Ashley Park from Emily in Paris Discusses the Unexpected Fallout of the Alfie Romance
Ashley Park shared her thoughts after Emily in Paris heightened the drama with a budding romance between Mindy and Emily’s ex-boyfriend, Alfie.
In season 5, which premiered on Thursday, December 18, Mindy and Alfie (Lucien Laviscount) developed a connection that they initially chose to hide from Emily (Lily Collins). Park, 34, expressed her excitement regarding how the popular Netflix series addressed the complex relationships among the characters.
“We really see Emily and Mindy in different situations. I think it’s the first time their friendship scenes strayed from how Lily and I usually interact,” Park said while promoting her collaboration with Planet Oat to celebrate the launch of their new White Chocolate Raspberry Oatmilk Creamer, referring to the strain in their friendship.
The actress noted that typically, Mindy and Emily reflected the closeness she shares with Collins in real life.
“I’m proud of both of these women on the show. We witness a genuine sisterhood that strengthens over time,” Park added. “Still, I would say Emily in Paris keeps surprising me.”
Park admitted she “did not see” the direction of Mindy’s storylines coming.
“I feel like I’ve been part of eight different genres of shows all in one,” she exclaimed. “What more could you wish for? I’ve stopped making expectations. It feels surreal; they really keep us on our toes.”
Season 5 may have kicked off with Mindy and Alfie embracing their chemistry, but it wrapped up with a shocking proposal. After a breakup, Mindy rekindled her romance with ex Nicolas (Paul Forman), who proposed during a trip to Venice. Mindy accepted, yet her lingering feelings for Alfie left her uncertain about her future.
“Approaching season 5, which we’re about to release, it’s been over half a decade [since the show’s debut],” Park teased in a previous interview with Us. “Lily and I were just discussing that the other day. We’ve known each other for over five years, and it’s intriguing to step into characters who are just a few days older than we are, while we’ve evolved as individuals over those six months to a year [between seasons].”
Park expressed her gratitude for being part of Emily in Paris, saying, “This show has truly transformed my life in terms of the opportunities and discussions I can engage in. Thanks to Netflix’s global reach, I get to converse with people from around the world. I’m incredibly thankful.”
To celebrate the fifth season, Park showcased her love for the show through a partnership with Planet Oat, launching a limited-edition creamer. The Planet Oat White Chocolate Raspberry Oatmilk Creamer draws inspiration from Emily in Paris, offering the delightful flavors of rich white chocolate and tangy raspberry.
“I absolutely adore white chocolate and raspberry. My appreciation for raspberry blossomed during my first trip to Paris, where they have the most amazing berries,” Park remarked. “Those berries are on a whole other level. I’ve also been a fan of Planet Oat.”
Timed with season 5’s release, Planet Oat will feature at L’Appartement 4F in Brooklyn to highlight the new White Chocolate Raspberry Creamer. Guests will be treated to exclusive menu items — including The Raspberet Latte and The Raspberet Croissant — inspired by the show’s Parisian backdrop, designed to showcase the new creamer.
As a fan of oat milk, Park is thrilled at the opportunity to elevate her coffee experience.
“As a singer, I’ve always opted for non-dairy options. Planet Oat offers such a variety of flavors, and my favorite thing about these creamers is how they enhance the flavor of my coffee. I used to drink it black until I discovered oat milk creamers,” she added. “I realized, ‘Wow, this can taste delightful.’”
Planet Oat’s White Chocolate Raspberry Oatmilk Creamer will hit the shelves alongside the return of Emily in Paris on Thursday, December 18.
