Fans of Emily in Paris should prepare for a surprising start to the new season. Lucien Laviscount, who plays Alfie on the hit Netflix show, has revealed that the first episode of Season 5 contains a massive curveball that shocked the cast and will completely set up the new season.
The new season, scheduled to arrive on December 18, 2025, continues marketing executive Emily Cooper’s European adventures. This time, the story expands into a tale of two cities, splitting time between the familiar streets of Paris and the romantic backdrop of Rome.
Laviscount’s Reaction to the Script
Lucien Laviscount recently opened up about his stunned reaction after reading the script for the season’s first episode. He described it as one of the biggest curveballs for him, both as an actor and as a viewer of the show.
“I don’t want to give away too much, but one thing I will say is… when I got episode 1 emailed over with their high-tech security, it took me about two or three days to kind of process,” Laviscount told Us Weekly. “So much happens in the first episode that sets up the rest of the season.”
The actor admitted that his phone was “blowing up” with messages from fellow cast and crew members reacting to the script. He was so surprised that he went quiet for a while. “I didn’t reply to anyone for a couple of days after I read it,” he shared.
A Tale of Two Cities
Season 5 will see Emily Cooper navigating her new role as the head of Agence Grateau’s Rome office. The official synopsis for the season promises professional and romantic challenges as she adapts to life in Italy. Just as everything seems to be falling into place, a work idea backfires, causing heartbreak and career setbacks.
Series creator Darren Star confirmed the dual-city approach. “This season is a tale of two cities: Rome and Paris,” he said. “Straddling both, Emily takes love and life to the next level.” He also noted that while Emily will have a presence in Rome, she is not permanently leaving Paris, and the show’s title will remain Emily in Paris.
New Romance and Old Flames
The upcoming season picks up after the events of Season 4, which ended with Emily enjoying a new romance with the handsome Italian fashion heir Marcello, played by Eugenio Franceschini. Meanwhile, her former flame, chef Gabriel, had a last-minute realization that he did not want to let Emily go and decided to fight for her.
Laviscount’s character, Alfie, was ultimately chosen by Emily over Gabriel, but their relationship also ended. Alfie has since moved on with a new love interest. Laviscount teased that it would be interesting to see if Emily shows a jealous side this season. “There’s love in the cards for Alfie, I think, this season,” he hinted.
A Season of Unexpected Turns
Laviscount has been vocal about the unexpected direction of the new season, urging fans to get ready for a wild ride.
“All I’m gonna say is strap in. Because it goes left, so far left, and a little bit right this season,” he told People. “I didn’t know what to expect – none of us do before we get the scripts – and we got the scripts for this season and it’s… Yeah, I don’t think anyone could have foreseen that coming.”
He also described the new season as remaining “in the Emily in Paris universe,” calling it “beautiful and glossy,” and that “great escape” that fans enjoy.
Confirmed Cast and New Additions
The core cast is returning for the new season, including Lily Collins as Emily, Ashley Park as Mindy, and Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie. Lucas Bravo will also return as Gabriel, despite his notable absence from the first teaser trailer which had sparked concern among fans.
New cast members include Minnie Driver as Princess Jane, a friend of Sylvie’s who married into royalty, and Bryan Greenberg as Jake, an American living in Paris. However, Camille Razat, who played Camille for the first four seasons, will not be returning after announcing her departure from the show.
The first episode shocker will set the stage for a season of secrets and surprises when Emily in Paris Season 5 begins streaming on December 18, 2025.
Also Read: Emily in Paris Season 5: Alfie Confirmed to Return as Series Regular
