Emily en París

This show is potato chips. Tastes ok, no substance or nutritional value. I call these shows my hair drying shows. Not good enough to watch with my husband or really pay attention. I watch while I dry my hair or put on makeup. I think the main character is very pretty and I enjoy her outfits. And of course everyone she meets is hyper attractive and equally groomed. So watch for some eye candy and silly scenarios. It definitely takes you into a different (not super believable) realm where you can just keep popping those potato chips and relax.

Is it the most well written, eloquent, well acted series ever? No. Is it a light watch that is easy to check in and out of with fantastic colours and set design/ costumes? Yes. I enjoyed this in a time where I don't want to be reminded of the Covid Global Crisis, politics, the crap weather and other depressing things going on across the globe.

The characters are quite fun. The storyline is easy to navigate. The set and colours are beautiful. A lot of criticism around the wardrobe on Vogue Instagram but I thought they were fun and pretty.

It's mindless and distracting from reality. Perfect. What more could one want from a series right now?

Well, I am partly enjoying it..but then realized it is basically a drawn out version of devil wears Prada- same fashions, same mean boss woman, same bitchy office politics, and if you listen closely enough- also the same background music they used in the original movie.

The main high point is Gabriel (obvious reasons really ; ) but the series lacks realism- the main character is dripping in designer outfits yet rents a very average apartment. She somehow manages to befriend her narcissistic boss and invites her to parties. She's allowed to speak English at work when everyone else is talking in french. Literally every guy she meets seems to want her. Who actually buys this?

Also, I dont know French people but they are not represented in the nicest way- made to look philandering and full of secret agendas, whilst Emily is made to look like the sweet little innocent amongst them.

The actress, Lily Collins, is amazing..but the story is so cliche and feels just like another Andy sachs adventure .

Main character is just annoying and for anyone outside of America this is just stupid. How on Earth is someone supposed to like and relate with ignorant social media expert that has a personality of a cartoon character.

I'm French and yes there is lot of clichés in the show, it may be a bit annoying when this is overplayed but to be fair, even if in numbers the cliché are mostly on French, the authors do not avoid to put some on Americans too (shouting instead of talking, not able to dress up without a lack of taste, etc.). Moreover what I found interesting in this show (and apparently my fellow country mans didn't noticed it) is the fact that when there is a cultural difference to settle, this is not a " Merica is always right so think as we do". Both are giving their point of view and explain it.

Overall, the show is quite nice even if lot of things are not credible, and I would put a 8 stars if clichés were a bit more nuanced (ex: yes we know that there is less working hours/per week than in US but come on, nobody starts a 10:30 AM and take a 2h lunch break at restaurant every day).

To conclude, this is not the tv show of the year, but still nice to watch. If you're not French, keep in mind that this is not a true reflection of France, if you say "bonjour" we're not that rude ;), and if your French, chill-out a bit, i know we are a proud of being French and very chauvinist but come on, what is showed is somewhat halfway true and keep in mind that authors try to do it in both ways with superficiality on US social media etc...