Competing in the age of streaming is a tough business. At a time when Netflix enjoys a chokehold with its global dominance on the potential subscriber base, the push for quality content stands out of paramount importance.
Taking note of it, HBO took a leap of faith as it diverged away from its tried and tested formula of working productions like the fantasy epics of Game of Thrones to invest in satirical and dark comedies like The White Lotus.
The Sydney Sweeney starrer debuted to resounding critical acclaim and took audiences by a grip. As a result of its success, the show quickly green-lit its second season and continued advancing a plot that hovered on the fringes of testing morality.
Yet, it is far from done. Even as fans await the release of the announced and under-production season three of the series, its showmakers have already planned out lavish maps for its future.
The White Lotus is unlikely to end after season three
A much-awaited third season for the comedy-drama stands at the top of the list of priorities for HBO. Marred by delays owing to the twin Hollywood strikes, it finally is on its way to release. As fans await to witness the turn of events in the upcoming iteration, senior WB executives JB Perrette and Casey Bloys, in talks with Variety, revealed that they may already be planning for a potential fourth season.
The duo showcased their high regard for Mike White, the show’s writer and visionary. Putting their faith in him, the duo hinted that they would be willing to stretch the show as long as the former kept coming up with ideas.
I know Mike has a lot of ideas for where it could go. We’re lucky to be in business with him. And we have actors who now really, really want to be on the show because it’s a great opportunity and it’s great writing. So I think as long as he wants to do it, we’ll go along for the ride.
The remarks hold importance, as The White Lotus has garnered quite a significant acclaim and a prominent fan base. Additionally, it has also found itself nominated and awarded with Primetime Emmys, Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Satellite Awards, among others.
Furthermore, the second season also marked a significant uptick with an average of 9.5 million viewers tuning in to the Max service, thus outlining its credibility.
A major plot expansion lies in store for season three
Mike White has teased a “longer, bigger, crazier” plot for season three of The White Lotus. Furthermore, the show will also mark a deviation as it moves to Thailand compared to its previous outing in Sicily. The expanded version will tackle the themes of death and spirituality and dive deep into the intricacies of the Eastern religion, unlike the previous ones, which centered on class differences and relationship dynamics.
In the same round of talks, the executives also outlined that the next seasons will have a ‘rotating cast”. As such, there lies little to no hope for the return of fan-favorite characters like Sydney Sweeney’s Olivia Mossbacher. Moreover, the Euphoria actress herself has played coy and hinted at a maybe possibility of a reprisal of her role. Regardless, the stage is set for a new cast to usher in a new era of HBO’s black comedy.
The White Lotus seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Max.
