Venice, Italy: The production of the popular Netflix series Emily in Paris has been temporarily suspended following the sudden death of assistant director Diego Borella. The 47-year-old was reportedly preparing a scene for the show’s fifth season at the Hotel Danieli in Venice when he collapsed. Despite immediate medical assistance, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Paramount Television Studios, the producer of the series, confirmed the tragic news in a statement. “We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of our production family,” the studio stated. “Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.”

Filming for the fifth season, which began on August 15 and was originally scheduled to wrap up on August 25, has been put on hold. Production is expected to resume after Borella’s funeral services are completed.

The tragic event has cast a somber light on a series that has otherwise been a major success for Netflix. Emily in Paris, a romantic comedy-drama, has garnered a massive global following since its debut. While it has received mixed reviews from critics, its lighthearted and escapist nature made it a favorite among viewers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Series Release & Viewership The show’s consistent popularity is reflected in its impressive viewership numbers across all its seasons.

• Season 1: Released on October 2, 2020. It was a massive hit, with an estimated 58 million households watching the season in its first 28 days.

• Season 2: Released on December 22, 2021.

• Season 3: Released on December 21, 2022.

• Season 4: This season was split into two parts, with the first part released on August 15, 2024, and the second on September 12, 2024. In its first four days, it accumulated 19.9 million views, topping Netflix’s Global Top 10 list and making it into the Top 10 in 93 countries.

• Season 5: The upcoming season, currently in production, is scheduled for a December 18, 2025 release.

While Netflix does not release specific financial figures on its productions, estimates of lead actress Lily Collins’ salary provide some insight into the show’s budget. She is reportedly paid around $300,000 per episode, which amounts to approximately $3 million for a 10-episode season. This highlights the significant investment the streaming platform has made in the series.

The show’s ongoing popularity and dedicated fan base have ensured its renewal, making it a key part of Netflix’s content library.