Forget political debates, JD Vance is now arguing that ‘Emily in Paris’ holds the key to fixing American millennial values: ‘Shakespeare of our time’
Vance wants Emily married.
It is not every day that a high-ranking political figure turns a Netflix romantic comedy into a focal point for national discourse. According to the Washington Examiner, Vice President J.D. Vance has officially declared that the show Emily in Paris is the Shakespeare of our time. He shared this perspective in a TikTok video recently. While the series is a lighthearted escape for many, Vance views it as a significant cultural critique.
The series follows Emily Cooper, played by Lily Collins, as she moves from Chicago to Paris to work at a French marketing firm. Vance argues that the plot is not just about a bubbly girl working abroad. He sees the relationship between Emily and the character Chef Gabriel, played by actor Lucas Bravo, as a cautionary tale. According to Vance, it is obvious that the two characters belong together. He insists they should marry, start a family, and build a life together.
Vance is upset that Emily and Gabriel engage in ‘a series of absurd and sometimes hilarious mistakes’
Pointing out that Emily and Gabriel frequently prioritize their jobs or date other people, Vance calls their choices atrocious decisions that reflect poorly on his own generation. By focusing on their careers instead of settling down, he believes they embody a specific type of millennial malaise. He stated that the show captures the essence of his generation through these romantic near-misses. For him, the will-they or won’t-they dynamic represents a departure from traditional family values.
Vance has been vocal about his admiration for Emily in Paris for some time. The Hill reports that in a 2024 appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, he referred to the show as a masterpiece. He seems to find the narrative arc of the series both maddening and revealing and clearly feels that the characters are failing to do the most important thing. According to the Vice President, this is to fall in love and build a life with someone worth their time.
Vance has maintained a consistent stance on the importance of marriage and family since entering the political spotlight. He and his wife, second lady Usha Vance, have four children together, including their youngest child, Alec Vance, who was born in July 2026.
The couple met while they were both students at Yale Law School and have been married since June 2014. His public commentary often emphasizes his support for a potential baby boom in the United States. During a speech at the 2026 RNC Midterm Convention in Dallas, Texas, he reiterated his desire for his children to find partners and build lives together.
Some suggest a deeper agenda behind these pop-culture critiques
The current administration has introduced several policy positions that align with pronatalist goals. According to the Daily Beast, these include proposals for $5,000 baby bonuses and the creation of a National Medal of Motherhood for parents with six or more children.
Furthermore, the administration has updated Title X guidelines to prioritize family formation and educate the public on natural methods of birth control. These policy shifts reflect a broader effort to frame birthrates as a national priority. Critics argue that Vance uses the show to launder ideas that might otherwise be controversial if stated plainly.
By projecting his views onto a fictional television show, he can discuss the perceived failures of women who choose careers over domestic life. This approach echoes his previous, widely discussed comments about childless individuals. Although he later described those earlier remarks as boneheaded, his current focus on Emily in Paris suggests he remains concerned about how young people prioritize their life choices.
The show itself is a staple of the romantic comedy genre
Emily in Paris relies heavily on slow-burn relationships to keep audiences engaged. Shows like this have historically used romantic tension to drive narratives forward.
Whether it is the classic dynamic of Ross and Rachel or the tension between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy, the will-they or won’t-they trope is a standard tool for writers. Some argue that interpreting these plot devices as a referendum on moral character says more about the viewer than the writers.
Regardless of his intended meaning, Vance seems committed to his reading of the series. He describes his take as a meta-analysis of the show, which is currently heading into its sixth and final season. The new season is scheduled to debut in December. It remains to be seen if his endorsement will change how the public views the show or if it will simply add another layer to the ongoing culture wars.
What is clear is that Vance sees the path of the main character as a clear deviation from the traditional values he has always gone out of the way to promote. He continues to use his platform to encourage a return to what he considers a more stable and traditional lifestyle for all Americans.
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