Top 10 Cringiest Emily in Paris Moments

Following its first season, “Emily in Paris” received a barrage of well-deserved criticism from French viewers who objected to the shallow, inaccurate depiction of their culture. Season 2 made it clear that the creators had decided to frame this backlash as a joke that the show was in on. This is most obvious in a scene between Sylvie, and her American counterpart Madeline. It’s obvious that the two women are on completely different pages about their vision for Savoir. In response to Madeline’s input on an upcoming campaign, Sylvie delivers a withering line of meta commentary. It was impossible not to groan at this attempt to wink at the off-screen controversy. Especially since it wasn’t the only time the writers spoke through the characters.

Season 1 established that Emily’s American Energizer Bunny work ethic is at odds with French work culture. We see a continuation of this more laissez faire attitude in Season 2, when Emily turns a trip to St. Tropez into a work opportunity. This is a choice that bewilders and annoys her French colleagues, several of whom inform her that her calls violate more than just their own free time. Not only does this continue to play up the idea that the French are somehow less industrious than Americans, but it’s factually incorrect as well. France does have a law protecting worker time off, but it only mandates that employees receive at least one full 24 hours off each week.

No matter how incredible the opportunity, living abroad can be a lonely experience. So we definitely understand when Emily is excited to meet fellow expat, Judith Robertson. Less forgivable, however, is their disdain for the French language. When the two women meet at Ralph Lauren’s classically American Paris restaurant, they bond by mocking the local accent and pronunciation. It’s pretty rich coming from Emily, who can’t speak any language other than her own, and who barely attempts to learn. This is just a bad look all around, even if they manage to give France a little bit of credit.

One of the most unbelievable aspects of “Emily in Paris,” is the idea that Emily could launch herself to Influencer status with just a handful of basic pictures and punny hashtags. Somehow it’s enough to net her an invitation to an exclusive event though, which she attends hoping to gain a new client for Savoir. Determined to be noticed, Emily searches for inspiration. And she finds it, delivering a line that didn’t turn heads so much as make them hit the couch cushions in exasperation. In the competitive social media game it takes more than this most basic wordplay to make a splash. Yet we’re asked to believe that inspired Olivia to pluck Emily from the crowd. Yeah, we’re still not convinced.

Despite her established lack of experience with luxury goods, Emily insists on accompanying the Savoir team to visit fashion designer Pierre Cadeau. It goes about as well as one would expect, with the couturier angrily pronouncing her “Ringarde.” Nevertheless, she devises a plan to track him down at the opera and win him over. Emily argues that “Ringardes” are actually Cadeau’s most valuable consumer base. Her point misses the whole legacy of French haute couture but sure. Okay. And she only makes herself look more clueless when she brings up Gossip Girl. She says as she stands there styled like Blair Waldorf’s style icon, Audrey Hepburn. Come on. This clumsy choice makes the production team look as oblivious as Emily.

Emily is shocked to discover that her boss Sylvie is the mistress of Savoir’s long-time client Antoine Lambert. However, not as shocked as when Mindy informs her that it is just one more cultural norm in France. Sylvie’s relationships have become a frequent way that “Emily in Paris” illustrates an indifferent attitude towards monogamy, that it insists is some part of the French ethos. In season 2 it even goes further by introducing Sylvie’s husband. However, it’s all just one more example of the series’ tendency to promote tired stereotypes and to paint an entire culture with a broad brush. Worse, the show can’t even stick to its fabricated moral code, since Mindy herself eventually contradicts it when discussing Emily’s fling with Gabriel.

Emily’s best efforts notwithstanding, it was only a matter of time before her Season 1 hook up with Gabriel got back to Camille. In the aftermath of that dramatic evening, Emily attempts to reach out to Camille through a letter, hoping to repair their friendship and use her French skills in an earnest effort at bridging the rift between them. Too bad that letter is almost physically painful to listen to. It’s a classic Emily move, one that shows no understanding of other peoples’ boundaries or her own limitations. We will give credit, however, for the fact that, for once, this moment is supposed to be cringey. And for Camille’s spot on reply.

“Karen in Paris” doesn’t have the same ring to it (or rhyming potential), but it is much more fitting for this particular situation. While dining out with Mindy, Emily takes issue with the steak she is served. Though the waiter’s expression speaks volumes, he takes her plate back to the kitchen without comment. However, when he returns he informs her that the food has, indeed, been prepared properly. While this kind of rationale is common in America, where customers are used to being able to demand any sort of accommodation, it’s considered very rude in other parts of the world. Emily is unconcerned with avoiding any Ugly American missteps though, responding with the kind of arrogance we’ve come to expect from her.

Bearing in mind the Season 1 criticisms of Emily’s apathy for the French language, the second season makes an effort to show Emily attending French classes regularly. As per the teacher’s instruction, she partners up with a fellow student to practice her conversational speaking. They seem to get along well at first. They even meet outside of class to spend time together. Unfortunately, Petra’s idea of shopping is actually shoplifting. Horrified, Emily confronts her and insists on returning the items, much to Petra’s displeasure. Far from just being a dumb misadventure, Petra’s portrayal actually depicts a longstanding, offensive stereotype about Eastern European women. Guess Darren Starr was tired of just insulting the French. Ukraine’s Minister of Culture even weighed in on this ill-conceived caricature.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Lost in Translation, “Emily in Paris”
Emily’s App Assisted Introduction Was As Off-Putting to Watch as it Was For Julien to Experience

Cup Size, “A Family Affair”
This History Lesson Turns Into a Face-Palming Attempt at Flirtation

La Vie On the Nose, “Ringarde”
Ashley Park’s Gorgeous Voice Can’t Make Up for This Cliché Song Choice

Double Entendre, “A Family Affair”
We Get It. The Dish Sounds Like Something Else. Hilarious.

When Camille brings Emily home it’s to talk to her parents about the family champagne business, and to meet her cute brother. And wouldn’t you know it, the two have an instant attraction. It’s only after a steamy night in bed that Emily discovers the truth. It turns out that Camille has two brothers, and Emily’s conquest is the underage one. She is rightfully mortified, but everyone else only finds the situation amusing. It’s hard to say if that’s the grosser part of this whole episode, or the way Camille’s mother reacts to her teenage son’s hookup with a woman in her late twenties. In a series full of weird, wild, and nonsensical missteps, this one takes the cake. Or maybe the coq. Our apologies.