The fourth season of “Emily in Paris” takes viewers on a journey to the Italian capital, as the show’s protagonist Emily Cooper, portrayed by Lily Collins, explores Rome. The latest episodes, which debuted on Netflix on September 12, see Emily visiting her new romantic interest, Marcello, played by Eugenio Franceschini, in his hometown. This Roman excursion becomes more than just a brief trip when Emily’s boss, Sylvie, appoints her to head the new Rome office of Agence Grateau.
As Emily discovers Rome’s iconic landmarks, the show presents a romanticized version of the city that diverges significantly from reality. One of the first stops on Emily and Marcello’s Vespa tour is the Colosseum. In the series, they effortlessly cruise past the ancient amphitheater on nearly empty streets. However, the actual area surrounding the Colosseum is typically congested with vehicles and swarming with tourists, making such a serene ride highly improbable.
The couple’s next destination, the Trevi Fountain, is similarly depicted as an uncrowded haven. Emily is shown approaching the fountain via a quiet side street, only realizing its proximity when they turn the corner. In reality, the streets leading to this popular attraction are often filled with long queues of visitors. The show allows Emily to partake in the coin-tossing tradition without any interference from other tourists, a scenario that’s hard to imagine given the fountain’s perpetual crowding.
Janiculum Hill, while offering breathtaking panoramic views of Rome, is presented in the show as another surprisingly tranquil location. In actuality, this vantage point is frequently bustling with tourists, cars, and souvenir vendors, creating a much livelier atmosphere than portrayed on screen.
Perhaps the most unrealistic scene occurs at the Spanish Steps, where Emily and Marcello are shown lounging midway up the famous staircase. This depiction overlooks a 2019 ban on sitting or lying on the steps, implemented to prevent obstruction and maintain the site’s
cleanliness. Visitors attempting to recreate this moment could face fines of up to 400 euros.
The show also takes liberties with the Piazza Mattei, presenting it as a quaint square where Emily’s friend Mindy performs to an enthusiastic crowd. While the piazza does feature the charming Turtle Fountain, it’s typically a much quieter location, unlikely to draw the large, attentive audience shown in the series.
These romanticized portrayals of Rome’s famous sites, while visually appealing and conducive to the show’s narrative, paint an unrealistic picture of the Italian capital. The absence of crowds, the ease of access to popular monuments, and the disregard for local regulations all contribute to a fantasy version of Rome that diverges
significantly from the experiences of most visitors.
As “Emily in Paris” potentially gears up for a fifth season, viewers are left wondering whether Emily’s Roman adventure will continue. While the show’s depiction of Rome may not align with reality, it certainly succeeds in showcasing the city’s beauty and charm, albeit through a heavily filtered lens. As fans anticipate the next chapter in Emily’s European escapades, they might do well to temper their expectations should they plan their own visits to these iconic Roman locations.