This week on TV Tuesday, I’m sharing my first impressions of Paris Is Always a Good Idea, the new Hallmark+ series based on the novel by Jenn McKinlay. After years of throwing herself into work while struggling with the loss of her mother, Chelsea Martin finds herself returning to Europe and revisiting the places (and past loves) connected to one of the happiest periods of her life. After watching Season 1, Episodes 1 and 2, I’m talking about what’s working for me so far, the changes from the book, Chelsea’s grief and journey toward rediscovering herself, and whether I think this new Hallmark+ series is worth adding to your watchlist.
⚠️ Spoiler Note
This episode contains spoilers for Paris Is Always a Good Idea Season 1, Episodes 1 & 2.
I also discuss the novel by Jenn McKinlay, but I avoid spoilers for later events in the book.
In This Episode
My first impressions of Paris Is Always a Good Idea after watching Episodes 1 and 2.
Meeting Chelsea Martin and how the loss of her mother has affected her relationships, career, and ability to move forward.
Why I think Chelsea may be romanticizing one of the happiest periods of her past.
The Paris Revisited itinerary and the messages Chelsea’s mother left behind for her family.
Chelsea and Annabelle’s sister relationship and why Annabelle is already my favorite character.
Jason Knightly’s very obvious attraction to Chelsea...even if he has a terrible way of showing it.
Whether Knightly can make his way out of unlikeable-character territory.
Chelsea’s return to Ireland and her reunion with her former love, Colin.
The hilarious (and slightly heartbreaking) truth behind Colin remembering exactly how long it had been since Chelsea left Ireland.
Why Colin may not actually be the “one who got away.”
Chelsea realizing that some of the things she thought she loved were actually things she loved because Colin loved them.
The themes of grief, romanticizing the past, identity, self-discovery, and learning how to live again after loss.
Why I think Chelsea’s European adventure may be more of a Band-Aid than a solution to what she’s really struggling with.
All the cozy European travel moments...from Parisian pastries and coffee to Irish pubs, cottages, sheep, music, and beautiful scenery.
A fun behind-the-scenes detail about the Ireland scenes actually being filmed in northern Spain.
My spoiler-free book-to-screen first impressions and some of the major changes Hallmark+ has already made to Jenn McKinlay’s novel.
Why the television adaptation feels cozier to me than the book.
My thoughts on the novel and why I rated it 3.25/5 stars.
The questions I’m still thinking about before Chelsea heads back to Paris.
And, most importantly: after two episodes, should you keep watching?
My First-Impression Ratings
Episode 1: ⭐ 4/5
Episode 2: ⭐ 4.25/5
Cozy Rating: ☕ 5/5
First-Impression Verdict: KEEP WATCHING
Mentioned in This Episode
Paris Is Always a Good Idea — Season 1, Episodes 1 & 2
Paris Is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay
Starring:
* Lacey Chabert as Chelsea Martin
* Scott Michael Foster as Jason Knightley
* Rebecca Hanssen as Annabelle
Hallmark+
“Don’t Get Me Wrong” by The Pretenders
Anna Schulze
Paris, France
Ireland
Spain
Coming Up This Week
Cozy Mystery Thursday: Ludwig Season 1, Episodes 3 & 4
Next TV Tuesday: We’re heading back to the Yorkshire Dales for All Creatures Great and Small Season 2, Episodes 1–3!
Follow along on Instagram @cozycomfortclub for episode updates, polls, cozy recommendations, and behind-the-scenes podcast content.
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Until next time, happy watching!
Discussion About This Episode
Have you read Paris Is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay? If so, what do you think of the adaptation so far?
Do you think Chelsea is really searching for lost love...or is she trying to find the person she used to be?
What did you think about Chelsea’s reunion with Colin?
Can Knightly redeem himself after these first two episodes?
Are you already seeing chemistry between Chelsea and Knightly?
What do you think Sebastian has been doing all these years?
Do you think Annabelle will continue traveling with Chelsea?
Will Chelsea eventually accept Glenn and Sherrie’s relationship?
Do you prefer the stronger focus on family and grief in the television adaptation?
And, of course...who do you think Chelsea is marrying in that opening scene?
I’d love to hear your first impressions!
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