The New Emily

She continues: “And we do poke fun at America too. Emily is just as willing to mention things about where she’s from, and they joke about her as much as things are joked about her coworkers or the way of life there. And so when it was little nitpicky things about deep-dish, or that I messed up from the age, I laughed about that. I messed up, I’m so sorry. I know that in this industry, having been in it, having grown up in it, you know that not everyone’s going to love what you do all the time.”

While it was unexpected, and Collins felt—and still feels—the need to defend the series, she also wasn’t about to turn a blind eye to the criticism. Having been born into the business (her father is legendary Genesis frontman Phil Collins) and a mainstay since starring as Sandra Bullock’s daughter in The Blind Side, she has also felt a responsibility to learn and be open to feedback. So when the criticism started rolling in, she wanted to listen.

That meant having Emily embrace authentic French culture instead of just showing the typical Instagrammable tourist spots. In season two—out December 22—Emily starts attending French class and making a real attempt at learning the language, both spoken and unspoken. “You really go into different areas of the city, and see Emily trying a little harder and making an effort in her new city. She’s really leaning into the environment and allowing herself to embrace it and become one with it.”

But by no means does that translate to a grittier, less colorful version of Emily in Paris. It’s still very much the same show you love—or love to pick on—from before. “It’s a heightened version of this world because it’s a comedy,” Collins emphasizes. “And it’s a Darren Star–produced, created, colorful, bright, romantic version of what the story would be.”