Lily Collins Defends “Annoying” Qualities of ‘Emily in Paris’ Character

Emily in Paris’s second season is coming into our lives on December 22 (wow, a holiday GIFT), and naturally, Lily Collins is out here doing a ton of press in anticipation of the show. Speaking to Nylon, Lily admitted that many of Emily’s qualities may seem “annoying” but said they’re actually what makes her such a great character to play.

“A lot of the qualities that Emily has, if you put them on paper, would seem so annoying,” she explained. “To have someone be optimistic, bright, and bubbly—it’s sad to think that people would look and go, ‘That’s a lot.’ They’re such beautiful qualities, and the fact that she can partner that with being vulnerable and asking for help and making mistakes—she’s not infallible.”

Lily also addressed Sex and the City comparisons (saying, “She’s in no way mimicking Carrie’s life—Emily probably grew up having Carrie Bradshaw posters on her wall”) and spoke about criticism of the show being an unbelievable and unrealistic portrayal of life in Paris. “I think that this is a heightened reality for Emily, to be moving to Paris, and what she experiences and what she sees,” she explained. “It’s just that when you put them all together in a TV show that also aesthetically looks the way it does, it’s a little less believable.”

Emily in Paris season 2 premieres December 22, so get ready.