The White Lotus - What We Know So Far
If you're looking for a soapy, funny summer watch, HBO definitely has you covered. "The White Lotus" is a six-episode satirical comedy limited series set at a Hawaiian resort that's coming to HBO and HBO Max this summer. The show is written, directed, and executive-produced by creator Mike White, who previously created the cult classic HBO dramedy "Enlightened," which stars Laura Dern as a complicated woman experiencing something like a spiritual breakthrough that allows her to channel her selfishness for good. White is a keen observer of self-absorbed people who ultimately mean well, as you can see in his screenplays for films like "School of Rock" and "The Good Girl."
"The White Lotus" is White's first TV series since "Enlightened" ended in 2013, so it's very exciting for people who like his unique style. Here's what we know so far about the limited series "The White Lotus," including its cast, release date, and plot.
What's the release date for The White Lotus?
"The White Lotus" premieres on HBO on Sunday, July 11 at 9 PM EST, and the series will also be available to stream on HBO Max.
The series was filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Maui last fall, and the shoot complied with COVID-19 guidelines, according to Maui News. The outlet also reported that by the time "The White Lotus" was about halfway through filming, the production had administered nearly 2,000 COVID tests to the crew with no positives.
"It's beyond exciting to return to HBO with this project and such an incredible cast," Mike White said in a statement announcing the limited series (via Variety). "I am very grateful to everyone who has made it possible for us to bring our little bubble to Hawaii, a place I am proud to think of as a second home."
A trailer for the series has not been revealed yet, though fans should keep an eye out for one as the premiere date approaches.
Who's in the cast of The White Lotus?
"The White Lotus" has a large ensemble cast packed with familiar faces from a number of HBO programs, as well as other small-screen favorites (via WarnerMedia). The series stars Murray Bartlett, best known for playing aspiring San Francisco restaurateur Dom Basaluzzo on HBO's dramedy "Looking"; multiple-Emmy-nominated "Friday Night Lights" and "Nashville" star Connie Britton; and iconic comedy actress Jennifer Coolidge, known for playing Stifler's mom in the "American Pie" film series, portraying Paulette Bonafonté Parcelle in the "Legally Blonde" movies, and appearing in many Christopher Guest mockumentaries, most notably "Best in Show."
Alexandra Daddario, best known for "True Detective" Season 1 and the "Percy Jackson" film series, will also appear in "The White Lotus," as well as "Eighth Grade" standout Fred Hechinger (who will also be seen in the upcoming Netflix film trilogy "Fear Street").
"Girls" alum Jake Lacy will also pop up in the new series, as will Brittany O'Grady ("Little Voice"), "Insecure" favorite Natasha Rothwell, and "Euphoria" stars Sydney Sweeney and Lukas Gage. Legendary character actor Steve Zahn, who appeared in the HBO drama "Treme," rounds out the cast along with "Saturday Night Live" favorite Molly Shannon.
Though Mike White often appears in his own projects, it remains to be seen if he'll also be in "The White Lotus."
What's the plot of The White Lotus?
Judging by the description of the series' characters, it sounds like "The White Lotus" will have many plots that will collide in interesting ways as the characters encounter each other over the course of their time at the hotel. Per WarnerMedia, Armond (Murray Bartlett), the "fastidious" manager of the hotel, is experiencing a "dramatic downward spiral" after a traumatic event, while spa manager Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) "gets taken on an emotional roller coaster ride by a needy guest."
Among the hotel guests are the Mossbacher family — consisting of Nicole (Connie Britton), "a successful type-A exec who can't help but treat her family like disobedient employees," her husband Mark (Steve Zahn), who has "an embarrassing health crisis and a terminal inferiority complex," their teenaged son Quinn (Fred Hechinger), "a socially awkward gamer, experiencing the wonder of nature for the very first time," and their daughter, Olivia (Sydney Sweeney), who's accompanied by her friend Paula (Brittany O'Grady). As for the two teen girls, they're described as "sharp-tongued college sophomores who cast a sardonic eye on the lifestyles and belief systems of everyone around them."
There are also the newlyweds Shane (Jake Lacy) and Rachel Patton (Alexandra Daddario), whose honeymoon phase is ending ... while they're on their honeymoon. The unexpected and unwelcome arrival of Shane's mother Kitty (Molly Shannon) only expedites this problem. Finally, we have Tanya McQuoid (Jennifer Coolidge), "a wealthy, unstable woman, recovering from the death of her mother, traveling alone to the hotel, looking for love and in desperate need of a massage."
If you're excited for "The White Lotus," mark your calendars for the series' premiere on HBO and HBO Max on July 11.