Samuel Arnold Is New In Town

Emily In Paris’ flamboyant Frenchman talks filming the show’s fifth season in Rome, and how his character Julien helped him step out of his shell.

As 2026 kicks into gear, Samuel Arnold is adjusting to life changes and is settling into new beginnings. The 34-year-old Parisian actor moved to Los Angeles in fairly recent history – by way of London – embarking on the next stage of his life and his career.

The latter is thriving; set to soar to new heights in the coming 12 months. You’ll likely know Arnold from his major breakthrough project and focus across the past five years: Netflix’s overwhelmingly popular, zeitgeist-feeding romantic drama Emily In Paris. His on-screen muse, Julien, has been by the titular character’s side since the show’s 2020 inception; her “best friend” and “worst enemy” in coalescence, the actor quips.

Emily In Paris’ fifth season dropped just before the holiday period – no doubt binged insatiably by the millions of die-hard fans over the Christmas break. It was a 10-pronged episodic left-turn, moving from its French capital habitat to the equally sophisticated Rome. Aside from new storylines and character development, it was an opportunity for Arnold to personally grow and flourish. A life experience in itself, he tells Man About Town.

Fresh off the back of his fifth outing as the flamboyant, fierce and loveable Julien, Arnold will be seen in a contemporary adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic Great Expectations, titled just Expectations, as well as a more-than-likely return to the Emily In Paris world for a newly announced sixth season.

Below, Arnold discusses his entry into acting, his experiences in Rome, and what he loves and hates about Paris.

Was acting always something you wanted to pursue?

I didn’t always know I wanted to be an actor, but I always knew I wanted to tell stories — whether through drawing, rap, or dance… Acting came later, when I realised it was my favourite way to express those stories.

How did you first become involved with Emily In Paris?

I was based in London at the time when my agent in Paris called me for the audition. I had to go back and pretend I was a Paris local — because that’s what they were looking for — and the rest is history.

How have you grown in coalescence with your character, Julien, over the past five years?

When I started in season one, I was very shy and not the most confident person — basically the opposite of Julien. Playing him for so many years forced me to step into qualities I didn’t naturally have. I genuinely believe that portraying him helped me become more confident and allowed me to stand more fully in my power.

To those who haven’t seen the show, how would you describe Julien and Emily’s relationship?

Julien is the best friend — and the best enemy — Emily could have. He’ll roast her every chance he gets, and he’s highly competitive with her, but when push comes to shove, he always has her back. They’re like brother and sister now.

How do you reflect on the cultural impact of the show?

I am amazed by the global reach the show has had. Emily in Paris became part of pop culture in ways none of us expected — people quote it, travel to filming locations, and connect deeply with these characters. It’s incredibly humbling to be part of something that resonates with audiences all over the world.

What’s the best and the worst thing about Paris?

The best thing about Paris is the Parisians… and the worst thing about Paris is also the Parisians. It depends on the day.

This new fifth season sees you up to mischief in Rome! How was that experience? What can we expect from the new season?

Rome was a blast. It felt like a life experience in itself. I already knew Paris so well, but discovering Rome through Darren Star’s vision was completely different — everything from the locations to the moments spent on set felt magical.

I got to experience Paris “the Darren Star way” for five seasons, and now I’ve had the chance to do the same with Rome. This new season gives Rome the full first-class treatment — viewers are in for something special.

What else is on the horizon for you? What’s 2026 looking like?

I’ve just moved to the U.S., and I’m settling into life in Los Angeles. My team and I are preparing for the next story we want to tell, the next chapter to create. It’s a very exciting time, and 2026 feels full of possibilities.

Photography – Raul Romo

Grooming – Grace Phillip

Styling – Avo Yermagyan