“Nowhere near as iconic”: ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Has Failed to Top Season 2 In One Regard, Early Viewer Claims

Created by Mike White, The White Lotus’ season three is one of the highly awaited comedy-drama anthology series. Season three, which was filmed in Bangkok, Phuket, and Ko Samui, stars Parker Posey, Carrie Coon, Jason Isaacs, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Aimee Lou Wood, Blackpink’s Lisa, Walton Goggins, and more. The third season was reported to invoke a satirical and funny look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality.

Natasha Rothwell, who appeared in the first season, is the only cast member who’d be reprising her role. Fans are excited for the third season, but it seems that the ones who had the opportunity to watch the series at the advance screening have a positive reaction overall. However, they do have a complaint regarding one aspect of the show.

First reviews for The White Lotus Season 3 rolled in

The highly awaited season three of The White Lotus by Mike White is just a few days away from its release, and some critics and fans had the opportunity to watch the season at the advance screening. While seasons one and two left quite an impression on people from the minute they dropped, it might take season three a while to do that.

ScreenRant, in its first review of the show, noted that some fans might find it ‘slow-moving’ when it comes to the plot. But noted that the added episodes will surely give the audience some time to sit back with the characters and ideas and let them slowly creep inside the mind. A Reddit user also shared their view on season three by stating that season three is going to be ‘interesting.’

Without giving any spoilers, the user wrote that people should look forward to watching what happens to Jason Isaacs and his entire family. They mentioned that Walton Goggins, Parker Posey, Natasha Rothwell, and other cast members have also done a good job in lifting the show.

One of the users asked about the opening credits, noting if the music and sequence were as good as season 2, which was so beautifully shown that it was hard to skip. Season 2 was filmed in Italy. The user replied,

The actual title sequence is amazing; the new theme is pretty good but nowhere near as iconic as the season 2 theme.

They explained further that season 2’s theme had such a strong impression on people that it’s going to be hard to top that. The user once again mentioned that Parker Posey was such an icon on the show.

THR, in its review, noted that creator Mike White uses the razor’s edge of his eviscerating dialogue to build suspense.

Mike White talks about filming Season 3 of The White Lotus

At the premiere of Season 3, the creator of The White Lotus, Mike White, said (via IndieWire),

You’re looking at somebody who just crossed the finish line of the hardest race that I’ve ever run. And I raced with a lot of you guys out there, and I know it was hard for all of you too.

HBO CEO Casey Bloys preceded White’s speech and said that what’s great for him being at HBO for so long is the fact that they get to work with a lot of actors in different roles who trust the network and return.

Bloys mentioned that actors Natasha Rothwell, Michelle Monaghan, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Parker Posey are working with the network for the second time. Whereas Carrie Coon and Walt Goggins are onto their third. The CEO was delighted to welcome newcomers including Jason Isaacs, Leslie Bibb, Aimee Lou Wood, and more, hoping that they’d very soon return to the network with a new project.

Mike White seemed emotional at the screening and shared,

I am so happy right now. That’s how I feel because it’s like I’ve been in this theater where we had a premiere and the film broke. I’ve been at this premiere, and we got bad reviews that day. And I’ve been around long enough to know that it’s as good as it gets.

The creator noted that it was a hard shoot as it wasn’t glamorous in a lot of ways, but the cast was incredible such as great troopers, and a beautiful ensemble to work with. He mentioned that he appreciates everyone for their work on the show and the experience they had together. He especially extended a thank you for Rothwell because she reprised her character.

The White Lotus Season 3 premieres on February 16, 2025.