Season 5 of Emily in Paris ends with a handwritten invitation that could change everything. After a season spent navigating love and career between Paris and Rome, Emily Cooper finds herself single and receives a surprising message from an old flame. The final moments set the stage for a potential romantic reunion and a trip to a new country.
The season, which premiered on December 18, 2025 on Netflix, followed Emily’s life as head of her marketing agency’s Rome office. Her relationship with Italian businessman Marcello was a central focus, but the story between Emily and chef Gabriel never fully faded away. Their evolving connection and a cliffhanger ending have viewers asking one main question about the future.
How Emily and Marcello’s Relationship Concluded
Emily’s romance with Marcello was genuine but ultimately defined by different life goals. After a strong start in Rome, their relationship faced several tests. A major conflict arose when Emily discovered Marcello had been secretly negotiating to sell his family’s company, Muratori, while she was leading its marketing campaign.
Although they reconciled, their final breakup was prompted by a moment of clarity for Emily. During a gondola ride in Venice, she mistakenly believed Marcello was about to propose. In that instant, she realized she was not willing to leave her life in Paris to settle in his small hometown of Solitano. The moment was awkward, as Marcello was actually holding an engagement ring for his business partner, Nico, who then proposed to Emily’s best friend, Mindy.
Lily Collins, who plays Emily, explained the maturity of this breakup: “They both acknowledge the care they have for each other and the incredible experiences they shared. But they realize they want different things. It’s a powerful lesson: You can love someone and still let them go.”
This final separation showed a more mature side of Emily, one capable of making a difficult choice for her own future.
Gabriel’s Journey and His Role in Season 5
Gabriel’s presence in Season 5 was quieter but significant. At the very start of the season, he traveled to Rome hoping to win Emily back. However, after seeing her happy with Marcello, he chose to leave without disrupting her life, showing a level of respect and growth in their friendship.
His main storyline involved his career as a chef. After a clash with client Antoine Lambert over a new menu, Emily helped Gabriel secure a gig catering an event for billionaire Thomas Heatherton. The job was a major success, leading Heatherton to offer Gabriel a full-time position as his private chef on a luxury yacht. This opportunity meant Gabriel had to leave Paris, creating physical distance between him and Emily once again.
The two shared a key moment in Episode 9, when Gabriel returned to Paris briefly. Over lunch, he admitted he had followed her to Rome and told her he hoped she would be happy with Marcello. This scene, set to a dramatic performance by Mindy, underscored the unresolved feelings between them, even as Emily reaffirmed her love for Marcello.
The Season Finale’s Major Cliffhanger
The final scene of Season 5 took place far from Paris, on Thomas Heatherton’s yacht. Gabriel, having been given a few weeks off, planned to spend his leisure time in Greece. It was there he received a text message from their friend Sylvie, informing him that Emily was now single.
Acting on this information, Gabriel wrote Emily a postcard. He invited her to meet him in Greece, closing with a reference to a past conversation: “I am at sea without you”. The season ends without showing Emily’s reaction or response, leaving her next move a complete mystery.
Series creator Darren Star commented on the possibility of a reunion, stating, “I think the door’s always open between those two.” He also expressed his own hopes for the story, telling one outlet, “I hope Emily says yes to that invitation.”
This cliffhanger intentionally sets up the central question for a potential next season.
Where the Story Leaves Other Key Characters
- Mindy and Alfie: A major subplot involved a secret romantic relationship between Emily’s best friend, Mindy, and her ex-boyfriend, Alfie. The two grew close while visiting Emily in Rome and continued their affair back in Paris. Emily was deeply hurt when she discovered the relationship, less because of the romance itself and more because both her friend and ex kept it a secret from her. This led to the biggest fight ever between Emily and Mindy. Ultimately, Mindy became engaged to her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Nico, by the season’s end, though she appeared to have lingering feelings for Alfie.
- Sylvie and Agence Grateau: Emily’s boss, Sylvie, faced continued financial struggles with her marketing agency. Salvation came in the form of a new investor: Princess Jane, played by Minnie Driver. However, this rescue may come with strings attached, as Princess Jane’s intentions and management style could create new challenges.
Also Read:
What Comes Next for Emily and Gabriel
The postcard invitation is the clear launching point for a potential Season 6. The show has teased an expansion beyond Paris before, with seasons set in Rome and the French Riviera. A storyline in Greece would continue this trend.
Lily Collins has shared her enthusiasm for the possibility, telling TV Guide, “I am excited by the opportunity that if we get a Season 6, we go to Greece and plan Mindy’s bachelorette.” However, she was careful not to predict any specific romantic outcome for her character, leaving that decision to the writers.
Beyond the romantic question, Emily’s professional life is also in flux. With Princess Jane now involved in Agence Grateau, navigating that new power dynamic will be a immediate concern whenever the story continues.
Also Read: Haha, You Clowns Recap/Release Info: Adult Swim Confirms Seasons 2 and 3 After Strong Fan Support
Sources: (1)
