When Emily in Paris hit Netflix, it was like a fashion-forward hurricane sweeping through the digital streets—now four seasons deep with a 6.8 IMDB rating, the series has built a devoted fan base obsessed with Emily’s wild adventures in the City of Lights. But while many binge-watchers dream of croissants and cobblestone streets, there’s a deeper debate bubbling beneath all that glitz and glamour: Is this show really the French learning guide it’s hyped up to be?
Ask any serious French learner or an actual Parisian, and you’ll hear a different tune. In fact, Emily in Paris is more often met with an exaggerated pfff and an eye roll from locals. A viral interview by the popular YouTube channel Easy French captures the essence of the Parisian consensus, with locals dubbing the show as nothing more than a "cliché" and a "fun pastime." While entertaining, they argue, it paints a fantasy version of Paris that’s polished, glorified, and, well, a tad far from reality. Think of it as the Instagram filter of French culture—beautiful, but not quite real.
Don’t get us wrong. We’re all for Lily Collins twirling through Paris in Chanel, and we admit her effortless charm is what keeps many glued to the screen. But can you really trust Netflix’s dreamy streets and flirty dialogue to teach you the ins and outs of French language and culture? Emily in Paris might be the talk of the town, but if you’re serious about your French lessons, this one’s probably not your golden ticket.
At Dialect Diaries, if we had to rank shows for learning French, we’d place Emily in Paris at a solid 7 or 8 on a top 10 list—more for its feel-good vibes than its educational value. The show paints a picture-perfect version of Paris, with just a hint of that oh-so-famous French flair. But basing your entire view of France on Emily’s Instagram-ready life? Now that would be a tragedy worthy of a Parisian sigh.
So, while the show shines in the entertainment world—and yes, we heart Lily Collins—let’s not mistake it for a crash course in French. It’s a glamorous escape, not a language lesson. The city of Paris has many faces, and you’ll just have to see them for yourself.
