The latest comedy involving an American struggling to find their way in a foreign country has come in the form of the Netflix original, “Emily in Paris.” Since its release, fans have been showing their support in droves, leading to the mid-November announcement of a second season. But is it worthy? Is this just another show fans have overhyped?  

The Netflix series follows Emily Cooper (Lily Collins), a rising talent at a Chicago marketing firm, who makes a spontaneous move to France when her company transfers her to a recently acquired Parisian firm to provide an “American perspective.” She arrives in Paris with little to no knowledge of the culture or language (except for a basic Rosetta Stone course she crammed on the plane). She instantly falls in love with the sights and sounds, thus changing her social media handle to @emilyinparis, reflecting the show’s title. The series follows Emily’s adventures in her new job and shows the personal growth of her social media presence.

Of course, we, along with Emily, come to realize that not everything is exact when it comes to the customs in France; otherwise, the show would lack a certain je ne sais quoi. However, it isn’t just the French and their culture who are made out to be much more extreme than expected. Emily herself shows an extreme level of impudence, trying to shove her own American cultural ideas in the faces of her Parisian coworkers, then wonders why she faces backlash. Even though the major reason why Emily is in Paris is to give an American perspective, many Americans (including myself) were taken aback by her boldness. 

However, being bold can be admirable. Despite the obvious stereotypes (smoking, overall French cockiness, etc), the characters are well developed and make viewers want to keep tuning in. The audience grows to fall in love with some, while not liking others. Admittedly, some characters that fall short of their potential.

Unsurprisingly, the show features Emily struggling with love. Although she left a boyfriend back home in Chicago, the real love interest, Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) is introduced in the form of the friendly neighbor. Almost instantly, the audience can see a connection of something more. Although I am one who falls for cheesy relationships, this one seems a bit forced, to try to create more substantial conflict. 

As Emily goes about her daily life, she passes by gorgeous Parisian sights, dazzling the audience in every episode with something new. Whether a shot features the glowing Eiffel Tower at night or a quaint café during the day, the show certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to scenery. 

Perhaps the amount of praise given to this show was a bit too generous. However, I still enjoy the “foreign girl falls in love with the city and mystery man” plot every now and then. 

This show isn’t for everyone, as some might find it as nothing more than the aforementioned cliché, overworked plot. But for those who might enjoy a picturesque view of the city of love, or perhaps just being able to hear a French accent with some drama sprinkled in, this show is for you.