The 20 Best Ice Cream Shops Across The USA

Michelle Swift
Feb 03, 2022

If one of your favorite things about spring, summer, or any time of year really, is ice cream, you’re in luck because we’re scooping out some of the greatest ice cream shops in our fine country. Whether you’re a fan of traditional chocolate or plain vanilla or interested in the exotic flavors, you’re sure to find it in our picks for the greatest ice cream shops across the USA.

1. Sweet Republic: If you’re passionate about ice cream, this Arizona ice cream shop is your spot. The belief in beginning each batch with the purest ingredients, while keeping things local and in season is the secret to Sweet Republic’s sweet success. Over 20 homemade flavors await, but don’t miss out on the sundaes, milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches and pies… oh my! (via Sweet Republic)

2. Bi-Rite Creamery: The staff at Bi-Rite is known for their strong biceps (from all the scooping going on) in this legendary San Fran creamery. With the idea that ice cream flavors didn’t always live up to their name, Bi-Rite strived to create the most intensely flavored ice cream possible, you know — lemon made with fresh squeezed lemons, butter pecan with perfectly toasted pecans drizzled with brown butter and chocolate made with the finest cocoa around. We’re talking real, house-made ingredients that come from local farms. Heck, they even make their marshmallows for Rocky Road with organic sugar that’s sourced locally! If it’s your first time, may we suggest starting with a scoop of the famed salted caramel? But you really can’t go wrong. (via Sunset)

3. Big Gay Ice Cream: Bringing good old-fashioned soft serve to the streets of NYC in a big gay ice cream truck is what this quirky brand is all about… oh, and toppings — lots and lots of toppings! You absolutely cannot miss out on the Salty Pimp — vanilla ice cream with dulce de leche, sea salt and chocolate chips or the Mexican Affo’gay’to, a spicy hot cocoa with vanilla ice cream, spicy cayenne, shaved chocolate and whipped cream. In fact, this ice cream’s so phenomenal, the truck just couldn’t keep up. Big Gay Ice Cream can now be found in brick and mortar locales on the east and west coast. Now that’s BIG! (via Epicurious)

4. Kelley Country Creamery: From the heart of dairyland (Wisconsin) comes some old-fashioned ice cream that’s been around since 1861, which makes it clear that the Kelley’s know a thing or two about ice cream. The ice cream is made with farm-fresh, non-homogenized milk from their very own cows and mixed with local ingredients to create America’s favorite ice cream flavors. You really can’t get closer to homemade than Kelley’s Country Creamery. (via USA Today)

5. Salt and Straw: Dubbed as Portland’s farm-to-cone shop, Salt and Straw is scooping out super creative flavors like Pear with Blue Cheese, Grandma Malek’s Almond Brittle with Almond Ganache or Bone Marrow with Smoked Bourbon Cherries. Owners Kim and Tyler Malek opened the creamery doors with a little luck, lots of love and a bit of strategy, giving Portlanders a taste of something you can’t get anywhere else. These ice cream flavors are inspired by local farms and the fruits and veggies that they grow. With each lick at Salt and Straw, a story is told and shared through the senses. (via Salt and Straw)

6. Moomers: Described by some as summer in your hands, this countryside creamery on a quaint farm is scooping out a field of over 120 flavors! If you’re not familiar with Traverse City, Michigan, know this: They have lots of cherries, so of course, Moomer’s came up with Cherries Moobilee — a black cherry flavored ice cream with chunks of black sweet cherries, chocolate fudge swirl and chunks of brownies. Oh, and while you’re licking your cone, go out say thanks to the cows who provide the milk for Moomers. (via Moomers)

7. Creole Creamery: With a motto like, “Eat ice cream, be happy,” how can you not fall in love? Bordering on diverse and unique in the flavor department, this shop not only delivers on taste, but on experience, too. Try a new flavor, slurp an old-fashioned soda or malt and if you can handle it, try the Tchoupitoulas Challenge. The New Orleans Creamery specialty is a whopping eight scoops of ice cream and your choice of eight toppings served in grand fashion with whipped cream, cherries and wafers. If you can finish this monster without anyone’s help, you will be entered into the Tchoupitoulas hall of fame and get your name on a plaque. Worth it! (via Gallivant)

8. Morano Gelato: Italians know that gelato is the only way to go when it comes to icy, creamy, hot-weather treats. Morgan Morano, the founder of Morano Gelato, spent several years side-by-side a Sicilian gelato chef who became her mentor. In 2010 Morgan decided that America needed a taste of Italy’s bold flavors and introduced gelato to the small town of Hanover, NH. A gelato machine was built and shipped all the way from Northern Italy and Morano Gelato began churning out authentic Italian ice cream… but be warned! This gelateria has a massive following, so you may have to wait your turn. (via Morano Gelato)

9. Rainbow Cone: Since 1926, this Chicago ice cream shop has been solving the age old dilemma of vanilla vs. chocolate, filling a cone with a colorful medley of chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnuts), pistachio and orange sherbet. Why all of those flavors? Well, Joseph Sapp, founder of Rainbow Cone, grew up as an orphan and worked on a farm, saving some of his hard earned pennies for a special treat. Tired of the same old vanilla or chocolate, Sapp dreamt of a rainbow of flavors and, with his wife, Rainbow Cone was born. (via Chicago and Then Some)

10. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: Jeni Britton Bauer has been building amazing ice cream flavors from the ground up for nearly two decades and she’s going to keep it that way. Jeni refused to cut corners and stands by her belief in using milk from grass-grazed cows + whole ingredients that are blended, baked, peeled, chopped, skinned, pulverized and even blowtorched by the crew of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. What you wind up with is pure, natural, imaginative, honest-to-goodness ice cream with a promise of no unnatural flavorings or chemical dyes. Always creating something new, Jeni can guarantee surprising ice cream flavors each time you step into her shop. Chocolate Truffle with Backyard Mint, Saison with Sunflower Seeds and Golden Flax or Sweet Cream Biscuits and Peach Jam are only a few of their current offerings. (via Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams)

11. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard: Okay, okay. Technically, custard is not ice cream, but we’d feel totally guilty if Ted Drewes didn’t make the list! Since 1929 Ted Drewes’s family has been serving up custard that has reached national acclaim. Refusing to franchise their family-owned operation, they attribute their success to quality. Sticking to their roots and darn delicious custard, Ted Dewes in St. Louis, MO is the place to get your sugar fix. (via Yum Sugar)

12. Graeter’s: Want to know what makes Graeter’s ice cream truly unique? It’s all in the churning, you see, the Graeter family believes in the traditional French Pot process. By creating just two gallons of ice cream at a time, the folks over at this Ohio-based shop are able to achieve a creaminess that surpasses all other ice creams. Since 1868 the Graeter family has been mixing up creamy flavors, from street market vending to a fully operated plant that distributes Graeter’s ice cream everywhere. (via Huffington Post)

13. Chinatown Ice Cream Factory: Scooping out ice cream with a twist, this decades old shop is a landmark in NYC’s Chinatown. This family-run establishment exclaims that ice cream making is in their genes, dishing out flavors like Durian, Almond Cookie, Black Sesame or Green Tea. If you have something to celebrate, try one of their signature Chinese ice cream cakes: Three layers of flavor that include Lychee, Red Bean and Mango. (via Chinatown Ice Cream Factory)

14. Penn State Berkey Creamery: You know the place where that famous duo Ben and Jerry studied to get their ice cream just right!? It’s at this creamery store that serves some pretty good ice cream — and also serves as a laboratory for food science faculty and students who are conducting dairy research. Enjoy an icy, creamy treat and learn a thing or two at the same time. (via Penn State)

15. Ample Hills Creamery: C’mon you’re invited to one of Brooklyn’s fave community gathering spots, Ample Hills Creamery is a space to sample unique ice cream flavors and hang out on a rooftop deck. All of Ample Hill’s ice cream is made in-house from start to finish, and as a registered dairy plant, they pasteurize the milk and cream right on-site — and you can watch all the magic happen while filling your tummy with sugar-filled goodness. (via Ample Hills Creamery)

16. Jersey Junction: The sweet, toasty smell of fresh baked waffle cones hits you in the face the second you open the door. The walls are lined with bins of old-fashioned candy, a freezer case displays hand-dipped, chocolate covered bananas and an old toy train circles overhead. The Junction’s been getting their ice cream from Hudsonville Creamery since 1963. They may not make their own, but this Grand Rapids ice cream shop is a haven for the nostalgic. (via Experience GR)

17. Dolcezza: Dolcezza translates to “sweetness” and how this gelateria came about is a sweet story indeed. “On a warm humid night in South America, under the lights at the popular gelato shop Freddo, Robb + Violeta had just landed in Buenos Aires after an epic journey, which began in the Brazilian Amazon and finished three months and 4,000 miles later in São Paulo.” The couple instantly fell in love… with the gelato. They returned home wanting to create something with their hands. Dolcezza was born, where they started serving daily-made gelato and craft coffee to happy people all over Washington D.C. (via Dolcezza)

18. Pumphouse Creamery: Minneapolis, MN is where handcrafted, local ingredients are creatively mixed into 20 unique ice cream flavors. This shop got its start dishing out one scoop at a time, but when its popularity started to grow, they began pumping out pints and quarts as well. We hear that Pumphouse also makes they’re very own root beer, so it goes without saying that you can’t miss out on their classic root beer float. (via Pumphouse Creamery)

19. Amy’s Ice Cream: Deep in the heart of Texas lies the home of the famous Mexican Vanilla Ice Cream, a perfect cure-all to a hot Texas day. Scooping out over 350 rotating flavors along with frozen yogurt, fruit ice and ice cream cakes, Amy’s the place to satisfy any sweet tooth. (via Serious Eats)

20. Loves Ice Cream: Don’t say we didn’t warn you, but we’re pretty certain you’ll fall in love with Loves Ice Cream. Here, you’ll find hand-crafted ice cream from grass-grazed cows, support of local agriculture and collaboration with local businesses to create unique flavors such as Madcap’s Affogato. Loves is even whipping up vegan gelato which has been such a sweet success, they have a difficult time keeping the flavors available. (via Vegan Grand Rapids)

Are you screaming for ice cream?! Tell us your go-to shop for America’s favorite summertime treat, in the comments below.

All The Classic McDonald's McFlurry Flavors, Ranked

In the seemingly endless world of fast food indulgences, few sweet treats evoke as much delight (and debate) as the iconic McDonald'sMcFlurry. In the rare case that theirice cream machine isn’t broken(IYKYK), there’s a small array of McDonald's McFlurry flavors to pick from. Though their OG McFlurry menu has dwindled in recent years, McDonald’s continues to kill the ice cream treat game –square-stemmed spoonsincluded.

Join me as I delve into the most classic McDonald’s McFlurry flavors, ranking them by taste. Plus, stay tuned for some shockingly unique international McFlurry flavors you can find around the world!

Ranking All The McDonald's McFlurry Flavors

Oreo McFlurry: 9/10

The Oreo McFlurry lands right on top for me. Oreos are a superior mix-in, because they’re bulkier than your average M&M or Butterfinger bar, giving the McFlurry more body in each bite. I enjoy how unlike the M&M McFlurry flavor, the Oreos retain their original texture: crunchy and light. They’re the perfect complement to the soft serve. My only complaint is that there could be more!

Image via Amazon

Crunch McFlurry: 5/10

I can’t hate a Crunch bar. I think the naturally-airy texture of the candy pairs really well with the soft ice cream McDonald’s uses for their McFlurries. I think the Crunch bar is very humble – landing neutrally in the middle of my ranking. It’s not outstanding, but it’s not terrible, either.

Image via Amazon

Butterfinger McFlurry: 4/10

I’m sorry to this McDonald’s McFlurry flavor, but I will always opt for Butterfinger offerings from other drive-thrus if I have the option. McD’s Butterfinger McFlurry variety is good, but not great. I just think I’m such a chocolate fiend that I demand a lot more chocolate in my McFlurries than the average person. The volume of candy included in this pick is definitely disappointing.

Image via Hershey

Heath McFlurry: 3/10

If I had to say one thing about the Heath-flavored McFlurry, it’d be “meh.” Like I’ve mentioned already, I’m always left wishing for more mix-ins, volume-wise. The Heath pieces in this McDonald’s McFlurry are few and far between, and it really makes me feel like I’m missing something with each scoop.

M&Ms McFlurry: 2/10

While I could eat handful after handful of M&Ms, I am not a fan of the classic M&Ms McFlurry. I hate how the M&Ms turn hard and frozen when they’re mixed into the vanilla soft serve ice cream. The hard texture makes each bite truly dreadful! Plus, I’ve never once had an appropriate amount of candies to balance out the creamy ice cream component – every M&Ms McFlurry I’ve ordered is simply lacking in the mix-ins department.

More Cool McDonald's McFlurry Flavors Around The World

Cadbury Creme Egg McFlurry (Ireland)

I am truly fuming with jealousy that McDonald’s Ireland gets to have the Cadbury Creme Egg McFlurry. They’re my #1 Easter candy, and so addictive that I could eat a whole bag. When you mix that with soft serve, how could it be bad?! My only concern is, like with the M&Ms, the candies would freeze up and get hard, making it difficult to eat.

Siakam Swirl McFlurry (Canada)

The Siakam Swirl McFlurry, available in Canada (minus Quebec), blends smooth ice cream with hot chocolate fudge and red Smarties, a hard-shelled chocolate candy. I love that the hot fudge is included in this flavor – I think it’d add an interesting flavor effect with the mix-ins.

Daim McFlurry (Denmark)

This McFlurry flavor from Denmark looks so good! The Daim McFlurry fuses Daim candies (chocolate and almond) with the classic ice cream base. The McDonald’s Denmark site says that it’s made with fresh milk, which makes a huge difference in taste and texture. The smoother ice cream looks like it pairs exceptionally well with the crunchy candy.

Stroopwafel McFlurry (Netherlands)

It’s only right that McDonald’s Netherlands has a Stroopwafel McFlurry. I need to find acopycat recipe, ASAP! The stickiness of the wafers and caramel would be divine.

Pinguinos McFlurry (Mexico)

Mexican McDonald’s must be so scrumptious, because they have a Pinguinos McFlurry! If you’ve never had Pinguinos, they’re basically the same thing as Hostess Cupcakes. I can only imagine how yummy the cakey, sugary pastry would meld with ice cream. Delish!

Pistachio McFlurry (Italy)

I am concerningly obsessed with pistachio-flavored anything, and I think this Pistachio McFlurry from McDonald’s Italy belongs in my belly right this instant. It looks like it has some crunchy pistachio bits mixed in, with a green-ish pistachio syrup drizzled on top. OMG.

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Images via McDonald's.

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6 Crazy "Outer Banks" Opinions That Would Totally Change The Show

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

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Make Reese Witherspoon Proud With This Easy Snow Ice Cream Recipe

After Reese Witherspoon sent fans into a dramatic spiral or concern over her very own snow ice cream recipe, we’re here to settle the debate and say yes – there is a safe way to eat snow. In fact, snow ice cream is a safe and tasty activity to accompany any closed-in, cozy snow day. We’ve got the scoop on how to make it!

This snow ice cream recipe from Museum of Ice Cream is perfect for curing winter blues. Museum of Ice Cream has welcomed millions of ice cream-lovers to their experiential exhibits with locations in Austin, Chicago, New York City, and Singapore, so they really know their stuff when it comes to sweets.

How to Make Snow Ice Cream

@reesewitherspoon

Snow days were made for Chococinnos ❄️☕️

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Similar to Reese’s chocolatey, coffee-filled “snow salt Chocochinos,” our snow ice cream recipe builds its sweet base using actual snowfall. But, before you dive in to your nearest pile of untouched snow, make sure you follow these safety tips:

  • Use clean snow only. Don’t eat snow that’s been plowed – it’s likely to be contaminated with asphalt, snow-melting salts, and dirt that can harm you when ingested.
  • If you use pesticides or fertilizers on your lawn, you might consider finding fresh snow elsewhere to avoid harmful contaminants.

The best way to collect snow for making snow ice cream is in a clean bowl as it falls. From there, you can start mixing in milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and your fave sea salt!

Ingredients for Snow Ice Cream

  • 1 cup of milk (any kind will work)
  • 1/3 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt
  • 8 cups of clean snow

Directions for Snow Ice Cream

  1. Begin by placing a large bowl in the freezer before you begin. Cold bowls help keep your snow ice cream from melting too fast.
  2. Once you've measured out all of your sugar, vanilla extract, salt and milk, take your large bowl out of the freezer.
  3. In the bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, vanilla and salt until well combined.
  4. Next, head outside and scoop up some clean, fresh snow. (Or, if you've already let it collect in the bowl, bring it inside and add to the large bowl.)
  5. Immediately after adding the snow with the other ingredients, stir until it is incorporated and looks as close to regular ice cream as possible.
  6. Time to eat! Dive in right away and enjoy your sweet treat.

What is snow ice cream made of?

Snow ice cream is typically made of fresh, clean snow, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt.

Is it safe to eat snow ice cream?

Yes, snow ice cream is safe to eat as long as you use snow that hasn't been disturbed (plowed, melted, driven on, touched) in any way.

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Recipe + photography by Museum of Ice Cream.

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Mariska Hargitay’s Powerful “Me Too” Message Proves She’s Olivia Benson IRL

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

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Mariska Hargitay's Gets Emotional as She Thanks Her Support System and the Women Around Her

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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Here’s When You Can Watch “Emily in Paris” Season 4

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?

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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?

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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.

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