Back in 2019 when I first heard about “Emily In Paris”, a series coming to Netflix in 2020, I was so excited. Especially considering that Ashley Park (who was in Mean Girls on Broadway with Kevin Csolak!) was one of the main characters, and that it was about a girl who finds herself moving to Paris for her marketing job, I thought I would love it…
On October 2nd, 2020, I forced my housemates Sara and Tyra to watch the entire series from start to finish with me, so we ordered some Domino’s pizza and prepared ourselves for the 5 hours ahead. Little did we know what we were getting into.
Before criticizing some of the faults of the show, I would like to recognize that it does highlight and romanticize the city. It’s a great show to watch for some ligiht-hearted comedy and magical Parisian views. There are definitely parts that I felt were so true in terms of cultural references, and other times where scenes were far too dramatized. However, while it is not always an accurate portrayal, it really isn’t supposed to be, either. After all, it is a TV show aimed at an American demographic.
The show is premised on stereotypes, both American and French. The dialogue pokes fun at both of these cultures, yet a lot of the French stereotypes are not as true as they appear to be. To provide some context, let’s take a look at episode 1.
The first thing I noticed in terms of not being true to the culture is that upon entering the apartment building, Gilles Dupont (who is helping Emily settle in), does not say bonjour to la concierge (or the janitor woman). This is very unlike a French person, because greetings are extremely important when passing anyone. While this wasn’t really a stereotype, it is noteworthy because it is misrepresenting what is a pretty major part of the greeting culture.
Another misrepresentation immediately following this is Emily’s “chambre de bonne” apartment. A chambre de bonne, which translates to maid’s quarters, are the rooms on the highest floor of a building. Typically, these rooms are no larger than a dorm room, with very tight space and shared bathrooms. Emily is said to be living in a chambre de bonne, yet her room is 60 meters squared. This was another thing that didn’t quite add up…
Next, let’s talk about Emily’s fashion. This girl changes her jacket every scene- I would really love to learn her magic tricks that made all of her clothing fit in three bags. Most of her outfits draw upon stereotypical tourist looks, as she wears a shirt with a Parisian skyline on her first day to work, and is often seen wearing burettes. This is a bit cringeworthy (un peu gênant); imagine a tourist wearing an I Love NY shirt in Times Square (ringarde!)… While people in Paris would not be caught wearing most of Emily’s clothes, they especially would never wear stiletto heels. In a non-televised world, Emily would’ve instantly broken an ankle on the cobblestones! Not a smart move in this city.
When she meets her male boss at the office, he smokes practically in her face. Yes, it is true that French people smoke a lot more than in the U.S. While I have not worked in France, I’ve done some research and it really isn’t common for smoking in the office. This would be reserved for outside, again creating a false conception.
Another falsehood in the Parisian office is that not everyone speaks English! While most people, especially in Paris, have some basic English understanding, an office would never completely switch to English or accept English to accommodate her. In fact, it is my impression that they would expect her to quickly learn the language to adapt to them, as she is in their country.
At a meeting in the office, Emily is called out for being too loud. This stereotype is absolutely true. I cannot recall the amount of times my friends and I received glares for being “too loud” on the Metro or in public spaces while in Paris. Parisians have much softer voices, especially in public, and being loud is an instant giveaway that you are indeed not French.
After this meeting Emily goes home and tries to enter the wrong apartment. I thought this was funny because it is a situation that may happen to foreigners. In France, the “first floor” is called the rez-de-chaussée (RDC), so it is actually as if there is a floor 0. The first floor in France (la première étage) would be the American “second floor”.
On Day 2 of Emily in Paris, she goes to the boulangerie (bakery). The employee corrects Emily when she mispronounces pain au chocolat (basically a chocolate croissant). While most people may not be as aggressive about it, I would say it is normal to be corrected. The French are proud of their culture and language, and just as we would expect someone to know English when visiting the U.S., there is this same expectation there. Understanding basic terminology is useful and respected, and being corrected really is just to better your ability, so you can’t take it personally.
Being an expat, Emily is starting off with 0 friends in this new country. Another unrealistic scene from episode 1 occurs when she goes to a park and meets Mindy, who becomes her best friend. Keep in mind this is day 2(!) of being in France. Being in an expat Facebook group and following many expats on different mediums, most say that it takes a couple of years to make a solid group of friends while abroad, especially French friends. Yet, Emily is friends with her French neighbor Gabriel and Mindy almost immediately. This is definitely somewhat unrealistic, especially in France where the people may be less bubbly and more reserved.
Lastly, at the end of episode one, her colleagues are calling her “la plouc” or “the hick”. In my opinion, this stereotype of the French being mean is taken way too far in this series. While Parisians may be more upfront and they may sugar-coat less, they are not bullies. They have a tell-it-how-it-is attitude, but on this show it becomes really rude. From my own personal experience, being American has only been a benefit when meeting French people, as you have experiences and cultural differences to share. Sure, Emily could try to fit in more, conforming to the language and culture, but it would be rare to find such a mean workplace with such critical comments, at least from what I know.
All in all, while “Emily in Paris” may have missed the mark on some of the truth to French (specifically Parisian) culture, you get what you signed up for. It really is an easy to watch show with entertainment and nice views. If you want character development or a documentary style series, I’d recommend looking elsewhere. While I can’t say this show is one of my favorites, I have rewatched it with my friends, and I am sure we will be binging Season 2 (especially for our new favorite actor Victor Meutelet).
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the show in the comments!
Julia's Journey in Paris 