Valentine's Day is almost here, and whether you're single or happily taken, you can always have an amazing time celebrating the season with your best girlfriends. We're channeling our inner Leslie Knope this Galentine's Day with 50 ideas for spending it with your squad. From gathering your girlfriends for a Galentine's Day party or embarking on an epic road trip, now is the time to plan your February weekend with the best of your friends, near and far.
The Best Galentine's Day Ideas For 2024
Image via Brit + Co
Add Some Pink With These Taylor Swift Fuzzy Dice
Pink is always a good idea when it comes to decor, so for any of your Galentine's Day parties this year, DIY these Taylor Swift dice inspired by "Cruel Summer"! (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
DIY Galentine's Day Candy Boxes
Send your best friends home with adorable candy boxes that may or may not be used as trinket trays later on ;). (via Brit + Co)
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Have A Bachelor Marathon
Calling all Bachelor fans! Catch up on new episodes from The Bachelor season 28 by hosting a marathon viewing party for your favorite rose ceremony show. Not a Bachelor fan? Try one of these Netflix originals that are perfect for Galentine's Day. (via Brit + Co)
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DIY Galentine's Day Fort
Camp out with your BFFs in this homemade fort that's just as much fun to make as it is to relax in! It's the perfect Galentine's Day idea at home. (via Brit + Co)
Image viaA Beautiful Mess
Host A Nail Pampering Galentine's Day Party
Pamper yourself and your BFFs with a nail design party. Put out bottles of their favorite polish/color and create a fun playlist of your favorite love/empowerment songs. (via Brit + Co)
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Host A Galentine's Day Bake-off
BFFs stand together even when they're single or happily taken. Host a delicious bake-off with your gals to see who can get the most creative in the kitchen. (via Brit + Co)
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Make Conversation Heart Care Packages
For friends who live near and far, make these sweet care packages filled with their favorite things. (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
Host a Galentine's Day Party Game Night
Play Gin Rummy with your favorite gin cocktail, dominoes, charades, whatever floats your game-loving boat! Don't forget the candy charcuterie! (via Brit + Co)
Image viaTaylor Simpson
Plan A Girl's Getaway
Here are the happiest cities in the world. Grab your girls and escape winter for an amazing Galentine's Day weekend you'll never forget. (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
Take a Class Together
Film photography is cool again. One reason to get creative with your gals with a day of fun learning/doing. (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
Host a Brunch
Our epic Galentine's brunch has everything from red velvet heart waffles to DIY centerpieces to Galentine card writing stations. This gem-inspired brunch is a fun idea too! (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
Have A DIY Party With Planters
Get a jump on spring decor with an easy DIY planter party. With a few basic steps, you and your girls can create living wall decor to decorate your space for February and even all the way through the summer months. (via Brit + Co)
Image via Shutterstock
Host a Cookie Party
Check out our list of 30 Valentine's Day cookie recipes and start a holiday cookie tradition, G-Day style! (via Brit + Co)
Image via Element5 Digital
Go On A Road Trip With Your Gals
You don't have to spend your Galentine's Day party inside. If you're not near the beach, you can take a day trip instead. Some ideas include visiting a ski resort, going for a hike, or exploring that small town you've been meaning to hit. (via Brit + Co)
Image via Brit + Co
Have A Puppy-Love Play Date
Galentine's Day isn't just for humans. Invite your BFFs and their furry friends over for a puppy-love playdate. If you want to keep things a bit more relaxed, host a movie night and ask your friends to bring their dog beds too.
Image via Aww Sam
Host A Mean Girls Movie Night
Prepare for a cozy night in with your ladies by catching up on one of the most classic flicks (or the new musical update!). Set the tone for the night with a DIY burn book vase that doubles as a hilarious take-home treat. (via Aww Sam)
Image viaSasha • Stories
Have A Beach Day Picnic
If you live on the coast, host your Galentine's Day gathering at the beach. Make sure you bring your favorite beach bag, a pair of sunglasses, and perhaps some bubbly!
Image viaKelsey Chance
Have A Wine Tasting
You and your girls love your wine (the proof is in your Instagram reels!), so use the day as an excuse to host your very own rosé tasting party.
Image via Brit + Co
Hit The Slopes
An adventurous way to get outdoors and spend time with your ladies is to take advantage of the snow. Go skiing or snowboarding, or build a snow(wo)man. Then enjoy après ski cocktails!
Image via Brit + Co
Have A Pool Party
If you live in a warmer climate (or have a heated pool), throw a fun G-Day pool party complete with all of the essentials like vino, floaties, and sunhats.
Image via Brit + Co
Host A Parks & Rec Marathon
The best way to celebrate Galentine's Day is by honoring the creator, Leslie Knope, with a Parks and Rec marathon viewing party. Ask your ladies to supply the booze, and you can serve up the snacks and the show — or any of our other favorite feel-good TV shows.
Image via Brit + Co
Host An Outdoor Dinner + Movie
Your ladies deserve a get-together that's sure to give each gal the much-needed fun she deserves. Host a movie and dinner for your ladies, outdoors if the weather permits. Step up your party with favors, swag bags, and a night of unlimited drinks.
Image via Shutterstock
Have A Karaoke Party
What better way to start off your Galentine's Day shindig than by belting out a few tunes with your favorite ladies? Yep, we didn't think we'd have to tell you twice.
Image via Brit + Co
Go on A Hike
Keep up your 2024 health goals with an active day outdoors. It's a great way to bond with your girlfriends and with nature.
Image viaNo Revisions
Book A Spa Day
What better way to show self love than to book a much-deserved spa day with gal pals. You'll feel refreshed and recharged.
Image via Brit + Co
Zoom With Surprise Takeout
Bestie live in another state? Plan an evening Zoom call and send each other dinner delivery for a fun gab session and thoughtful Galentine's Day gift. Oh what a night!
More Galentine's Day Party Ideas
A pom pom and lantern wall is literally the perfect way to add some texture to any Galentine's Day party! Plus, you can reuse them for upcoming bachelorette parties and baby showers ;).
Take a simple white table cloth (bonus points if it's paper) and paint "xoxo" across it for a personalized, romantic addition to your table.
Never underestimate the power of gold letter balloons. They're our favorite!
In lieu of flowers, fill some of your favorite vases with all kinds of red and pink candies.
If a pure candy charcuterie board is overwhelming, opt for a mix — supplement chocolate, marshmallows, and strawberries with meat and cheese for a board that's both lunch and dessert.
Mix up your Galentine's Day party mimosa bar by providing different juices and different garnishes that your guests can choose from.
Letter boards are a super easy and super fun way to add spunk to your party. Plus, they don't take up a lot of room so that's a win-win for us!
Grapefruit juice is the perfect addition to your Galentine's Day party's pink cocktails — or to sparkling water for a low-key mocktail.
Candlesticks, jars, cake trays, oh my! The more dishes, the better as far as we're concerned.
It's easier than ever to find super cute, super sassy napkins. It's a small touch that goes a long way!
Mini bottles of champagne aren't just good for your Galentine's Day party — have everyone write a goal on their bottle, and wait to pop it until that goal is achieved!
Find heart-shaped plates to add extra romance to your tablescape. *Sigh.*
Galentine's Day Party Favor Ideas
Miniature potted plants are as cute as can be, and when they're wrapped in pink napkins? To die for.
Cupid would totally approve of these red candy kabobs.
If you have a collection of white bags for your Galentine's Day party favors, go crazy with the designs! Draw hearts, arrows, or write a little note to each of your friends.
Nothing says "I love you" like knowing your friend's favorites — which means you'll knock beauty product gift bags out of the park.
Red lollipops get a fruity upgrade when you wrap their sticks in green tape. Voilà!! The cherry on top of all your Galentine's Day festivities.
Wall envelopes are the perfect place to stash all your candy — or a super artsy Galentine's Day note.
Less is more with a Galentine's Day party favor that lets your BFF know how much she means to you.
A little bit of thoughtful wrapping makes a colorful bouquet even more beautiful than it already is!
Add tiny bows to all your champagne bottles for a true coquette party theme.
Use a pair of scalloped scissors to turn regular gift bags into something even more eye-catching!
Galentine's Day party favors don't *just* have to be candy and cards — celebrate your friends' hobbies with thoughtful gifts, too!
We'll literally never say no to chocolate, especially when it includes flower petals!
Looking for more reasons to get together with your girls this Galentine's Day? Follow us on Pinterest for even more ideas.
Additional reporting by Sarah Koller and Theresa Gonzalez
This article has been updated from a previous post.
Lead image via Brit + Co.
I'll admit out of the many teen dramas I've consumed, Outer Banks is one of the most ridiculous. But the insanity surrounding the plot is half the reason it's enjoyable! John B. wrestling an alligator with his bare hands? Kiara getting kidnapped then making a daring escape in her PJ's? John B. and Sarah getting married (kind of) by the power of "the sky, the stars, and the sea" after escaping the SBI?
Considering my favorite fan theory for the future is that Madelyn Cline's Sarah and Rudy Pankow's JJ learn they're secret siblings, I know the crazy train isn't slowing down anytime soon. I took to Reddit to find the wildest Outer Bankshot takes and I was not disappointed. Keep reading to see if you agree with any!
JJ and Kiara Never Should Have Happened
Image via Netflix
While JJ and Kiara is one of the most popular ships on the show, a lot of Outer Banks fans think the "no Pogue-on-Pogue macking" rule from the pilot should have stayed in effect. The individual romances between Kiara and JJ, John B., and Pope make the story really messy, and the fact the show writes Kiara to be with all three of them in the span of three years gives a lot of viewers the ick.
I'll be team #Jiara forever (and literally screamed when The Backseat Lovers' "Kilby Girl" started playing during the motorcycle ride in season 3), but I'll say it would incredibly compelling to see a friend group take care of each other as much as the Pogues do without ever crossing over into romantic territory. That's found family, after all!
Pope Should Have Ditched The Treasure Hunt
Image via Netflix
One Reddit user is convinced that "Pope should’ve focused on his future in school instead of giving everything up to search for treasure." And TBH, I totally agree.
In season 1, Pope has a breakthrough about the hidden treasure in the middle of his scholarship interview. He ditches the scholarship committee to tell the rest of the Pogues, throwing away a crazy educational opportunity. Pope beats himself up for it, and his parents definitely aren't pleased, but at least it meant he got to stay in the show instead of leaving for college, which leads me to...
Outer Banks Should Have Started With The Pogues In Their 20s
Image via Netflix
As one of the only people alive who loves the post-time jump One Tree Hill, I would have loved to see OBX start off with the characters in their 20s (although it looks like that's where Outer Banks season 4 will pick up!). This would eliminate SO MANY problems from the jump because the Pogues wouldn't have to worry about missing school, they'd be more self-sufficient, and instead of being the same old high school drama, it could have provided a commentary on figuring out life in your 20s the same way Friends did.
Rafe Shouldn't Have Any Kind Of Redemption Arc In Outer Banks Season 4
Image via Netflix
Drew Starkey the man that you are. According to one Reddit user, "Rafe should not have a love interest or a redemption arc" like we see in season 3. We spent all of season 1 and season 2 establishing that Rafe (played by Drew) would do anything it took to get what he wanted (including one successful murder and two other attempts?!). He shows next to no remorse for his actions, and exploring his literal psychopathic tendencies would take the show to a whole new level.
Big John Should Never Have Returned
Image via Netflix
John B.'s dad's disappearance is the catalyst for the Pogues' journey at the beginning of Outer Banks, and Big John's return means the story feels somewhat repetitive in the third season, and it undoes a lot of the growth we've seen from John B. Plus, Big John is just SO chaotic, selfish, and dramatic. If he had truly died in season 1, we could have seen John B. wrestle with that finality, and how to cope with loss in the face of finding the treasure and falling in love with Sarah.
And Finally, Outer Banks Should Have Ended After Season 1
Image via Netflix
Outer Banks season 1 was exactly what we needed at the height of the pandemic. It was escapist — both in terms of the beach vacation vibes, but also because the '00s aesthetic took us right back to simpler times — and it had such a wonderfully resolved finale that some fans think nothing has matched it.
Do you agree with any of these Outer Banks opinions? I'm such a romance fan, I don't know what I'd do if the show didn't have JJ and Kiara get together! Check out all the best New TV Shows coming this year for more.
Lead image via Netflix
As you start making your holiday prep list and checking it twice, don't forget to gift yourself something nice while you're at it! With all of the festivities during the holiday season, you'll want a couple of dresses that not only help complete your best outfit ideas, but make you feel like a million bucks. That's why I've rounded up 45 of the most stunning holiday dresses, ranging from more casual options to super fancy ones! So take a look — I'm sure you'll leave with plenty of styles saved to your cart. 😘
New Year's Eve Dresses
Hill House The Sequin Ellie Nap Dress
Ever since the OG Nap Dress took the world by storm, Hill House continues to up their game. The Sequin Ellie Nap Dress is absolutely stunning, and so on-brand for that upcoming New Year's function.
Mac Duggal Long-Sleeve Gem-Embellished Velvet Mini Dress
This long-sleeve mini dress has a ton of beautiful gem embellishments that make it such a fun piece to prance around in for New Year's.
Free People Glitter & Gold Midi Dress
This dress is definitely on the bolder side, making it a great choice for a fancier party. The plunging neckline and side-slit detail make it a total-standout outfit.
Mac Duggal Metallic Cocktail Dress
Ooh, this dress is so fun! The rich gold color and the deep dip at the back are just too good.
Express Endless Rose Sleeveless Sequin Tweed Mini Dress
Who knew tweed could be so festive?! Loving this sparkly take on a classic pattern!
Maje Paris Short Velvet Dress with Rhinestones
Opt for this cheekier holiday dress silhouette for the fancier New Year's get-togethers.
Tuckernuck Black Feather Mod Ellie Dress
Feathers may not feel like the holidays to some, but I think they're fabulously festive! This little black dress is destined for many, many parties IMO!
Joyfolie Caterina Dress
Wanna go boho chic? This Joyfolie dress is perfect for all your festive whimsical wear needs!
Club L London New Money Mini Dress
This is giving Brynn from Real Housewives of New Yorkin alllllll the best ways.
Ivy City Co. Confetti Dress
I just know Reese Witherspoon would slay in this dress from Ivy City Co. The sequin + color combo is perfect for ringing in the new year!
bebe One Shoulder Sequin Sash Dress
You'll absolutely make the whole place shimmer in this one-shoulder dress!
Club L London Friya Ruched Midi Dress
This asymmetrical dress really brings the heat during these colder months!
Christmas Dresses
Madewell Midi Slip Dress
Slip dresses are all the rage right now, and this one doesn't disappoint. You can even throw on a cardigan overtop this holiday dress to make it a little more modest for a family get-together.
DÔEN Celestine Dress
The Celestine dress is a modern, more grown-up take on the holiday dresses of our youths. From the cap sleeves to the velvet material, you'll feel nostalgic and current all at once with this sultry red look.
Old Navy Shine Mini Dress
This dotted long-sleeve dress is so fun with its frilly tiering, and works well for every holiday occasion – not just Christmas!
Out From Under Sweet Dreams Long Sleeve Mini Dress
The frills and ties on this holiday dress remind me of Christmas presents, which is exactly the cheerful vibe everyone needs for the occasion.
Nine West Long Sleeve Shift Mini Dress
Balloon sleeves and a shift silhouette make this holiday dress a flattering option that will become a wardrobe staple! The bow on the back and the wine coloring just scream holidays.
Hill House The Norah Nap Dress
This little green dress from Hill House is versatile enough to dress up or down, plus it's gonna keep you comfy through all the festivities – food and family included.
NIA Coeur Knit Dress
I'm obsessed with the rosette trend, and this eye-catching red dress makes perfect use of it. For colder occasions, this dress would be iconic with a bolero or shrug sweater.
Mango Long Sleeve Rib Sweater Dress
This sweater dress is unbelievably cozy, plus the ribbed texture and flexible fabric allow you to not feel constricted all night!
Anthropologie Strapless Tiered Tulle Dress
Doesn't this poofy dress just give off such Blair Waldorf vibes? I'm all here for it!
J.Crew Tie-Strap Midi Dress
While red is usually the go-to color to wear to Christmas parties, this jem-toned green is such a show-stopper. The satin finish on the material it's made out of speaks to its overall elegance.
Rumored Sweet Talker Mini Dress
The kicker on this holiday dress is absolutely the plunging open back. It ties with an adorable bow that drapes down for a sultry look. If your next Christmas party is among friends and strangers rather than family and kids, this this the pick for you.
Express Nana's Short Puff Sleeves Seraphine Rose Detail Mini Dress
This cherry red holiday dress swarms you in delicate puff sleeves and a comfy A-line skirt. The best part is the rose that sits along the waist.
Hanukkah Dresses
Tuckernuck Navy Blythe Dress
This dark blue dress is clearly bougie, and I need it now.
Kimchi Blue Jill Velvet Mini Dress
This cozy velvet design can be worn for a variety of winter activities, thanks to its icy green-blue hue. Wear it with some tights and a pair of comfortable ballet flats!
Elliatt Corsage Satin Bow Minidress
This beautiful dress features a can't-miss bow detail that makes you look like the ultimate present!
Banana Republic Terccia Hammered Satin Dress
The simple silhouette of this satin dress complements every body type, leaving you feeling as confident for your holiday celebrations you can possibly be.
Lulus Royal Blue Satin Pleated Halter Midi Dress
The sleek woven satin on this dress makes it look super luxurious. Isn't that halter neckline *so* stylish?
Vince Camuto Sequin Sleeveless Dress
The sequins on this dress make it such a fun, sparkly choice for flaunting at a Hanukkah party!
Company Holiday Party Dresses
Black Tweed Stacie Dress
Work parties are always a love-hate sort of thing, but this timeless tweed dress will eliminate any stress. The structured look is perfectly appropriate for any holiday work event!
Abercrombie Emerson Chiffon Long-Sleeve Midi Dress
This dress is beautifully festive without being too over-the-top. The modest length makes it work party-approved!
Mac Duggal Bow-Front Empire-Waist Dress
Equal parts feminine, balletcore, and flirty, this party dress is a super fun pick for all your holiday parties and cocktail parties alike. If you live somewhere colder, this pick will be just as cute layered on top of some colored tights with a thick cardi!
Maje Paris Shiny Knit Short Dress
The structured cap sleeves that sit on the shoulders of this holiday dress mean business – perfect for a work party.
Knox Rose Tank Satin Wrap Dress
This satin wrap dress is affordable but looks luxurious thanks to its stunning, waist-hugging silhouette!
Tuckernuck Black Blanche Dress
Anything that gives Blair Waldorf vibes has me in a chokehold! This holiday dress is so classy and can easily be worn year after year.
Banana Republic Rosie Off-Shoulder Sweater Dress
I don't think it gets much more chic than this. The off-the-shoulder knit design of this dress is just *chef's kiss*.
Staud Black and Ivory Faridah Dress
The frilly ivory trim on this dress is *so* cute! The length of the hem is what makes it appropriate for a work event.
Nina Leonard 2-pc. Ruffle Bolero Dot-Chiffon Dress Set
This 2-piece set comes with a bolero and shift dress, giving you some simple and stylish options to mix & match!
Thanksgiving Dresses
Ribbed Mini Sweater Dress
This oversized sweater dress will keep you warm and cozy at every holiday function. The ribbed stitch elevates the overall look and makes it even better for formal occasions.
A New Day Turtleneck Long Sleeve Cozy Sweater Dress
This turtleneck dress from A New Day is the perfect cozy pick for any holiday get-together. The cable-knit design only adds to the overall wintery look.
Kimchi Blue Sydney Off-The-Shoulder Mini Dress
The warm color palette, along with some floral designs, make this one perfect holiday dress for Thanksgiving!
Lulus Burgundy Mock Neck Long Sleeve Sweater Dress
You just can't go wrong with a chic sweater dress in the perfect holiday color. The long balloon sleeves and mock neck on this deep red design will keep you warm and looking stylish.
ASOS Ribbed Knit Maxi Dress
The ribbed material on this cream dress is so luxurious! I love that it can be so easily dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
Reformation Hermia Dress
The turtleneck neckline and rich gold color make this Reformation dress such a great Thanksgiving day dress! Pair it with sheer tights and knee high boots to pull off a super spirited look.
Old Navy Cami Midi Dress
This waist-defined dress has a beautiful print on it that feels oh-so modern and feminine!
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Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
Lead image via Anthropologie.
Mariska Hargitay is the woman of the hour anywhere she goes, with her iconic Law & Order: SVUrole as Olivia Benson under her belt for the last 25 years. The character is an absolute advocate to women — and assault victims of any gender — through her words, actions, and powerful convictions of each perpetrator on the show. She takes great care with her victims and pursues perpetrators with fervor, and slowly as you watch the show..the line blurs between Olivia and Mariska.
This isn't anything new — just recently Mariska literally stopped production on the show to help a child (who mistook her for an actual police officer) find her mom. It's just who Mariska is. She walks the walk and talks the talk — including during her speech at Variety's Power of Women's Power of Women event.
Image via NBC Universal
As a Power of Women honoree, Mariska was recognized in regards to her work as an advocate for sexual assault survivors. She took the stage and used her platform to discuss rape and assault conviction reversals, shining a light on the recent overturned ruling in Harvey Weinstein's landmark NYC case. Here's what she said:
Today I want to talk about reversing convictions, and more specifically I want to talk to you about how impossible it is to reverse mine. It’s impossible to reverse my conviction that survivors matter. It is impossible to reverse my conviction that what happens to us matters, and that our society must respond to survivors with a more a compassionate, holistically, deeper, and more nuanced understanding of what healing means.
It is impossible to reverse my conviction that after a trauma, survivors can reclaim lives of hope, of possibility, of audacious risk, beautiful intimacy, and glorious, glorious abundant joy. And I stand before you as evidence of that statement.
It is impossible to reverse my conviction that we must listen to survivors as experts on what justice means. It is extraordinary how little their voices are consulted, let alone incorporated, in the process of deciding how to repair harm. Justice is not a one-size-fits-all journey.
It is impossible to reverse my conviction that patriarchal impunity has to end. Patriarchal impunity is when a male-dominated system exempts perpetrators from punishment. Studies show that only 20% of all rape cases in the U.S. are reported to the police, and that between 5 and 0% of all rapes result in a guilty plea or a conviction. So why do 80% of victims not report? Because they're met with a system that grants impunity to perpetrators; a system that blames victims; a system that accepts only those victims who are experienced as "real" rape; a system that completely misunderstands the neurobiology of trauma, which causes behavior in women that doesn't fit the picture of how a "real victim" would act.
Is that change needed that victims should just pull themselves together? Just buck up and report anyway? No. No, it's the system that receives them that needs to change
It is impossible to reverse my conviction — and the conviction of my extraordinary team, The Joyful Heart — that the backlog of untested rape kits can be brought to zero; that the testing of all new kits must be mandated; that we need a statewide kit tracking system; and that survivors have the right to access the status of their kits.
It is impossible to reverse my conviction that grammar — yes, grammar — that we use when we speak about rape must change. In the sentence, "A woman is raped," there's a crime and there's a victim, but there's no perpetrator. Where's the perpetrator? Where is he? Statistically, as we know, most likely he's walking free. He's so free that he doesn't even appear in the language about the crime that he committed. Is that not extraordinary? It's extraordinary that in the very grammar, the perpetrator goes free. Reintroducing perpetrators in the language of rape will make some very unwieldy grammar, but that's the nature of change. It's unwieldy, it's messy, it's uncomfortable, but it's necessary.
Image via NBC Universal
Hargitay continued on in her prolific speech to describe that rape shouldn't be considered a "crime of passion" because it's "not simply the next step in the trajectory of his passion" when a man takes a consensual hookup too far and assaults a woman against her will. She stated that it's "an exercise of power," doubling down that the language we use is important.
The speech went on to address that rape is both about power and control, as a "construct" that was "built, and assembled, and reinforced over time." She noted that there are people with these positions of power — and she specifically called out those in the entertainment industry — that could make a difference and aligned themselves to victims and survivors.
After this and some other remarks, Hargitay specifically called out the Weinstein conviction reversal. She said:
I do want to say something about the Harvey Weinstein conviction, specifically about the reason that it was overturned: too many women's voices. Too many women's voices were allowed to speak. Hallelujah! Amen! I can't imagine anything more beautiful than that. The Daily podcast episode talked about how it was so risky for the prosecution to have that many women testify. Risky to let women speak? You're damn right it is!
Too many women speaking brings change. Too many women speaking shakes the establishment. Too many women means we get listened to more, and people might actually hear what we have to say. Look what happened when women started saying just two words, right? Me too — just as an example — a tidal wave of change. Me too.
And then of course, there was the response: the Me Too Movement. The backlash. The examination of whether the changes that have come are lasting, or are even positive. Of course there's a backlash! What did they expect? For women to speak repeatedly, loudly, together, with a purpose — for there to be no backlash? The backlash is evidence of how powerful those voices were, how powerful those voices ARE.
Watch Mariska Hargitay's Full Speech Here
Turns out that your TV heroes really can be your IRL heroes after all. Long live Olivia Benson! Long live Mariska Hargitay!
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Header image via NBC Universal
After Emily in Paris season 3 dropped on Netflix in December of 2022, we were hoping to get the fourth installment of the hit show in 2023. But production halted when the WGA writers' strike, then the SAG-AFTRA actors' strike went to affect, and our beloved cast and crew campaigned for better wages and industry protection. But with the end of the writers' strike, and new SAG negotiations, Emily in Paris season 4 finally began production in February 2024 — and I can already tell you there's sure to be plenty of drama and French fashion this time around.
Not only will we see Emily in Paris (see what I did there?!) but she's also pulling an Audrey Hepburn and taking a little Roman Holiday. That's right — our favorite Parisians are heading to Italy! If that doesn't sound like a dreamy comfort show then I don't know what does. Here's everything we know about the upcoming season of your favorite TV brain candy!!
Is Emily in Paris season 4 coming soon?
Image via Lily Collins/Instagram
Via Variety, Emily in Paris season 4 began production in Paris the week of January 15! "Did someone say Saison Quatre?!" Lily Collins says in her Instagram post announcing production. "Finally reunited with my @emilyinparis fam back in Paris and it feels so good. Although, I may need to brush up on my selfie skills for Emily’s sake…"
Now the wait is over! According to the official announcementfor Emily in Paris, we know part one drops on Netflix August 15, followed by part 2 on September 12. I've been impatiently waiting for this considering we didn't know how filming would be impacted by things like the WGA writers strike!
Is Emily in Paris filmed in Paris?
Image via Lily Collins/Instagram
Yes, Emily in Paris is filmed on location in Paris! We got our first look at Emily in Paris season 4 when Lily Collins and Ashley Park were seen filming in the City of Love (via Daily Mail). The costumes for the series are still as bold and bright as ever, with Ashley's Mindy wearing cobalt and metallic boots, and Lily's Emily dressed head-to-toe in lemon yellow. I can't wait to see what these best friends get up to this season! Check out our Paris travel recommendations to live out your own Emily in Paris dreams ;).
On April 27, Lily Collins confirmed Emily in Paris season 4 had wrapped its France shoot and that the cast & crew have swapped the City of Love for the Eternal City! "When you’re the first ones on the dance floor at the Paris wrap party. Next stop: Rome!" she says on Instagram. Late spring is literally the perfect time to film in Italy and I just know this season is going to give me more wanderlust than ever before. I need gelato!
What's Emily In Paris season 4 about?
Image via Netflix
Season 3 left us with a huge cliffhanger: Alfie breaks up with Emily, Camille learns she's pregnant with Gabriel's baby, Benoit's "Mon Soleil" has been chosen for the Eurovision Song Contest, and Emily and Gabriel realize they've been in love with each other the whole time. Whew.
Emily in Paris season 4 will have a ton of cliffhangers to bring full circle, and a bunch of damage that all the characters need to heal. We know from the Netflix TUDUM fan event that we might also see Emily have to deal with an ultimatum head-on, as well as an unexpected twist. Plus, it looks like she's heading on a "Roman holiday," according to lead actress Lily Collins. We'll take any nod to an Audrey Hepburn movie, please and thank you!
Is Alfie coming back in season 4 of Emily in Paris?
Image via Netflix
We don't have OFFICIAL word on whether Alfie (played by Lucien Laviscount) will return for Emily in Paris season 4, but we're hoping for his sake that he gets some closure. Lucien wants to come back as well! "[The dream is] to keep this gravy train going and just to kind of really live in this world a little bit longer," he says in an interview with Elle. " The writers on the show and the creators behind it and everyone that comes into contact with it is so amazing and fantastic. Their minds [have] way, way, way, way surpassed mine. So, yeah. I’ll let them do their thing.”
Who else is in the Emily in Paris season 4 cast?
Image via Netflix
We can expect the rest of the cast — Lily Collins as Emily, Lucas Bravo as Gabriel, Ashley Park as Mindy, Camille Razat as Camille, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie, Samuel Arnold as Julian, and Bruno Gouery as Luc — to return.
Will there be a season 5 of Emily in Paris?
Image via Marie Etchegoyen/Netflix
It looks like Emily in Paris season 4 will not be the final season, according to creator Darren Star. “There’s a lot more story to tell here and we’re not wrapping things up anytime soon,” Star tells Elle. “And also hopefully season four isn’t the end either. I feel like we’re all creatively feeling like we’re in the middle of something not heading towards the end.”
Darren also told Deadline season 4 is "not necessarily conceived as a final chapter. I think like every other show, it’s a rich ensemble. There’s no end in sight until everybody feels like it’s time to end. And I don’t think this show is limited by a number of seasons, I think it’s limited by everybody’s enthusiasm and excitement about doing it and telling stories about these characters."
We'll take as many seasons of Emily in Paris as they'll give us!!
What has the cast said about Emily in Paris season 4?
Image via Marie Etchegoyen/Netflix
Lucas Bravo told People he's excited for a coming-of-age for Gabriel. "When you start a character, then there's a year where you experience the world and you mature, you become another person and you come back and it's exactly the day you left off," he says. "I'm happy that in season four I'll be able to bring more of what I became and what I've experienced in the past four years."
Even though Lily Collins is now an executive producer, she doesn't want to know TOO much about the future of the show. “Darren and I speak, on occasion, about where he’s thinking of going, but he also doesn’t wanna spoil too much for me because there is a fine line,” she tells Collider. “I don’t wanna know everything because I want to be led with the writing, but I am also curious because, as a producer wanting to celebrate the other characters, I’m very curious to see what their trajectories are."
What happened at the end of Emily in Paris season 3?
Image via Netflix
To be fully prepared for Emily in Paris season 4, it's important to remember just what happened during season 3! The junior season was a bumpy ride for Emily, and it ends with the craziest finale yet. After Camille and Gabriel decide to get married, Camille stops the wedding, saying she knows Gabriel is in love with Emily instead of her. This declaration leads Alfie to break up with our leading lady because he refuses to be her second choice (and honestly, I respect it). That's not the only shocker because Camille also reveals that she's pregnant with Gabriel's child, which comes as a surprise to everyone. Meanwhile, Mindy learns Benoit has submitted a song (specifically "Mon Soleil") to the Eurovision Song Contest and Laurent has his heart set on opening a club in Paris.
Are you excited for Emily in Paris Season 4? Give us your craziest theory in the comments, and check out our Facebook for more pop culture news. Read up on how This Emily In Paris Theory Could Be Why Emily And Gabriel Aren’t Together (Yet).
Lead image via Netflix.
This post has been updated.