Netflix’s popular Parisian drama, Emily in Paris has a love-hate reputation among the masses. Some despise the series for its escapist and unrealistic plot filled with stereotypes, while others, who refuse to take the show too seriously, adore it for its strong female characters, a wacky sense of fashion, and an endearing mix of romantic plots. And if you’re among the latter, then you know we can’t wait for season 3, especially after a trailer like that!
While October 14 isn’t that long of a wait, it can seem like a while for the adoring fans of Emily in Paris. And, so, in the meantime, here’s a list of popular rom-coms and dramas to watch before the new season hits Netflix. One thing we can guarantee, is that these are almost just as good as Emily in Paris if not better.
And Just Like That…
Photo Courtesy: IMDb
Before Emily in Paris, there was Sex and the City, a cult-classic for many aspiring writers and fashion enthusiasts. And while it will always be a classic, it’s fair to say that the show has been around long enough for us to look away and turn to their smashing reboot, And Just Like That…Taking place years after the second movie, And Just Like That reunites the beloved trio Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte (Samantha supposedly moved to London). The plot transitions from the friendship the trio had in their 30s, to a more complicated reality of life and friendship in their 50s. The show is very similar to Emily in Paris where young professionals (Emily in Paris and Carrie in New York) navigate love, life and friendship. What’s ironic, is that the latter show was written by Sex and the City‘s Darren Star himself, who was missing from the production of And Just Like That… leading many to believe Emily in Paris to be the real reboot of SATC.
Watch online on Amazon Prime
Girls
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Emily’s character in Emily in Paris was one of the main reasons people disliked the show. However, if you didn’t mind the slightly ditsy traits of her character, then you might actually enjoy Girls. The story follows a group of four friends in their 20s, Hannah, Marnie, Jess and Shoshanna, going through their everyday lives, trying to figure out what they want. The series, written and directed by Lena Dunham, is said to be mildly inspired by her own life. The story begins with Hannah, who is an aspiring writer, finding out her parents cut her off financially. As the story moves along, Hannah and her friends struggle with life post their vibrant college years as they struggle to make ends meet, while sustaining their careers and their personal lives.
Watch online on Disney+ Hotstar
Love Life
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Emily in Paris’ charming-brunette-struggles-through-life-in-the-big-city plots was one of the many aspects that we loved about the show. And while there are several movies and series that share the new-girl-in-the-city trope,Love Lifeis the closest competition with an abundance in terms of romantic plots. It is an easy breezy romance that seldom demands much attention. At the heart of the series is a twentysomething Darby Carter played by the eccentric Anna Kendrick. Darby, struggling to maintain any meaningful relationships in her life, goes on many dates, exploring a new relationship in every episode of the first season. And as often happens in real life, almost all of her dates end up being unsuccessful. Season 2 gets a more exciting entry with The Good Place’s William Jackson Harper as Marcus Watkins.
Watch online on Amazon Prime
Sweetbitter
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Albeit a slightly darker plot, Sweetbitter shares a similarity with Emily in Paris, wherein like Emily, Tess is a a fish-out-of-water in a new city. Moving to New York at 22, Tess, friendless and without any ambitions, lands a job as a waitress at a high-end restaurant. While Tess thinks that her job is a temporary situation, she is soon intoxicated by the people she meets, and the experiences behind the scenes — tasting expensive wine, exploring dive bars, and meeting new people. Like Emily, Tess finds herself with a new bunch of friends in the the form of her co-workers who help her navigate her new life in New York, while giving her a sense of belonging, something she has never encountered before.
Watch online on Just Watch
The Bold Type
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Inspired by the life and career of former Cosmopolitan editor-in-chief Joanna Coles, The Bold Typefollows three best friends Jane Sloan, Sutton Brady and Kat Dennings, all of whom work for the very glamourous (fictional) magazine called Scarlet. While Savoir (Emily’s new job in Paris) and Scarlet are different careers, they do have quite a few similarities in terms of a creative workspace that demands out of the box ideas, while delving deep into the protagonists’ personal lives. The Bold Type explores the challenges faced by young women trying to carve a spot for themselves within their workspaces while tackling personal and socio-economic issues as well. That and of course the romance and drama which makes this the perfect watch before (or after) Emily in Paris.
Watch online on Netflix and Amazon Prime
Younger
Photo Courtesy: IMDb
Much before Emily in Paris, Younger was another masterpiece created by Sex and the City’s infamous Darren Star. And if you loved Emily in Paris, then you’re going to enjoy Younger just as much. The plot follows a 40-year-old single mother named Liza Miller who gets a job as a publishing assistant. After being an at home mom focused on raising her daughter, Liza decided to lie about her age after being mistaken for being much younger than she actually is, pretending to be a 26-year old. She looks at this as an opportunity to reboot her career and her love life. Like Emily, Liza navigates her newfound situation that is filled with struggles she is forced to face from a millennial point-of-view. The best part of the show? The fantastic duo of Sutton Foster and Hilary Duff!
