> At a Glance
> – Jameela Jamil compares costar Emily Bader to Jennifer Aniston at the People We Meet on Vacation premiere
> – The Netflix rom-com, adapted from Emily Henry’s 2021 novel, drops on January 9, 2026
> – Jamil plays mentor Swapna to Bader’s travel writer Poppy
> – Why it matters: Fans of the book and rom-com genre get a new streaming favorite backed by high praise from its own cast
Fresh off the red carpet, People We Meet on Vacation costar Jameela Jamil is declaring Emily Bader Hollywood’s next breakout star, calling her “what Jennifer Aniston was to my generation” as their new Netflix romantic comedy lands on the platform.
A Star-Making Endorsement
Speaking exclusively to News Of Los Angeles at the Los Angeles premiere, Jamil, 39, didn’t hold back:
> “Emily is our next big thing. I’m really rooting for her and I think she’s going to go on to do great things, and I’m excited for the whole world to see her now.”
The comparison to Jennifer Aniston underscores the confidence Jamil has in Bader’s ability to capture audiences on a global scale.
On-Set Mentorship Mirrors the Script
In the film, Jamil portrays Swapna, the sharp editor of fictional travel outlet R+R Magazine who pushes Poppy (Bader) to break out of her writing rut-a dynamic Jamil loved bringing to life.
> “I love the character I got to play. We all need a Swapna in our lives.”
Jamil says the shoot was “some of the most fun I’ve ever had at my job,” praising the chemistry between Bader and Tom Blyth as well as the upbeat story audiences crave.
> “It’s what we need in the world right now, given how bleak everything is.”
Rom-Com Comeback
Jamil believes the genre has been “lacking for some time,” labeling People We Meet on Vacation the “comeback of the good rom-com” thanks to director Brett Haley.
> “He put as much Rob Reiner spirit into this as possible. He took it really seriously… and I think it really resonated through the film.”
Key Takeaways
- Emily Bader earns a glowing endorsement from costar Jameela Jamil, who likens her to Jennifer Aniston
- People We Meet on Vacation is now streaming on Netflix after premiering January 9, 2026
- Jamil champions the film as a return to smart, heartfelt romantic comedies
With rave reviews from its own cast, the adaptation is positioned to become the first feel-good streaming hit of 2026.
