Major spoilers ahead for the entire Season 5 of Emily in Paris, now streaming all 10 episodes on Netflix as of December 18, 2025.

In the highly anticipated Season 5 finale, titled “Veni, Vidi, Venezia,” Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) does not end up with either Marcello or Gabriel. Instead, the season closes with Emily single, having chosen her career and life in Paris over a future in Italy, while a tantalizing cliffhanger reignites the long-simmering “will-they-won’t-they” tension with Gabriel (Lucas Bravo).

Emily and Marcello: A Heartfelt but Incompatible Goodbye

Much of Season 5 explores Emily’s committed relationship with Italian fashion heir Marcello Muratori (Eugenio Franceschini), as she splits time between Rome (heading Agence Grateau’s new office) and Paris. The couple faces challenges, including professional conflicts when Marcello secretly negotiates a buyout for his family brand without telling Emily.

The finale shifts to Venice for Marcello’s independent fashion line debut at Venice Fashion Week. Disaster strikes with acqua alta (high-tide flooding), but the team improvises brilliantly—models strut in rain boots—and the show is a triumph. Marcello’s mother finally approves, handing over the family business, which requires him to relocate permanently to the fictional village of Solitano.

Marcello invites Emily to move with him, envisioning a future together (Emily even spots what she thinks is an engagement ring in his bag). However, after reflection, Emily realizes their dreams don’t align: her heart and career are rooted in Paris. In a mature, tearful breakup scene, she tells him she loves the version of him in Paris, but can’t uproot her life. They part amicably, with mutual respect—no villain, just diverging paths.

This marks significant growth for Emily, who prioritizes self-fulfillment over chasing romance, a theme creator Darren Star has emphasized as her evolving independence.

Gabriel’s Return: The Postcard Cliffhanges

Gabriel spends most of the season absent, having left his Michelin-starred restaurant to become private chef on billionaire Thomas Heatherton’s yacht, traveling the world. Early on, he travels to Rome intending to win Emily back but steps aside upon seeing her happy with Marcello.

Mid-season, during a brief Paris visit, Gabriel and Emily share an emotional lunch, admitting past feelings but wishing each other well. He confesses following her to Rome, and they part as friends—Emily even requests a real stamped postcard from his travels.

In the finale, after learning from Sylvie that Emily is single and back in Paris, Gabriel—now with time off in Greece—sends that promised postcard: “Emily, as promised… a postcard with a stamp. I’m at sea without you. Meet me in Greece. Yours, Gabriel.” The season ends with him gazing at the sea, no response from Emily shown.

This setup screams potential Season 6 adventure—”Emily in Greece?”—teasing a possible reunion without committing. Fans are divided: some see it as endgame for “Team Gabriel,” others appreciate Emily’s solo era.

Other Finale Highlights and Growth

  • Mindy (Ashley Park) gets engaged to Nico, but lingering feelings for Alfie resurface dramatically.
  • Agence Grateau faces crises but gets saved unexpectedly.
  • Emily’s arc shines: from Rome’s “vacation mode” to reclaiming Paris, speaking better French, and making empowered choices.

Season 5, blending Rome’s romance with Paris’s familiarity (and a Venice detour), feels transitional yet rewarding. Emily ends stronger, single, and open to whatever comes next—proving the show’s heart is her journey, not just the men.