A train wreck of characters....compelling, vile, and darkly hilarious. While we are led to believe one person dies at the beginning of the first episode, as the series progresses, you desperately hope that they all do. Highly recommended.
993 Reviews
I enjoyed it!
Supermanfan-1311 December 2022
I went into watching The White Lotus not really knowing what to expect. I just finished the second season and now know why it's had so many great reviews and won so many awards. What makes this show so good is the acting and the writing. Each character is beautifully written and acted, not a weak link on either season. HBO always puts out great content and this is no different. It's not a show for everyone but I definitely enjoyed it. It's one of the rare anthology shows where both seasons are equally as good. I'm now looking forward to future seasons of The White Lotus and hope they stay as good as these first two.
Jennifer Coolidge is Amazing in this!
NicholasBarton28 July 2021
Cringe in its best
maxinepuffington19 July 2021
It's not for everyone's taste but if someone likes weird and satiric humor, can enjoy cringe and slow-burn stories with layers then it would be one of the best from recent shows. Finally something different.
Acting and writing are on point too. After the utter Netflix nonsenses this show is like your first ice cream sundae after a year long diet with extra whipped cream.
Acting and writing are on point too. After the utter Netflix nonsenses this show is like your first ice cream sundae after a year long diet with extra whipped cream.
Really well written and acted series!
Rob133111 December 2022
The White Lotus is so much better than I expected. Both seasons have all-star casts from top to bottom and all do an incredible job. I can't point that out enough, both casts are perfect. Also, the visuals on this show are just beautiful. This series has already won so many awards for season one and I expect season two to win just as many. It's both funny and serious in how it shows the difference in classes and how some of the wealthy and privileged live their lives. There are no real villains in this show but definitely some frustrating and annoying characters. There are so many great characters that everyone will have their favorite and most annoying.
I'm Glad I Didn't Watch This When It Aired!
jon-stokes21-539-1787518 September 2022
I will say from the start this isn't a series for everyone, it's different, there's tons of charecter development, and it's a show I'd find much more enjoyable binge watching then consuming one episode per week.
I've grown to love limited series, immediately there is a start and end point set out from the get go. There's no cliffhangers written with no exact conclusion in mind or series that goes on way past its shelf life. This series is so well done it gives you a definitive, acceptable conclusion that leave little if anything to conclude. It's great when a season of episodes ends and it leaves you begging for more, however it's also great to watch a short series that tells its story while manages to leave no stone on turned and you're satisfied with it's ending and enjoyed it. In a lot of ways I believe this series left a wonderful blueprint for future limited series to come.
I've grown to love limited series, immediately there is a start and end point set out from the get go. There's no cliffhangers written with no exact conclusion in mind or series that goes on way past its shelf life. This series is so well done it gives you a definitive, acceptable conclusion that leave little if anything to conclude. It's great when a season of episodes ends and it leaves you begging for more, however it's also great to watch a short series that tells its story while manages to leave no stone on turned and you're satisfied with it's ending and enjoyed it. In a lot of ways I believe this series left a wonderful blueprint for future limited series to come.
People - Where is Your Sense of Humor?
artemuscat25 July 2021
Honestly, "reviewers"? This show is a true HBO show. It is quirky, uncomfortable, exquisitely written, beautifully acted, and is presented nakedly, warts and all.
I found the reviewers fell into two categories - love it or hate it. The "love its" praised it for what I praised it for (above). The "hate its" did not like that you don't have a joke, then a laugh, then a joke, then a laugh. This is an adult satire. When you reviewers write that you can't find anything to like about the characters, THAT'S the idea. You are supposed to delve into why you don't like them. You are supposed to not like what they do (or, if you're a little bit twisted, LOVE what they do). Brilliantly written by Mike White, it exposes the underbelly of people, yet still shows dignified people in the same context. You don't like water breaking? That is a natural occurrence. White mingles humanity with absurdity, and coats it with a sheen of money, power, and humility. These actors are willing to be bad people, honest people, people at the end of their rope, and people trying to understand what life holds for them. I have only watched two episodes, and I feel that this show could go in any direction and I'd still love it.
I found the reviewers fell into two categories - love it or hate it. The "love its" praised it for what I praised it for (above). The "hate its" did not like that you don't have a joke, then a laugh, then a joke, then a laugh. This is an adult satire. When you reviewers write that you can't find anything to like about the characters, THAT'S the idea. You are supposed to delve into why you don't like them. You are supposed to not like what they do (or, if you're a little bit twisted, LOVE what they do). Brilliantly written by Mike White, it exposes the underbelly of people, yet still shows dignified people in the same context. You don't like water breaking? That is a natural occurrence. White mingles humanity with absurdity, and coats it with a sheen of money, power, and humility. These actors are willing to be bad people, honest people, people at the end of their rope, and people trying to understand what life holds for them. I have only watched two episodes, and I feel that this show could go in any direction and I'd still love it.
A bit of a mixed bag
nielssloos-1718616 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The show started off really great introducing us to all the characters. Especially the struggles of the staff is portrayed well in this shown. Keeping up a happy face all the time.
The show starts with a murder mystery vibe, however, soon you start to learn that the slow build up of the escalating tension might is more going for dramatic effect. And I have to say that the plotting of the escalation spiraling out of control is done wonderfully, event until a point that I was planning on rating it higher than 7.
Unfortunately, the finale did not live up to the expectations. Without going too much in detail, the opening scene of the show is more of a hook used to keep audience stick to the story, than that it had any thematically purpose. For that reason the ending was a huge let down. Most of the character arcs were completed, great and satisfying except for a few.
I recommend watching it for the top cast, beautiful scenery and the build up of tension. However it is a bit of anticlimactic for a show that purposely builds up a tension. Furthermore you do not really connect with any of the characters on an emotional level, as you are watching from a distance unable to reach out or feel for them, like you are a member of The White Lotus, which might be intentional.
The show starts with a murder mystery vibe, however, soon you start to learn that the slow build up of the escalating tension might is more going for dramatic effect. And I have to say that the plotting of the escalation spiraling out of control is done wonderfully, event until a point that I was planning on rating it higher than 7.
Unfortunately, the finale did not live up to the expectations. Without going too much in detail, the opening scene of the show is more of a hook used to keep audience stick to the story, than that it had any thematically purpose. For that reason the ending was a huge let down. Most of the character arcs were completed, great and satisfying except for a few.
I recommend watching it for the top cast, beautiful scenery and the build up of tension. However it is a bit of anticlimactic for a show that purposely builds up a tension. Furthermore you do not really connect with any of the characters on an emotional level, as you are watching from a distance unable to reach out or feel for them, like you are a member of The White Lotus, which might be intentional.
This is the BEST dark comedy in years
idospasjody11 August 2021
Season 1 is a gem. The writing and acting is amazing. I can't wait for every Sunday evening. I wish I wouldn't have started it so I could binge watch the hole thing. There are parts that it takes a few seconds for your brain to process and then bang OMG laugh out loud funny. Rewind watch again funny. The story telling is masterful. Only thing wrong with this show is can't find anything to it's equal wile waiting for the next one to be released. Now that the next one is being released I'm going to wait and watch it when it's all done this is a show that is hard to wait for every Sunday so I'll be patient and just binge watch it.
Some people grow, others don't
KkonaW28 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Characters growths show interesting contrast.
The character with the most compelling development was the son, who was more intelligent than he let on (you can tell from how perceptive he was during his first conversation with his dad). It is quite logical that when you remove his shell and release him into the world, he adapts into a better human.
On the opposite end of the spectrum was the degenerate daughter and her equally dumb and ungrateful racist friend who didn't grow in any way, they ended just as they started: as parrots of textbooks with no understanding of how the real world works and always end up causing damage to those they care about.
The drama is fairly interesting with most characters getting a fitting ending, the grieving lady found happiness, the dysfunctional couple resolved their issue, the working class people who want easy money from the rich folks they despise in the end got BTFO'd.
The funniest aspect of the story: the daughter's friend who demanded justice for the oppressed was actually the root cause of all the bad things happened:
-She was the one who brought drugs to the island, which got into the hands of the hotel manager and escalated his conflict with the rich husband.
-She instigated the theft and assault which led to the rich husband using the knife to attack intruder.
One person was killed. Another was arrested and his life was ruined. There is a deep sense of irony when the root cause of the tragedies, Paula, was showed to make a lot of noises arguing against the people who paid for her vacation about equality and fairness, even shed a few tears for the poor exploited native people :)). In the end she just walked away with no understanding of the true extent of the havoc she created, while reading some book about colonialism to reinforce her opinions, lol.
This type of humor grows on you, but I can see it's not for everyone, because of the real story is hidden behind layers of satire and social commentaries. Rich people are portrayed to be obnoxious and off-putting on purpose, it's easy to miss the main antagonist and what the story really is about. People like Paula watching this will generally lack the self-awareness and humility to see how she ruined people's lives with her brand of justice.
The character with the most compelling development was the son, who was more intelligent than he let on (you can tell from how perceptive he was during his first conversation with his dad). It is quite logical that when you remove his shell and release him into the world, he adapts into a better human.
On the opposite end of the spectrum was the degenerate daughter and her equally dumb and ungrateful racist friend who didn't grow in any way, they ended just as they started: as parrots of textbooks with no understanding of how the real world works and always end up causing damage to those they care about.
The drama is fairly interesting with most characters getting a fitting ending, the grieving lady found happiness, the dysfunctional couple resolved their issue, the working class people who want easy money from the rich folks they despise in the end got BTFO'd.
The funniest aspect of the story: the daughter's friend who demanded justice for the oppressed was actually the root cause of all the bad things happened:
-She was the one who brought drugs to the island, which got into the hands of the hotel manager and escalated his conflict with the rich husband.
-She instigated the theft and assault which led to the rich husband using the knife to attack intruder.
One person was killed. Another was arrested and his life was ruined. There is a deep sense of irony when the root cause of the tragedies, Paula, was showed to make a lot of noises arguing against the people who paid for her vacation about equality and fairness, even shed a few tears for the poor exploited native people :)). In the end she just walked away with no understanding of the true extent of the havoc she created, while reading some book about colonialism to reinforce her opinions, lol.
This type of humor grows on you, but I can see it's not for everyone, because of the real story is hidden behind layers of satire and social commentaries. Rich people are portrayed to be obnoxious and off-putting on purpose, it's easy to miss the main antagonist and what the story really is about. People like Paula watching this will generally lack the self-awareness and humility to see how she ruined people's lives with her brand of justice.
no, this is not "rich people problems"
lee_eisenberg21 August 2021
Right after "The White Lotus" debuted, a criticism that I read was that the series was the latest focus on so-called rich people problems.
Totally wrong! This series shows how there's no love among any of the characters. They're all screwed-up individuals. Basically, rather than present good guys and bad guys, the series asks the viewer "How complicit are you in the issues depicted here?"
Definitely see it.
Totally wrong! This series shows how there's no love among any of the characters. They're all screwed-up individuals. Basically, rather than present good guys and bad guys, the series asks the viewer "How complicit are you in the issues depicted here?"
Definitely see it.
Question
martynika26 July 2021
O god, I miss message boards!
It will not be a review - it's a question - can someone explain me why the woman who is apparently very very rich (CFO of Google-like) goes on vacation in group of 5 adults and teens and rent an apartament that has only 1 bedroom?? Wtf? I'm probably earning less than maids of the people of that kind and I always get on my vacation place with two bedrooms although we travel as 3 persons - 2 adults and a kid (not yet even teen). Seriosuly, it really bothers me.
It will not be a review - it's a question - can someone explain me why the woman who is apparently very very rich (CFO of Google-like) goes on vacation in group of 5 adults and teens and rent an apartament that has only 1 bedroom?? Wtf? I'm probably earning less than maids of the people of that kind and I always get on my vacation place with two bedrooms although we travel as 3 persons - 2 adults and a kid (not yet even teen). Seriosuly, it really bothers me.
A study of intolerable behavior
slowpulse21 September 2021
Honestly, this almost feels like an experiment, created to see if it's possible to cram as many cringe-worthy moments as possible in a show, before the viewers give up. It's beautifully packaged, no doubt, with good direction, good cinematography and generally good acting, but I physically hated each and every one of the characters - no one excluded - and spent all my time wondering why their behavior ranged somewhere from mildly deplorable to downright unbearable.
I think it wants to be a satirical commentary on a particularly pampered demographic in society: white, oblivious rich people. And sure, it's a fairly well-deserving target for scorn. But it's done in a rather ham-fisted way, with characters who incomprehensibly lack almost any social skills, or act cluelessly in what are otherwise pretty normal situations. It didn't need to be so on-the-nose with the critique - if it indeed is critique - is my point.
I think it wants to be a satirical commentary on a particularly pampered demographic in society: white, oblivious rich people. And sure, it's a fairly well-deserving target for scorn. But it's done in a rather ham-fisted way, with characters who incomprehensibly lack almost any social skills, or act cluelessly in what are otherwise pretty normal situations. It didn't need to be so on-the-nose with the critique - if it indeed is critique - is my point.
The most impressive series I've ever seen
oasomera12 December 2022
Though some of the first season was cringe-worthy. This second season is about as masterful as anyone could hope for.
It starts a bit slow, the first episode, but soon finds its legs and impresses again and again, captivating me as if I weren't quite seasoned. It feels like a review of every thought I've ever had at a vacation resort, many of which I'd long forgotten. On that score alone it's a delight, but not to worry, it goes way beyond that to flirt with opera-like heights of drama and beauty something quite appropriate given its setting in Sicily.
Given the excellence of the acting and the seeming effortlessness of the story I would have to say Mike White, this series' creator, is some sort of unsung genius. The guy seems unaware of boundaries coupled with one of the sharpest eyes for detail I've ever seen.
It starts a bit slow, the first episode, but soon finds its legs and impresses again and again, captivating me as if I weren't quite seasoned. It feels like a review of every thought I've ever had at a vacation resort, many of which I'd long forgotten. On that score alone it's a delight, but not to worry, it goes way beyond that to flirt with opera-like heights of drama and beauty something quite appropriate given its setting in Sicily.
Given the excellence of the acting and the seeming effortlessness of the story I would have to say Mike White, this series' creator, is some sort of unsung genius. The guy seems unaware of boundaries coupled with one of the sharpest eyes for detail I've ever seen.
Brilliant so far
vokeynick1 August 2021
This is currently my favorite show that's running (honestly though, it doesn't have much competition). The music is phenomenal and I hope the composer wins an award. It's not everybody's brand of comedy, but just because something isn't lol funny doesn't mean it's not funny. Although we're at episode 3 and nothing of huge significance has happened yet, I'm 100% invested in the characters and can't wait to watch it every week.
I really liked the first season, but I LOVED the second
elena-grandal12 December 2022
I am obsessed about season 2. There are so many fascinating characters and the performance of the actors behind them is superb.
I enjoyed the first season. It was cruel, real and funny. The characters are horrible people and because of that I don't think it's for everyone. But I personally had a great time watching it.
The second explores different type of relationships (father-son, lovers, friends, employer-employees) in such an interesting and entreating way that I just wanted to see the next episode to keep watching them interacting. The focus is more on gender, which I also love. It definitely entered my top favorite shows.
I enjoyed the first season. It was cruel, real and funny. The characters are horrible people and because of that I don't think it's for everyone. But I personally had a great time watching it.
The second explores different type of relationships (father-son, lovers, friends, employer-employees) in such an interesting and entreating way that I just wanted to see the next episode to keep watching them interacting. The focus is more on gender, which I also love. It definitely entered my top favorite shows.
To those annoyed with the loudness of the music in episode 2..
ce323 July 2021
I believe the use of the music in episode 2, nearly overpowering the dialogue in some sections, was intentionally done to further enhance the unsettling mood of the entire episode. There's a lot bubbling under the surface of these characters, and it's about to start boiling over soon.
If you don't like many of these characters and find them hard to root for, that's intentional too. Mike White writes characters that challenge you and leave you feeling conflicted. He wants us to have an inner dialogue with ourselves as we watch. As to what's around the corner, I can pretty much guarantee you we have no idea (unless you've read the scripts). But fasten your seatbelts, it's gonna be a bumpy ride.
If you don't like many of these characters and find them hard to root for, that's intentional too. Mike White writes characters that challenge you and leave you feeling conflicted. He wants us to have an inner dialogue with ourselves as we watch. As to what's around the corner, I can pretty much guarantee you we have no idea (unless you've read the scripts). But fasten your seatbelts, it's gonna be a bumpy ride.
The White So-So
myronlearn16 August 2021
This could and should have been so much better. The writing is barely mediocre as is the overall production. Jennifer Coolidge's comedic talent is wasted here. The characters weren't that interesting and the ending, in my opinion, was anti-climatic.
Funny and clever class commentary
thedongwu16 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is a great and unexpected comedy driven by its complex and layered characters, each of whom play an important part in the show's social commentary and satire. Each member of the class plays their role to perfection, in particular, Jake Lacy as a self absorbed rich kid and Jennifer Coolidge as a tragic figure who is inevitably trapped in her toxic patterns and blinded by her privilege. Murray Bartlett and Natasha Rothwell also do an incredible job as the sympathetic hotel staff who have to deal with the nonsense their guests throw at them every day-meanwhile, Fred Hechinger was a surprising stand out, playing a quiet, unassuming character who grew to be one of my favourites in the season.
This show makes some unexpected decisions and keeps you on your toes. The soundtrack by Cristobal Tapia de Veer is unique and works overtime to create the atmosphere and mood of the show throughout. And the themes do a great job exploring the idea of who in our society faces consequences for their actions--Paula's story arc (played by Brittany O'Grady) is one of the best examples of this that I have seen.
This show makes some unexpected decisions and keeps you on your toes. The soundtrack by Cristobal Tapia de Veer is unique and works overtime to create the atmosphere and mood of the show throughout. And the themes do a great job exploring the idea of who in our society faces consequences for their actions--Paula's story arc (played by Brittany O'Grady) is one of the best examples of this that I have seen.
No way to tell where it's heading, and that's not bad
jatsby12 August 2021
I've watched the first episode, and several times was wondering just where it was headed. I've decided that it isn't going somewhere in particular yet, it's going to follow these different characters and see where they go; tension is clearly building between several of them, a few are cyphers...can't say I was "liking" it but it intrigued me, I'll watch more. Interesting and sometimes recognizable people, in a particular sort of situation. Yes, interesting.
Nice virtual vacation with Mike White's particular comedic genius.
duncanwilliams5020 July 2021
I am giving this eight stars as this is another Mike White series and they take a while to build. Enlightened definitely got better as it went along. Jake Lacy and wife Alexandra Daddario are a great pairing at being a bad romantic pairing. Nice to see the great Steve Zahn back in something as well. Jennifer Coolidge is hitting another high water mark as a clearly disturbed woman. Love the setting and music as well. Great summer series. Love i!
Not recommended
athanasiosze22 March 2022
I don't know how to rate this.
Every actor here is nearly excellent or excellent. The script is clever, the subtlety is brilliant. This is an accurate depiction of Western civilization's decay. 6 stars for these qualities.
But, it's too cynical.
How can you like a tv series when every character here is kinda disgusting? Belinda was a nice character, Armond was somewhat likeable, but every other character here made me sick. Furthermore, the end is anti-climactic and not cathartic. I get it, there is no salvation, but come on, give me someting to enjoy, even mildly.
I like sad and depressing movies, but this is a new height, disguised as a comedy.
The actors were excellent. But you can't enjoy a movie or a series when almost every character is rotten to the core.
Every actor here is nearly excellent or excellent. The script is clever, the subtlety is brilliant. This is an accurate depiction of Western civilization's decay. 6 stars for these qualities.
But, it's too cynical.
How can you like a tv series when every character here is kinda disgusting? Belinda was a nice character, Armond was somewhat likeable, but every other character here made me sick. Furthermore, the end is anti-climactic and not cathartic. I get it, there is no salvation, but come on, give me someting to enjoy, even mildly.
I like sad and depressing movies, but this is a new height, disguised as a comedy.
The actors were excellent. But you can't enjoy a movie or a series when almost every character is rotten to the core.
What is everyone seeing that I'm missing?!
itsjustme-9943716 September 2022
There was so much hype around this show and I just don't get it. I knew there'd be a problem after the first episode when there was no hook- nothing happened to get me interested I spent pretty much the first 5 episodes waiting for something to happen. I just don't see the point of this show. I'm at a loss. If you want to watch a show about a bunch of white people on vacation doing vacation things, this show is for you. Jennifer Coolidge was good in it as well but not jaw dropping because her character was pretty one note. And all the characters are pretty much unlikeable. After it was over, I apologized to my boyfriend for suggesting it.
Not laugh out loud funny, but still hilarious
edscremin16 August 2021
Yes, almost all characters are extremely unlikable, but I think that's the charm of The White Lotus. You can definitely still see each of their motivations and I feel like the writers were very self aware of the stereotypes they put in each main character. The comedy for me was on point, but it might be disappointing for people who prefer punchline jokes. The music was pretty awesome and it set a very specific tone to the series.
The story is pretty good, but my main criticism is that it makes you think that all the characters' side stories would come together at some point, but I just didn't think that happened in a satisfying way. The different groups only interact with each other on a few scenes, and with very few exception, the encounters barely make any difference to the plot. Besides, some side encounters make no sense, like the quick appearance of the pregnant lady from the first episode. I'm still trying to figure out what the hell she was there for.
All things considered, I highly recommend it to people who like satirical comedy. Great main characters and pretty good storyline.
The story is pretty good, but my main criticism is that it makes you think that all the characters' side stories would come together at some point, but I just didn't think that happened in a satisfying way. The different groups only interact with each other on a few scenes, and with very few exception, the encounters barely make any difference to the plot. Besides, some side encounters make no sense, like the quick appearance of the pregnant lady from the first episode. I'm still trying to figure out what the hell she was there for.
All things considered, I highly recommend it to people who like satirical comedy. Great main characters and pretty good storyline.
Refreshing
vtenvisions9 August 2021
Let me say that i do not understand the negative ratings. IT WAS REFRESHING TO BINGE WATCH ALL OF THE EPISODES IN A DAY. This was quirky, funny, unpredictable, as well as satirical. It had you wanting more and anticipating the next episode. Im realy tired of short series being about cops, or mainly about drugs, or finding dead children. Refreshing to watch! Kudos to the writer and the actors were all amazing as well.
See also
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