‘Emily in Paris’ Season 5 Drives Massive Viewership, But Divides Critics and Audiences
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Netflix subscribers are once again captivated by the world of Emily in Paris, with the fifth season of the hit series becoming an instant streaming success despite a starkly divided reception. The show, starring Lily Collins, debuted its latest episodes on December 18th and quickly climbed the charts, securing the second-most-watched spot among English-language series on Netflix for the week of December 15th through December 21st with 13.5 million views.
A Return to the Top for the Rom-Com Drama
The popularity of Emily in Paris isn’t a surprise, as the series has consistently ranked among Netflix’s most-watched titles since its premiere in 2020. The show’s escapist and lighthearted nature has proven to be a draw for subscribers, contributing to a total of 78 million hours viewed during the tracked week. This performance placed it just behind the miniseries Man Vs. Baby, starring Rowan Atkinson, which garnered 14.6 million views. Notably, Emily in Paris even surpassed viewership numbers for all seasons of Stranger Things, a testament to its current momentum ahead of that show’s final season.
Season 5: A Critical and Audience Divide
While Emily in Paris continues to perform well with viewers, Season 5 has emerged as the most divisive yet. The series has historically received mixed reviews, but the latest installment presents a unique paradox: a series-best critic score alongside a series-low audience rating.
Critics initially gave Season 5 a 56% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which subsequently rose to an all-time high of 79% for the series. However, the audience consensus paints a different picture, with a “rotten” rating of just 35%. Some viewers and critics have pointed to issues with character development, a repetitive plot, and continuity errors. Despite these criticisms, one reviewer from The Wrap noted that the season “does what the series is meant to do best: Provide a fashion-forward and romantic escape with absurd moments, likeable characters and good intentions.”
Future of the Series Remains Bright
Despite not yet receiving an official renewal for a sixth season, the future of Emily in Paris appears secure. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos hinted at a potential continuation during the streamer’s Q3 earnings call in October, describing the show as “incredible” and a “global sensation” in a statement to Variety.
The combination of strong viewership numbers and improved critical reception for Season 5 suggests that Netflix is likely to move forward with another installment, continuing the adventures of Emily as she navigates life, love, and marketing in Paris.
