Emily in Paris
Emily in Paris is a romantic comedy-drama series on Netflix, following American marketing executive Emily Cooper as she navigates her new life in Paris. The show, created by Darren Star, explores cultural clashes, career challenges, and a complex love life, often involving love triangles and workplace romances. Target audiences are typically young adults and adults who enjoy lighthearted drama, fashion, and themes of self-discovery in an aspirational setting. However, the series contains mature themes and is generally recommended for older viewers due to its frequent depictions of sexual content, substance use, and profanity.
Concerns
Romance and Sexual Content
HighRomance and sexual themes are central and pervasive, often involving infidelity, casual sexual encounters, and suggestive scenarios. The series includes implied sexual activity, passionate kissing, and brief instances of nudity. Sexual relationships often blur professional and personal boundaries.
Emily and Gabriel engage in sexual activity on multiple occasions, frequently implied through scenes transitioning from passionate kissing to the next morning. For example, they have sex on what Emily believes to be Gabriel's last night in Paris. Sylvie, Emily's boss, maintains a long-term affair with a married client, Antoine Lambert, which is normalized within the workplace culture. The show features brief nudity, such as implied group nudity at a Moroccan bathhouse (all characters nude except Emily who wears a robe), and mentions of female buttocks and upper/rear male nudity. There are also instances of implied masturbation (Emily's vibrator short-circuiting power) and a character having phone sex with suggestive noises heard.
Profanity
HighThe series includes frequent use of profanity in both English and French. Strong expletives are common, and some French curse words are left untranslated, indicating their offensive nature.
The New Zealand Classification Office notes 'frequent use of offensive language such as “sh*t” and “merde” which is the French word for sh*t.' Parent reviews also cite 'common instances of profanity such as “b*tch,” “sh*t,” and more.' Movieguide highlights 'excessive foul language' and points out that 'A handful of French comments are not translated due to their offensive nature.'
Substance Use
HighSubstance use, particularly alcohol consumption and smoking, is frequently depicted and normalized throughout the series. There are also explicit, though negatively portrayed, instances of illegal drug use.
Characters, including Emily and Mindy, are frequently shown drinking wine at meals and in various social settings, portraying alcohol as an integral part of Parisian life. Smoking cigarettes is also a common activity among characters, with some suggesting it influences Emily. In one episode, a celebrity Emily is working with asks for 'weed' and later takes 'Molly' (MDMA) at a nightclub, with the character being depicted as unlikeable.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe series features LGBTQ+ characters and relationships, with a notable same-sex relationship developing in later seasons. While present, the depiction generally focuses on the romantic and dramatic aspects rather than explicit sexual acts.
Camille, a main character, develops a romantic relationship with Sofia, an artist, which is explored in Season 3 and continues into Season 4. Another main character, Julien, is openly gay, though his character's representation in earlier seasons has been critiqued for adhering to the 'gay best friend' trope before gaining more agency in Season 4.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumEmily's character often exhibits disrespect or a rebellious attitude toward French cultural norms and authority figures, particularly her boss Sylvie. This is frequently framed as a cultural clash, with Emily's American perspective challenging established French practices.
Emily's 'American Energizer Bunny work ethic' and social media strategies often conflict with the more relaxed and traditional French work culture at Savoir, leading to friction with colleagues and Sylvie. Despite attending French classes, Emily 'still seems unbothered by her limited French skills and continues to not take the class seriously,' often expecting others to speak English.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumThe series presents a predominantly secular and hedonistic worldview, where characters are driven by emotion and personal desires, with no explicit adherence to Christian faith or biblical principles. While not overtly mocking, the normalization of casual sex, adultery, and the inclusion of elements like a drag bar indirectly contrast with traditional Christian values.
The show normalizes casual sexual relationships and infidelity, such as Sylvie's long-term affair with Antoine, and Emily's involvement in a love triangle with Gabriel and Camille, without clear moral condemnation. The overall cultural backdrop is secular, with Mindy performing at a drag bar, which is presented as a normal part of her career, and the absence of Christian themes or characters guided by faith.
Violence
LowViolence in 'Emily in Paris' is minimal and not graphic. The show focuses on interpersonal drama rather than physical conflict or gore, with only isolated instances of accidental injury or property damage.
In one instance, a client named Gerard accidentally cuts off the tip of his finger while attempting to open a champagne bottle during a campaign. Additionally, a glass is thrown to the floor in anger during an emotionally charged scene, but no physical harm to individuals occurs.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere is no direct portrayal of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, or supernatural elements within the narrative of 'Emily in Paris'. References to 'magic' in promotional materials pertain to the show's charm or behind-the-scenes aspects, not actual magical content.
No specific characters, events, or episodes depict any form of witchcraft, occult rituals, or supernatural powers. The narrative remains grounded in a contemporary, albeit romanticized, Parisian reality.
Scary & Intense Content
LowThe series is a romantic comedy-drama and contains minimal scary or physically intense content. Emotional intensity primarily stems from interpersonal relationships and career challenges, rather than frightening elements.
While the show features dramatic moments and emotionally intense scenes related to love triangles and professional conflicts, it lacks graphic violence, jump scares, or horror elements. One instance of moderate intensity occurs in Season 4 when Emily, an amateur skier, is left alone on the slopes by Gabriel, leading to a stressful situation.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
15+ (Mature Audience Only). This recommendation is based on the show's TV-MA rating by IMDb and a 15+ recommendation by Common Sense Media, primarily due to prevalent sexual content, mature relationship dynamics including infidelity, frequent substance use, and strong language.
Additional Notes
The show's portrayal of French culture has drawn criticism for perpetuating stereotypes, which may be a point of discussion for parents. The content intensity generally remains consistent across seasons, with mature themes being a core aspect from the beginning.
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