Why Salting to Taste Is the Worst Cooking Instruction

Alexa, how much salt should I put on scrambled eggs?” This may not be something you’ve actually asked your Amazon Echo device, but look alive! The new Alexa skill Morton Salting Sous Chef helps you season your food and unleash your inner salt bae. Its sole purpose: To help home cooks salt many common foods with the ideal measurements, because the cue “salt to taste” can be confusing and ambiguous for many. “It’s insane that we don’t measure salt and yet we do for every other ingredient in a recipe,” Top Chef alum Richard Blais, who teamed up with Morton, told us. And with that, we asked Alexa to “Open Morton” and teach us how to salt.

The Morton Salting Sous Chef skill includes 4,000 dishes, techniques, and pro tips that tackle salting and cooking with precision. Alexa will ask, “What are you cooking?” If you reply that you’re grilling chicken, Alexa will follow up with the best type of salt, salting measurement, and cooking instruction. *Magic*

Let’s say you just want to discover something new about salt. After opening Morton, you can ask Alexa for a tip, after which she may respond with some tidbit like “To create a flavored salt, combine 1/4 cup of salt and 1 teaspoon of flavoring.” You can also ask for Richard Blais recipes, and she will walk you through some of his recipes for dishes like Hawaiian barbecue and rosé donuts.

The one thing Alexa may not tell you is which type of salt a Top Chef uses, which is when we turned to Blais. He recommended a smaller grain salt or fine sea salt for vinaigrettes and baked goods as the granules dissolve and distribute quickly. Otherwise, kosher salt is your all-purpose seasoning for meat, soups, vegetables, and grains.

It’s not just about choosing the right kind of salt for your dish but how you sprinkle it. Blais grabbed a fat pinch of flaky kosher salt, raised his hand about two feet in the air, and cautiously rubbed his fingertips together to slowly and evenly disperse the granules, echoing what chefs say when teaching young grasshoppers: “Season from a great height.” Practice when garnishing veggies (like roasted broccoli), grains like a humble bowl of oats, and even sliced steak — after all, the inside hasn’t been seasoned yet, Blais reasoned.

Though many of us may be guilty of under-salting our food, soup is one item that’s easy to oversalt. That’s because salt blooms in hot liquids as it simmers. Blais urged cooks to be mindful of the amount of salt you add in and to give it time to dissolve before adding more.

After all this talk about salt, we wanted to know which foods he would never salt. He laughed and answered, “Anything naturally salty like clams. They live in the ocean and they have salinity. Or a salted prosciutto from Italy or Spanish jamón ibérico. You don’t need it.” Alexa will even crack a joke if you ask how to salt something already seasoned like ham, but we’ll let you discover her punchline on your own.

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Tell us if you’ve ever used Alexa in the kitchen @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty Images and Instagram user richardblais)

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is in full swing, and there are hundreds of deals on beauty, fashion, home goods, and everything in between! These Amazon deals under $25 are truly life-changing when it comes to keeping life organized and stylishly seamless.

Whether you’re shopping the sale for some new bathroom organization picks or looking for products to keep your car clean, consider your search over. We’ve weeded out the most practical and affordable Amazon deals under $25 from the Big Spring Sale, and all of ‘em are here to keep you organized. See our 17 faves below!

Anker Nano Portable Charger

$18.99, was $25.99

You never know where life's adventures will take you, so having a portable phone charger on-hand is essential if you're one to wanna capture each moment. This one is streamlined in its design, making it easy to take anywhere.

Simple Houseware 2-Tier Bathroom Organizer Drawers / Under-Sink Storage

$19.86, was $29.99

Step up your bathroom organization game with these under-sink storage containers! You'll get two stands (four baskets total) for around $20 to safely and satisfyingly store all those beauty essentials or cleaning products you don't reach for often.

2-Pack Q-Tip Holders with Bamboo Lids

$6.99, was $7.99

This Amazon deal under $25 is another great solution for bathroom organization. In addition to q-tips and cotton balls, you could also stow away floating hair ties and clips, vitamins, and nail polishes.

Telena Small Leather Sling Bag

$18.19, was $25.99

This sling bag is perfect for travel since it can hold all of the necessities comfortably, leaving your hands free to do all of the things!

Deweisn Folding Lighted Makeup Mirror

$21.24, was $27.99

On-the-go makeup touch ups will never be the same once you have your hands on this impressive lighted mirror. It has three different light settings to best suit your surroundings, that way your looks will turn out flawlessly!

Amooca Car Seat Headrest Hooks, 4 Pack

$6.99

Durable enough to hold grocery bags and purses, these back-of-headrest hooks are just the thing your cluttered car needs. They make purses, jackets, and more super easy to access from the driver's seat, too!

Coraje Shower Shelves, 5-Pack

$17.98, was $19.99

With this series of sleek, adhesive shower shelves, your self-care routine will be as organized as it's ever been. Each once features a series of hooks to hold towels, washcloths, and loofahs.

VanFn RFID Travel Passport Wallet + Organizer

$14.99

Get the whole fam organized before your next trip with this handy wallet organizer. It's large enough to fit multiple passports, cards, coins, and the like. It really helps to have it all in once place!

5-Outlet Surge Protector Wall Charger with 4 USB Ports

$8.99, was $19.99

This outlet design swaps the traditional bar shape for a series of built-in plugs, as well as three USB ports and one USB-C port to better serve your device charging needs. Now, there won't be any argument about who's up next on the phone charger!

Crownful Digital Food Scale

$9.98, was $12.97

Having an accurate food scale is crucial for nailing certain cooking and baking projects, and now that this one's on sale for just $10, there's no excuse to not level up your kitchen gear!

Pulidiki Car Cleaning Gel

$5.94, was $8.99

This mysterious blue goo actually works wonders when it comes to cleaning out the console of your car, or even your computer keyboard! It sticks to random dirt, grime, and gunk, picking it up with ease and leaving the surface good as new.

Pecute Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Pets

$11.99

If your dog or cat (or rabbit, or whatever other animal you can have) sheds a ton, it's time to get them on a regular brushing routine with this convenient brush. The more you brush, the less they'll shed messily all over the place, which equals a happier you! This brush makes the brushing experience super easy for you and your pet since you can discard the piled-up fur with the push of a button.

Dalinda Lunch Bag

$8.98, was $9.98

If your lunch box is lookin' a bit tired these days, consider upgrading to this stylish bag that's only about $9! Fit with a waterproof aluminum lining on the inside, it's bound to keep your food cool for hours. The durable outer layer is thick and easy to clean, plus the longer handles allow for a better, more secure grip when you've gotta get out the door.

OlarHike 8-Piece Packing Cubes Set

$17.99, was $24.99

Packing cubes are always a good idea, and a set as large as this could even help you cut down on your checked bags! This variety 8-pack features durable, water-resistant fabric combined with breathable mesh so you know exactly where your belongings are.

Kitchen Sink Caddy Sponge Holder

$7.99, was $14.99

This handy-dandy sink caddy can fit a plethora of dish-doing items like sponges, hand soap, and dish brushes with ease. The drip tray design allows your sponges to fully dry before it's dish time again! Just one small organization adjustment like this $8 solution can make a huge difference in your day-to-day life.

Keebofly Hanging Wall Mounted Jewelry Organizers, Set of 2

$19.99, was $39.99

save yourself some counter space with these convenient jewelry stands that mount to the wall! The wood + steel design is very neutral to match any space – you could even spread out this duo between rooms!

K Knodel Car Trunk Organizer

$19.99, was $32.99

This car organizer comes complete with a few large inside compartments as well as outside pockets to hold smaller stuff. The bottom is lined with a durable material that keeps the caddy from sagging or breaking under heavy load. Additionally, the sturdy handles make this pick easy to transport from place to place, whether it be to the lake, the campsite, or into your home to unload the groceries!

Check out our Amazon storefront for even more editor-approved picks to shop!

Images via Amazon.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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

There's no better time than now to shop since there are endless deals from the AmazonBig Spring Sale – many of them can’t be beat! The current sale features discounts on home and kitchen appliances, travel essentials, spring cleaning tools,beauty products, organization solutions and so much more.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself, for someone else, or just online window-shopping for the fun of it (we're guilty, too), it's never a bad idea to browse what other shoppers are loving. Across all categories, from beauty to fashion, there are endless top-rated items from Amazon that are sure to please – and plenty of them are backed by shopper reviews that speak to their trendiness and functionality.

Ahead, see the absolute best deals we could find on top Amazon products from the Big Spring Sale!

Top Amazon Products In Beauty

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

$9, was $10

This skin-smoothing and hydrating primer is formulated with 100% vegan and cruelty-free ingredients so you can feel good about what you're putting on your skin. It's gel-based, so it has enough grip power to make your full face of foundation stay put.

Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam

$9.60, was $12

Korean skincare has had a chokehold on TikTok users over the past year, with trends like double cleansing and toner pads hitting it big amongst scrolling skincare junkies. This gentle face wash will not only help you achieve clear skin, but will get you on the bandwagon, too.

COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

$13, was $25

Snail mucin is suggested to do it all in the skincare realm. It hydrates, detoxes, and heals your skin, all while providing anti-aging benefits. This is definitely another Korean skincare lover-approved pick for gifting.

Hot Tools 24K Gold One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer

$33.56, was $69.99

This hair tool combines a few tools into one, drying and styling your locks at the same time. It boasts ionic tech that places a neutral charge on your hair, leaving it shiny and smooth! You'll definitely ditch your traditional blow dryer and curlers once you've given this product a whirl.

essie Full Blast Nail Polish

$9, was $10

Red nails are popping off on our For You feeds, and this long-wearing, full-coverage polish from essie gives you the trending look for your nails.

CHI Original Ceramic Hair Straightener

$69.98, was $99.98

This flat iron has earned over 10,000 5-star reviews, with massive kudos to its durability and reliable heat. Take 30% off when you snag it from Amazon right now!

Kitsch Dermaplaning Tools

$7.19, was $8.99

Shaving your face has historically been a beauty faux pas, but it can actually really help with hair removal and streamlined exfoliation when you do it on occasion. These dermaplaning tools help you do it all!

Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum

$23.40, was $36

The formula of this cult-following lash growth serum combines vitamins, amino acids, and peptides to support longer, thicker eyelashes after 6 weeks of application.

DERMORA Golden Glow Under Eye Patches

$9.09, was $13.99

This pack of eye patches is formulated to target puffy eyes and dark circles. More than anything, they add a touch of glam to your skincare routine with their gold shimmer! This 35% off box can also be broken up between you and your pals!

Top Amazon Products In Fashion

SHAPERX Women's Long Sleeve Crew Neck Bodysuit

$14.99, was $49.99

Fashion fiends love this smoothing bodysuit for its high comfort level and its extreme similarity to the styles Kim K's Skims has to offer. 👀 It costs literal fraction of the OG (70% off right now) – dupe supremacy!

SOJOS Retro Polarized Aviator Sunglasses

$12.74, was $19.99

Trends always take us back in time, but this year's 70s trend inspired by Daisy Jones & The Sixthrew us *way* back. Get the groovy look at a whopping 36% off with Amazon right now.

Adidas Women's Ozelle Running Shoe

$51, was $80

These Adidas sneakers are super cute for wearing with a more formal 'fit, or just stepping out for your hot girl walk! The lighter neutral colorway is springtime's perfect match, plus the 36% discount is unreal!

CRZ Yoga Butterluxe Athletic Romper

$28.33, was $36

Athletic one-pieces are all the rage right now, and this super-stretchy one from CRZ Yoga is the piece to lead your athleisure looks! It comes in basically every color of the rainbow, and more. The built-in shelf bra and 4-inch inseam ensure that you feel secure and totally covered when wearing it.

Sunzel Crossover Flare Leggings

$19.99, was $29.99

These buttery-soft leggings are suspiciously close to our favorite trending styles from Aerie... and we love that.

Teddy Bear Cotton Crew Socks

$11.99, was $12.99

These soft socks channel true cozy energy, thanks to the sweater-wearing bears on them. Add a 5-pack to your cart at 8% off on Amazon!

The Drop Women's Bella Small Tote Bag

$16.10, was $39

The quilted face on this affordable tote bag is giving quiet luxuryto the max. The ruby red color only contributes to its trendiness!

Asics Women's Gel-Contend 7 Running Shoes

$46.88, was $65

Whether you're running, walking, or hitting the town for errands, these sleek running shoes from Asics are gonna support your soles at any pace.

Apsvo Chunky Gold Hoop Earrings

$12.99, was $13.99

Gotta love some gold jewelry! These graphic gold hoops pair with anything, no matter the season.

Top Amazon Products For Home + Kitchen

Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker

$179.99, was $199.99

We tried and tested the Ninja CREAMi, and it passed with flying colors. It's a breeze to use, saves you money, plus the frozen treats are healthy. 10/10, no notes.

Cosori Pro III Dual Blaze Air Fryer

$179 + $30 off coupon

This sleek air fryer is totally worth the splurge in our opinion, but saving $30 always sounds nice! Apply the sale coupon to your purchase to save. Then, you'll be on your way to air frying, baking, roasting, and broiling – all in one appliance.

Carote 11-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set

$79.89, was $119

Take 33% off this cookware set that's perfect for a kitchen makeover for gifting a recent grad! The neutral color of the nonstick material is chic, matching any kitchen set-up there is. With 11 different pieces (including utensils), this set has everything you need to succeed.

Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine

$199.99, was $219

Compatible with Nespresso pods to generate strong espresso shots and brewed coffee, this famed espresso machine is the ultimate (and most elegant) way to start your day. Come and get your caffeine!

Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker

$160.30, was $229

For a more compact coffee brewing experience, Nespresso's Vertuo Next model is capable of brewing 6 different cup sizes and single / double espresso shots brewed hot or cold for serving over ice.

Ninja Foodi XL 7-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill Combo

$179.99, was $349

This Ninja grill is also a griddle and air fryer, which is super impressive, especially because you can use it indoors. It's meant to sear, sizzle, and crisp up whatever you're cookin' to absolute perfection. That 49% off deal is also perfection!

Modern Mixology Bartender Kit

$34.99, was $49.99

This kit is a great gift for beginner at-home bartenders and experts alike. It comes with everything they need to craft their very own cocktails, plus it's currently 30% off!

Bedsure Satin Pillowcase

$5.57, was $11.69

Keep you and yours' skin and hair in-check with this silky smooth pillowcase. It comes in a variety of colors and is now available to shop at 52% off!

Zinus Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress

$211.65, was $309

Packed with soft padding and cooling gel, this unique temperature-regulating mattress is 32% off on the Amazon Big Spring Sale! The best part is it's fiberglass-free, instead supporting sleep with an expertly-packed blend of memory foam, soft comfort foam, and a high-density base.

Bedsure Fuzzy King Size Blanket

$54.99, was $85.99

This luxury blanket is perfect for chillier nights, and even spans a whole king-sized bed length and width to cover you up fully.

LEVOIT Air Purifier

$84.96, was $99.99

This chic air purifier rivals the look of Dyson models at a fraction of the price. Take 15% off right now and get your home feeling fresh n' clean.

Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

$609, was $749.99

The Dyson brand is heralded for a reason, and this sleek vacuum really exhibits that they're a step above most other vacuum cleaners. With a strong, powerful suction, a smart debris detector, optic-powered guide light, and 6 different cleaning attachments, this top Amazon product (over 600 5-star reviews) is truly gonna level up your home cleaning game.

Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

$98, was $123.59

B+C Staff Writer Jasmine Williams adores this versatile Little Green carpet cleaner for getting floor and couch messes squared away. With nearly 50,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, it's quite clear why this item is a #1 best-seller on the site. See what the hype is all about for yourself or a loved one!

iRobot Roomba J7 Wi-Fi Connected Vacuum

$298.98, was $599.99

Roomba does the cleaning for you, and with this model, you can even pre-schedule when it's gonna clean, and where – all from your phone. Perfect for busy homes and even busier lives, this smart vacuum is a game-changer!

5-Pack Adhesive Shower Caddies

$39.99, was $69.99

This 5-pack of shower organizers is the most renter-friendly bathroom storage solution around. They stick on using a powerful, durable adhesive material that won't budge a single bit!

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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.

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

www.youtube.com

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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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?

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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.