There's more of The White Lotus where the first two seasons came from. Variety reports that the hit series has just been renewed for a third season at HBO. Season 2 premiered at the tail end of October and is just three episodes in, leaving four remaining before we're at the finale. Clearly, HBO execs are thrilled with how fans have already responded to the first half of the season so far, and this has resulted in the early renewal for another season of the Mike White-created show.
“Reflecting on The White Lotus’ humble, run-and-gun origin as a contained pandemic production, it’s impossible not to be awestruck by how Mike orchestrated one of the buzziest and most critically acclaimed shows,” HBO's Francesca Orsi said in a statement. “And yet, he’s only continued to reach new heights in season 2, which is the ultimate testament to Mike’s raw, unparalleled vision. His courage to explore the uncharted waters of the human psyche, paired with his signature irreverent humor and buoyant directing style, have us all dreaming of more vacation days at the resort we’ve come to adore. We couldn’t be more thrilled to get the chance to collaborate on a third season together.”
Season 3 will follow a similar formula of the first two seasons by introducing an all-new cast at a White Lotus resort somewhere else in the world. Season 1 focused on a group of guests at a Hawaiian resort and featured a strong ensemble cast that included the likes of Jennifer Coolidge, Murray Bartlett, Connie Britton, Alexandra Daddario, Sydney Sweeney, Steve Zahn, and Molly Shannon. In season 2, Coolidge reprised her role alongside Jon Gries as her husband alongside a new cast including F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hollander, Theo James, Aubrey Plaza, Will Sharpe, and Haley Lu Richardson.
The White Lotus Was Never Meant to Go Past One Season
When Mike White wrote and directed all six episodes of the freshman season of The White Lotus, he was not expecting to come back for additional seasons. The show was developed as a limited series, but when it premiered on HBO last year, it was met with very high ratings and critical acclaim. The premium cabler then promptly ordered another season, and amid continued success, it's not so surprising to see another season in the works.
As of now, it's unclear if the third season will bring back any characters as season 2 did with Jennifer Coolidge. It seems possible that she could also pop up in season 3 to bridge the gap between every season. But it's also just as possible that season 3 will have nothing but all-new characters. There's no word yet on the setting for the third season either, so let the speculation from fans begin now.
You can stream The White Lotus on HBO Max.