Emily in Paris

I had no idea what I was getting myself into, only to find out in the opening episode that the series was primarily intended for women, preferably big on social networking, who don’t mind the occasional romantic (or even ordinary) cliché. The last time I checked I was still male, I have a negative attitude towards social media and I’m sick of melodrama, so I quickly realized that I wasn’t exactly the target audience. Despite all that (and it might be slightly overstated), I give it four stars, because mom and dad can be real proud of their "Genesis". Although the series had weaker or even downright poor moments, most of the time it was watchable (without putting too much strain on the brain). Most importantly, it was pretty relaxing and put me in a surprisingly good mood. I didn't even mind the multicultural cast, because it just belongs to Paris and Mindy Chen had great one-liners. I never thought I would say this, but I'm actually looking forward to a potential second season. (05/13/2022)

The pilot episode didn't exactly blow me away, nor did it leave me bursting with excitement. Nevertheless, there were more positives than negatives, and I quite enjoyed it, so why not give it a shot? Lily Collins struck me as stunning, dare I say gorgeous, and the humor really worked for me. It's just the whole social media and follower obsession doesn't quite resonate with me. I get jittery even with one person following me down the street; if there were more, I'd probably be a nervous wreck. / Lesson learned: When French arrogance meets American cluelessness, it's bound to be entertaining. (06/27/2022)

The creators injected a larger dose of humor into this episode, so I enjoyed it more than the first one. Even though I'm not exactly the target audience, I'm having a good time watching this series for girls who like Instagram, so the creators must be doing something right. / Lesson learned: Paris is the city of love; you won't find a better place to end a relationship. (06/27/2022)

I found myself really enjoying the third episode, which brought a sense of nostalgia because it reminded me of a time when the American puritanical approach hadn't yet infected Europe. / Lesson learned: Reactionary and obscurantist attitudes always win. (06/27/2022)

Every episode so far has maintained a sense of lightness, humor, and pace, all while driving the story forward. Now, all I can do is enjoy the ride and eagerly anticipate what's to come. / Lesson learned: Be cautious. You never know what you might be stepping into. (06/28/2022)

The plot felt a bit awkward this time around, there was too much emphasis on Instagram for my liking, and the humor seemed to be lacking. Not even the Eiffel Tower could save it. / Lesson learned: If people at work throw obstacles your way, throw them right back. (06/28/2022)

The sixth episode was full of comebacks. The creators went back to their usual style, bringing back the humor, and company matters, which earned back my four-star rating. They didn't just bring back old elements; they added some new ones too. Admittedly, I could have done without Mindy's musical number — I prefer hearing her speak — but I did enjoy the counting of deaths, which reminded me of how much I liked the movie The Little Death (2014). / Lesson learned: People don't usually look forward to death, unless it's the little death. (06/28/2022)

I got exactly what I anticipated: a simple story with relaxed humor, which is why I had a good time again. The creators didn't try to pretend this was a piece of art; they stuck to their style and delivered the laughs. / Lesson learned: When you're looking forward to something, it's best not to set your expectations too high. (06/29/2022)

The eighth episode was light on the Savoir company storyline, which might bother me under different circumstances, but I unexpectedly enjoyed the trip to the winery. It's interesting to see how the creators tackle "controversial" topics in each episode. It's like a true American talent to find an issue in anything, and if there isn't one, they'll create it. No wonder that almost every American seems to have their own therapist. / Lesson learned: Nervous about the consequences? Maybe it's best to just stay home and hypnotize the wall. (06/30/2022)

In my last review, I mentioned that the previous episode barely featured the Savoir company, but this one was all about it. And you know what? I enjoyed it once again. It seems like the creators of the show are sticking to the idea that less is more, without getting bogged down in complex plots or unnecessary flashiness. It might not sound like it, but it was meant as praise. The storyline and humor are straightforward, making it a perfect show to unwind with that doesn't put too much strain on my brain. / Lesson learned: Watch out for Americans with weird tanks on their backs. (06/30/2022)

The finale didn't quite hit the mark for me. The main culprit? Fashion week. Whether it's meant to be serious or humorous, events like that are just not my thing. The rest of the episode was alright, though, and I'm curious to see what the creators have in store for the next season. / Lesson learned: Turns out, those weird individuals I used to see around the trash bins? It was probably just fashion week. (06/30/2022)

After Season 1, I wrote that I was looking forward to the second season despite all my gripes, and I really meant it. Season 2 quickly cured me of my excitement. Sure, Lily Collins was still cute, but that's about it. Compared to the previous season, all the lightness and playfulness gradually disappeared, the humor became scarce and many of the plot twists smacked of soap-opera, which truly annoyed me. Considering how things have been developing, I’m not excited about Season 3 and most likely will not watch it. / Lesson: Don't go where you aren’t wanted. (10/04/2022)

The opening episode of the second season was a major letdown. I was hoping for a breezy show to unwind with, maybe even get a good laugh, but instead, I was met with what felt like an annoying relationship drama. It seemed like all the lightness from the first season was gone. I'm not sure what changed with the creators, perhaps they started taking themselves too seriously, but it felt like they were veering into soap opera territory. / Lesson learned: If you don't want to meddle in someone's relationship, just don't do it. (06/30/2022)

The second episode has brought a slight improvement in humor compared to the first one, but the storyline falls significantly short of what I grew accustomed to in the first season. The lightness and ease seem to have vanished, replaced by an awkwardness that revolves mainly around the constant dissection of the same relationship issues. I mentioned in one of my earlier reviews that the series targeted a female audience. Now it feels like the creators started focusing on a very narrow segment of that group, as the women I've spoken to about it didn't seem excited about this show. / Lesson learned: There's no working on Saturdays! (07/01/2022)

I'll be honest here and admit I had some good laughs here and there. The issue is, it happened much more frequently in the first season. The only noticeable improvement I saw was in the character Sylvie, who's no longer as stereotypically annoying and keeps me entertained in every scene. However, it feels like the creators have hit a roadblock, and I'm not sure they'll find their way out of it. / Lesson learned: When you get repeated warnings, try to reflect on them. 3*- (07/01/2022)

The only things that kept me entertained were the letters and Sylvia's sarcasm; otherwise, it fell flat for me. It's clear the creators are still following a path that leans towards Turkish and South American soap operas, and in that sense, the episode succeeded. The issue is, I'm just not into that kind of show. But that's okay, only a few more episodes to go. / Lesson learned: No one's ever become poor from begging. (07/01/2022)

I begrudgingly gave the fifth episode a weak three-star rating because it definitely topped the previous one. But that doesn't mean I'm satisfied; I'm still anxiously waiting for someone like Mustafa, Amir, Juan Pablo, or José Fernando to pop up out of nowhere... / Lesson learned: Even in a bad TV show, you might stumble upon a character with an intelligent opinion. 3*- (07/02/2022)

In terms of humor and funny situations, there was definitely some improvement from the last episode. However, it's hard to ignore the fact that the entire second season falls a bit short compared to the first. The ongoing relationship drama continues, but this time around, it wasn't constantly in your face every other minute, which was a nice change of pace. I didn't expect anything amazing (actually, I didn't expect much at all), but it wasn't a total disaster either. / Lesson learned: Don't make promises you can't keep. (07/02/2022)

I've seen the film that inspired the title of the seventh episode, and despite (or maybe because of) its bizarre nature, I found myself really enjoying it. While this episode didn't quite reach the same heights, it still had its funny moments; I'd even go as far as saying it's the best one we've seen in this season so far. A big part of that credit goes to the character who injects some much-needed lightness into the otherwise cumbersome storyline. / Lesson learned: Not a fan of the heat? Find someone with air conditioning. 3*+ (07/03/2022)

The eighth episode left me a bit disappointed after the two decent ones that came before it. The creators seemed to veer back into their soap opera style, and the humor just wasn't hitting the mark this time around. With Alfie practically absent, Sylvia was the only character I found likable. Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu seemed to be thoroughly enjoying her role! / Lesson learned: Champagne can have a bite sometimes, so watch out! (07/03/2022)