tv

'Sorry... Emily.' A definitive ranking of the Emily in Paris characters.

Warning: this article contains spoilers for Emily in Paris.

Four seasons in and I think it's about time we make a collective admission: Emily in Paris is not a guilty-pleasure. It is just a pleasure. Set in one of the most romantic cities in the world, the show is one of the purest forms of escapism. 

So why run from it? The show is as enjoyable as it is ridiculous. And I, for one, love it. 

Part of the fun is watching both likeable and deeply unlikeable characters make good and poor (mostly the latter) decisions. Ahead of the release of Season 4: Part 2, here is my definitive and very professional ranking of all the characters in the show. 

Watch: Emily in Paris Season 4: Part 1 trailer. Article continues after video.


Video via Netflix

First, a quick word on those who are not important enough to make the official list. Sorry to them all:

  • Antoine - After his and Sylvie's affair ended, Antoine just kind of... stayed around, giving us absolutely nothing. Thanks for financially investing in Gabriel's restaurant and for giving Alfie a job, though. We love convenient plot points that allow the two love interests to stay in the storyline!
  • Pierre Cadault - I don't know much about fashion, but those dresses in the season 2 finale are irredeemable. And we haven't seen much of him at all in season 4. 
  • Gregory Dupree - Annoyingly obnoxious, but I've got to admit to laughing every time someone called him 'Gagory'.
  • Benoît - He's had some good chemistry with Mindy this season, but not involved enough to be at the front of our minds. Sorry! 
  • Laurent Grateau - Sylvie's husband is hot but honestly somewhat indistinguishable from the many other hot French men in this series.
  • Camille's dad - An icon.
  • Camille's mum - Not so much an icon.

Okay, now for the main event:

9. Nicolas

Image: Netflix.

ADVERTISEMENT

We cannot deny that Nicolas is one hot Frenchman. And his chemistry with Mindy is incroyable (notably because the actors Paul Forman and Ashely Park are dating in real life, a fact we are absolutely OBSESSED with). 

While Nicolas has shown some courageous and admirable character growth this season, including taking a stand against his father after the alleged sexual assault allegations came up, it's hard to deny that he has some less-than-desirable traits that have reared their ugly head throughout his time on the show. 

From snubbing Emily behind Mindy's back because of his ego, to trying to control what Mindy wears, Nicolas is just too proud and too much a daddy's boy for us to get 100% on board. Sorry Nicolas! 

ADVERTISEMENT

8. Emily

Image: Netflix.

Darling Emily. The American in Paris we just all love to hate on. 

I, myself, love a flawed character. Some of my absolute favourite shows are led by woman who are real, and confusing and multifaceted. Carrie from Sex and the City, Fleabag from, well, Fleabag.

ADVERTISEMENT

Where Emily loses me is her lack of self-awareness. Or perhaps, the show's insistence on painting other characters as villains in order to redeem Emily's behaviour (cough, Camille in season 3, cough). 

Sad to say, Emily Cooper is not a girls' girl. And while I would love to see some real accountability from Emily moving forward, I can't deny that I will always appreciate her passion for life, her chaotic energy, and her ever-changing style. 

7. Gabriel

Image: Netflix.

ADVERTISEMENT

Gabriel is technically everything we want in a love interest. He's charming, but non-threatening. Sweet, but not schmaltzy. Hot, but not in an intimidating way.

And while I was "Team Emily & Gabriel 4eva" when the show first premiered, these days I'm just... over it.

What is most annoying about Gabriel is how he just lets everything HAPPEN to him. Has this man ever made a decision for himself? It's always up to the Emilys and Camille to make decisions and take actions that impact his life.

While we've seen Gabriel and Emily finally make a choice and get together this season, I can't say I'm rooting for this couple in Part 2. 

6. Camille

Image: Netflix.

ADVERTISEMENT

Camille is supposed be the coolest character on this show and I demand justice for her character after season 3 and 4. 

She started off as one of my favourite characters, who was always sweet to Emily and who still has arguably the best wardrobe in the show. So, how did these writers take Camille, whose friend slept with her boyfriend of five years, and turn HER into the villain?

Season 4 has seen her go through some shocking revelations, and I have a feeling it doesn't stop there. Her and Sofia break up, she is not actually pregnant, and she's alone, still living in the same building as her ex and his new girlfriend.

I vote that Camille should ditch this entire group and start fresh. She deserves better. 

5. Julien

Image: Netflix.

ADVERTISEMENT

Julien is very competitive, which would normally get boring, except he's mostly just competitive with Emily... so I like it.

Though we were sad to see him join JVMA this season, we're ecstatic to see him leave amidst all the horrific allegations against Louis de Leon. Gross. 

Not to mention, he brings us some great, vibrant fashion moments without looking like a unicorn threw up on him a la Emily. 

4. Luc

Image: Netflix.

ADVERTISEMENT

I quickly need to point out that Bruno Gouery, who plays Luc, was part of the murderous high-end gays in The White Lotus. In my head, those characters are the same person and this means Emily in Paris and The White Lotus take place in the same universe. And what a universe it is.

But in Emily in Paris, Luc's heart is SO PURE. 

He may not be tight-lipped, but he is a kind soul who cares deeply about his friends and colleagues. Even with the drama he is engulfed in this season with Marianne, the fake Michelin inspector, there is nothing but love in our hearts for him. With the turbulence of season 4, we always need a little bit of Luc. 

ADVERTISEMENT

3. Alfie

Image: Netflix.

Let it be known that from day one, I have been Team Alfie. 

From the moment him and Emily crossed paths in French class, I knew he would be the new leading man in all our hearts. Not only is he funny, charming, and very attractive, but he, unlike certain French chefs, knows how to communicate. 

Despite the mess of season 3, Alfie, like an adult, takes time away from Emily and that situation in order to get his thoughts in order. And eventually decides to forgive her, showing up at the masquerade ball Emily's marketing agency has thrown. 

ADVERTISEMENT

But sadly for us Alfie stans, he is left in the dust once again without even a word from Emily. Classic. 

2. Mindy

Image: Netflix.

Mindy is the most 'main character energy' side character in the history of television.

ADVERTISEMENT

The disowned daughter of a billionaire, she ran away from her home country after becoming an internet meme. She was a nanny for rich Parisian kids (imagine the gossip she has!) and is now chasing her popstar dreams. 

Mindy is kind, she is bold, she is unapologetically herself. 

This season, we witness her growth as she stands up for herself when Nicolas' father makes inappropriate comments about her clothing (I almost gagged when Nicolas picked out that outfit for her) and refuses to condone Louis' deplorable conduct in the office. 

Mindy somehow always finds the balance of supporting her friends and her boyfriend, while making sure she is on the right side of history. A true queen. 

1. Sylvie

Image: Netflix.

ADVERTISEMENT

Can you a say iconic? When it comes to Sylvie Grateau, we have nothing but love. All hail Queen Sylvie. 

From her fashion to her scathing one-liners, I honestly want to be Sylvie Grateau when I grow up. Her sarcastic disposition and incredible understanding of the French luxury market sets her up as one of the most intelligent and sophisticated characters in the entire show. 

As if this Parisian icon couldn't get anymore admirable, the fourth season also sees Sylvie do the seemingly impossible

Despite the danger it could put her reputation and company in, Sylvie makes the choice to expose Louis de Leon's abusive workplace behaviour, stepping forward as an inspiration to women everywhere. 

This season's storyline tackled some very real issues and we can think of no character more courageous and aspirational than Sylvie. 

Feature image: Netflix.

Love watching TV and movies? Take our survey now to go in the running to win a $100 gift voucher.

00:00 / ???