French President Emmanuel Macron has made an unexpected declaration: he’s a fan of Netflix’s hit series, “Emily in Paris,” and he wants to ensure the show stays rooted in France. With rumors swirling that the beloved (and sometimes criticized) series might see its protagonist jet off to Rome, Macron has voiced his concern, emphasizing the positive impact the show has on France’s global image.
The show, which has been primarily filmed in France since its debut in 2020, is contemplating a shift in location for its lead character. But Macron isn’t ready to let go so easily.
French President Macron Fights to Keep ‘Emily in Paris’ From Moving to Rome: “We Will Fight Hard”
“Emily in Paris” and Its French Charm
In an interview with Variety, Macron expressed why he believes it’s important for “Emily in Paris” to remain in France: “I think it’s good for the image of France. ‘Emily in Paris’ is super positive in terms of attractiveness for the country. For my own business, it’s a very good initiative,” Macron said, highlighting how the show shines a spotlight on French culture, fashion, and the allure of Paris.
Boosting France’s Image Abroad
The series, often described as a love letter to Paris, has played a significant role in promoting French culture to international audiences. According to a report by The Economist, 86% of Americans who watched the show had a favorable impression of France, compared to 67% of those who hadn’t seen it. This data underscores the show’s ability to influence how international viewers perceive France, making Macron’s push to keep the show in the country all the more understandable.
A Mixed Reception in France
While “Emily in Paris“ garnered massive popularity in the United States, attracting about 15 million unique viewers in the first 28 days of its second season, its reception in France has been more complicated. Initially, French critics weren’t particularly kind to the show, especially since much of the first season was in English and highlighted stereotypical Parisian tropes. However, by the time the fourth season aired, even French audiences had warmed up to the series.
The numbers speak for themselves: when the first five episodes of the latest season were released in August, “Emily in Paris” shot to the top of Netflix’s most-watched list in France, despite its initial lukewarm reception.
The Future of “Emily in Paris”
Though the show has plans for its protagonist to explore new adventures in Rome, Macron’s comments suggest that France will fight to keep the series on home soil. The show’s success has not only boosted France’s image abroad but also turned Paris into a cultural backdrop that international audiences adore.
As France’s president puts it, keeping “Emily in Paris“ in the country isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about maintaining France’s status as a cultural and tourism hub. Whether or not Macron’s enthusiasm can influence the show’s creators remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: France isn’t ready to say au revoir to “Emily in Paris” just yet.
Conclusion: “Emily in Paris” – A Cultural Staple for France
With its glamorous portrayal of Paris and impact on how viewers perceive French culture, “Emily in Paris“ has become more than just a TV show. For Emmanuel Macron, it represents a vital piece of cultural diplomacy that he’s not willing to let go without a fight. As fans await the show’s future direction, it’s clear that France will continue to make its case for keeping the show in the City of Lights.
