Lucas Bravo, the actor known for playing chef Gabriel on the popular Netflix series "Emily in Paris," has made headlines this week by expressing his frustration with the show and hinting at the possibility of leaving after its upcoming fifth season. The French star has criticized the series for its perceived failure to respect the intelligence of its audience.
Bravo's dissatisfaction with his character's story arcs isn't new. Speaking to French publication Le Figaro’s TV magazine, he denounced the dynamics of Gabriel and Emily's relationship, remarking, "Everything is based on a lack of communication". He pointed out how the treatment of their communication is outdated, stating, "These days, the new generation verbalizes, they confront, and [this lack of communication] does not work in this case." He elaborated on his discontent, saying, "People see this mechanism coming from miles away, and I don’t want to be part of a cog..."
Bravo also mentioned having proposed to the show’s creators the idea of opening a vegan restaurant through his character, which was rejected. This refusal seems to have added to his contemplation about continuing on "Emily in Paris." "Life is short", he reflected, concerned about sacrificing months on storytelling he finds uninteresting. "Do I want to sacrifice them by telling [a story]that does not stimulate me?" he mused.
On the other end of the opinion spectrum is musician Lenny Kravitz, who openly appreciates the same Netflix series. Recently, he told The Sunday Times, "I’ve seen the whole thing. I love a bit of camp every now and again." Kravitz, who resides in Paris like the show's main character Emily (played by Lily Collins), added, "Oh, sometimes you’ve got to watch some telly, man. Sometimes you’ve got to watch a bit of telly."
Kravitz's light-hearted reception of the show starkly contrasts Bravo's criticisms. It highlights the differing perspectives of viewers and talent involved with the show. While Bravo expresses his desire for more depth and sophistication, Kravitz finds joy and entertainment value within its campiness.
Since debuting back in October 2020, "Emily in Paris" has seen substantial viewership and has been renewed for another season, yet it has also attracted its fair share of critiques, especially from those who feel it reinforces clichés about Parisian life. The show’s creator, Darren Star, who was also behind the influential series “Sex and the City,” has drawn both admiration and criticisms for his portrayal of French culture.
This juxtaposition of opinions is not surprising considering the cultural differences and expectations. Bravo noted the show's reception and how he feels it distracts from his character’s potential. "I don’t really like what it’s becoming and where this storyline is going," he admitted. "You know, at the end of the day, I’m just an actor, and I’m here to say my lines, but, yeah, it’s kind of weird.” His sentiments signal not just personal frustration but perhaps resonate with some viewers’ reactions to the narrative arc of the show as it progresses.
Where Bravo calls attention to the need for more thoughtful storytelling, Kravitz’s perspective showcases how "Emily in Paris" serves as entertainment, escape, and whimsy—a whirl within the hectic Parisian life. “It’s good entertainment, it’s an escape,” Bravo has stated, even conceding some aspects of charm within the series. He appreciates the growth of the show, noting, "If season one was birth, season two was childhood and season three was being a teenager, season four is about growing to adult life.”
This commentary highlights the evolution of the show over its runtime and Bravo’s realization of its charm, as long as he can connect to its narrative. Yet, for some cast members like Bravo, it appears their personal artistic desires may not align with the developing storyline. Bravo continued to evaluate his connection to the character, stating, "I don’t understand him anymore. But we’ll see... Darren has plans. I’m just following it.”
The upcoming fifth season, which will partially shoot in Rome, where Emily's new love interest is introduced, adds another layer of intrigue. Will Bravo choose to stay or leave as the show continues to explore new romantic arcs? One sentiment appears clear: actors like Bravo need stories with depth and resonance, whereas others find pleasure and amusement within the camp of Parisian romances.
With Bravo’s future on "Emily in Paris" uncertain, and Kravitz’s praise reminding us to enjoy some light-hearted moments, the series stands as both divisive and delightful—a reflection of what makes different viewers connect or disconnect from the same story. Whether fans gravitate toward Bravo’s call for substance or Kravitz's embrace of its charm, the discussion surrounding the show continues well beyond its charming Parisian backdrop. The series continues to spark conversations about culture, representation, and the relevance of depth within entertainment.