Created by Mike White, The White Lotus is a dark satire about capitalism and wealthy people of the West, which quickly attracted devoted fans. The gripping finale of season 2 left many burning questions about the next instalments. Where will the show take viewers in season 3? When will it premiere? Who will return from the cast of the previous seasons? And is there a chance for season 4?
Each season of The White Lotus covers a different theme. In season 1, the creators analysed the topic of post-colonialism, while in season 2 they focused on gender relations. They also explored class differences, the collapse of social bonds and addictions, all sprinkled with a dash of black humour.
Here is all the important information about the future of The White Lotus.
What is the release date for The White Lotus season 3?
HBO confirmed that The White Lotus will return for season 3 on 16 February 2025.
Where will The White Lotus season 3 be set?
Initially, it was speculated that the new season would be set in the Maldives – that resort was mentioned by Daphne during her farewell dinner with Cameron, Ethan and Harper in season 2.
There were also rumours that the team wanted to shoot the show’s third instalment in Japan. However, HBO finally confirmed that season 3 will be set in Thailand.
What will the plot of The White Lotus season 3 be?
This season will focus on religion and spirituality, as well as death. The trailer shows hedonistic dancing and drinking alongside shots of a body bag and a member of the SWAT team – showing that a stay at The White Lotus is once again like no other holiday.
In a video unpacking the season 2 finale, Mike White stated:
The first season kind of highlighted money, and then the second season is sex. I think the third season would be maybe a satirical and funny look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality. It feels like it could be a rich tapestry to do another round at White Lotus.
In a recent interview for Entertainment Weekly, the show’s creator revealed that:
It’s going to be a supersized White Lotus. It’s going to be longer, bigger, crazier. I don’t know what people will think, but I am super excited, so at least for my own barometer, that’s a good thing.
Spoilers for season 2 below.
Max
Which cast members are confirmed for season 3 of The White Lotus?
Mike White’s series is an anthology featuring a different cast each season. Here’s the main cast for season 4:
- Natasha Rothwell as Belinda Lindsey, a spa manager who appeared in season 1
- Walton Goggins as Rick Hatchett, a rugged man vacationing with his girlfriend
- Aimee Lou Wood as Chelsea, Rick’s younger girlfriend
- Jason Isaacs as Timothy Ratliff, a businessman on holidays with his family
- Parker Posey as Victoria Ratliff, Timothy’s wife
- Patrick Schwarzenegger as Saxson Ratliff, Timothy’s and Victoria’s elder son
- Sarah Catherine Hook as Piper Ratliff, Timothy’s and Victoria’s daughter, a college student
- Sam Nivola as Lochlan Ratliff, Timothy’s and Victoria’s younger son and a high school senior
- Carrie Coon as Laurie, one of three friends on a girls’ trip
- Michelle Monaghan as Jaclyn, the second member of the group
- Leslie Bibb as Kate, the third member of the group
- Lek Patravadi as Sritala, one of the The White Lotus’ owner
- Lalisa Manobal as Mook, a hotel health mentor
- Tayme Thapthimthong as Gaitok, a security guard at the hotel
The season will also feature:
- Dom Hetrakul
- Morgana O’Reilly
- Christian Friedel
- Shalini Peiris
- Arnas Fedaravičius
- Scott Glenn
- Nicholas Duvernay
- Julian Kostov
- Charlotte Le Bon
Max
Tanya McQuoid, played by Jennifer Coolidge, connected seasons 1 and 2. However, after Tanya died in the season 2 finale, we now know she has no chance to return. The question is, who might be back in season 3 instead of her?
Tanya’s husband, Greg (Jon Gries), who was probably behind the plan to kill the millionaire, survived season 2. Whether he managed to get his wife’s inheritance remains an open question. Portia (Haley Lu Richardson) also gets out of Sicily alive – following Jack’s “advice”, she heads straight to the airport, where she learns from Albie (Adam DiMarco) about the tragic events on the yacht. However, the girl may decide to discover what actually happened to her boss.
In a clip mentioned above about season 2, Mike White stated:
I think as far as what happens to Greg and the conspiracy of Tanya’s death, it’s possible that I think Portia is scared enough to just leave it alone but the fact that all of those guys die on the boat feels like there’s gotta be somebody who’s gonna track it back down to Greg. But maybe you’ll have to wait to find out what happens.
The creator also joked about the return of the Di Grasso family:
Who knows, maybe there’ll be another White Lotus season where Dominic comes with his wife and they patch it all up!
Considering that the voice of Dom’s wife in season 2 was recorded by Laura Dern, such a turn of events would be welcome.
Is there a trailer for The White Lotus season 3?
The official trailer shows the luxury holidays spiralling out of control… as usual:
Will there be The White Lotus season 4?
Yes! On 22 January 2025, over three weeks before the season 3 premiere, HBO green-lit the fourth instalment. According to Variety, filming for the next season will kick off in 2026, so it may debut on Max in 2027. For now, it’s unknown where the fourth season will be set.
Rumours regarding the return of White Lotus for season 4 were around for quite some time. As Variety reported in November 2024, Casey Bloys, HBO and Max CEO, visited The White Lotus season 3 set and already talked with Mike White about the potential season 4 of the show.
As Bloys stated:
Mike, obviously — if he wants to move forward and do the four seasons — he will do the fourth season.
How to watch The White Lotus
In the US, Mike White’s series is available on Max. A basic, ad-supported subscription costs $9.99 per month – there are ad-free options available as well.
In the UK you can watch The White Lotus via the Now website. An Entertainment Membership is priced at £9.99 a month.
Alternatively, UK-based fans can catch up on the series on Sky Atlantic if this channel is included in their TV package.
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