille Razat). On top of her secret love triangle, Emily is torn between staying loyal to her mentor Madeline (Walsh) or joining her Paris work fam — Sylvie (Leroy-Beaulieu), Julien (Samuel Arnold), and Luc (Bruno Gouery) — on their new professional adventure. When tasked with finally choosing a career path, a place to call home, and a man, Emily spirals so hard that she drunkenly cuts her own bangs. Thankfully she has her best friend Mindy (Ashely Park) to confide in, and together the two celebrate the highs, comfort each other through the lows, and try to embrace the chaotic in-between — all while slaying the fashion game, of course.

What Shows Will It Remind You Of? Emily in Paris may be back with a new season, but its charm and structure remains the same, which means it’s still giving Younger, Sex and the City, and other Darren Star vibes. Fashion of course plays a huge role in the series, so the viewing experience can also be reminiscent of shows like Gossip Girl and the latest season of The White Lotus in the sense that certain outfits WILL stand out and start conversations.

Our Take: Part of Emily in Paris’ charm is that the show never takes itself too seriously. That charming tactic is implemented again in Season 3, but the writers make an refreshing, effective effort to give characters, storylines, and relationship dynamics some added depth this time around. Emily finally finds her footing in France, gaining a greater understanding of the language and flexing renewed faith in her talents. And the series shines a long-overdue spotlight on supporting characters by further exploring their personal lives, relationships, interests, and personalities.

With new characters and fresh conflict, Season 3 raises the stakes while delivering more of the standout fashion, complex romance, and outrageous obstacles that Emily in Paris fans adore. Emily in Paris is — as Gabriel would say — un petit plaisir. It’s a little pleasure, a streaming indulgence, a delicacy binge! People claim to hate-watch this show, but I can’t comprehend how anyone could think themselves above something so light, fizzy, and delicious. You deserve Emily in Paris! Let yourself have it.

Sex and Skin: None in the premiere, but some sexy scenes appear as the season progresses.

Parting Shot: Emily runs down the sidewalk outside of Gabriel’s restaurant. She missed Alfie’s going away dinner and as he exits the restaurant with luggage in hand she says, “Alfie! I’m so sorry.” Before he leaves for London, Alfie tells her he thinks she values her career more than their relationship and questions her priorities. Emily apologizes and asks to talk, but Alfie says “Later, Cooper,” and gets in a car. In the parting shot, a heartbroken Emily watches his car pull away.

Sleeper Star: We all know Ashley Park is capital F Fabulous by now, so I’m not sure she can be considered a sleeper star anymore. We get much more Alfie in Season 3, and it’s lovely seeing Laviscount acting smooth and assured. But a sleeper star in the premiere and beyond is Bruno Gouery’s Luc. He’s always been half of one of Emily in Paris‘ most dynamic duos opposite Samuel Arnold’s Julien, but Season 3 shows him on his own more and gives him ample opportunities to shine as a voice of reason, a hilarious commentator, and a well-intentioned friend with a big heart. Gouery rises to the challenge, peeling back Luc’s layers with ease and delivering delightfully entertaining performances.

Most Pilot-y Line: Gabriel shows concern for Emily’s wellbeing and asks what she did to her hair. Her response? “They’re just bangs! Sometimes people cut bangs when everything’s fine!”

Our Call: STREAM IT. When I think of the perfect holiday break/end of year binge, Season 3 of Emily in Paris is the gold standard. Is there a long list of more substantial television series that best Emily in Paris? Absolutely. But much like an occasional trip to McDonald’s, Emily in Paris is a special mood-boosting treat that’s meant to be savored.