The third installment of the hit series The White Lotus has finally premiered, much to the excitement of fans who have eagerly awaited its return. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Thailand, this season continues the show's legacy of dark comedy infused with sharp social commentary. The narrative focuses on guests and employees at an exclusive Thai resort, showcasing the series' hallmarks of delving deep Into the lives of its eclectic characters.
One of the most delightful promotional activities surrounding the launch involved cast members Sam Nivola and Sarah Catherine Hook visiting the Khao Kheow Open Zoo. There, they were able to meet Moo Deng, the beloved pygmy hippopotamus who has become something of a social media sensation. A video shared by the actors shows their enthusiasm for the experience, with Nivola joking about his efforts to impress the hippo for the cameras. "I was so stoked. I went to the gym just to look good for Moo," he quipped, highlighting the lighthearted nature shared between the actors.
Season 3 promises to maintain the comedic and dramatic tones established by earlier seasons, which took place respectively in Hawaii and Italy. Viewers can expect eight episodes filled with complex interactions and unique storylines as they follow the adventurous exploits of characters portrayed by the talented new cast members: Catherine Hook, Nivola, Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Lalisa Manobal, Michelle Monaghan, Lek Patravadi, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Tayme Thapthimthong, and Aimee Lou Wood. Notably, Natasha Rothwell returns, reprising her role from Season 1.
While the actors were busy engaging with fans and promoting the series, many viewers expressed curiosity about the filming locations. The real hotels featured this season, set on the island of Koh Samui and other parts of Thailand, have become focal points of interest. After all, if the luxurious locales can capture the imagination on screen, wouldn’t it be wonderful to experience them in real life?
Indeed, the hotel used for filming the Thai resort is real, but here's the twist: scenes were shot at several different locations across Thailand, including the Four Seasons Koh Samui, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, and Rosewood Phuket. Despite the geographical distances—200 miles separating some of these spots—the final edit seamlessly blends them together, crafting the illusion of one singular opulent destination.
Series creator Mike White had initially been reluctant to film the new season in Thailand, partly due to unfortunate memories from his stay during his participation on The Amazing Race. "I didn’t want to return to a place holding memories of losing," he recounted, having been eliminated from the competition on the island of Phuket. A change of heart came when he learned about the appealing atmosphere at the Four Seasons Koh Samui, prompting him to reconsider and send scouts to evaluate the site.
David Bernad, the executive producer, elaborated on the captivating qualities of the Four Seasons, sharing, "It called our name, and I think it's fair to say Mike has avenged his Koh Samui demons after shooting there." Not only did the producers have to find the perfect hotel, but they also scoured for locations to adequately represent different aspects of luxury resort life, ensuring each filming site could deliver on the series' aesthetic.
While the Four Seasons offered many impressive features, logistical challenges arose, necessitating additional sites to be incorporated for spa treatments and dining experiences. Breakfast sequences may take place at the Four Seasons, but evening dinner scenes were shot at the Rosewood Phuket, with specific reception scenes filmed at the larger Anantara Mai Khao.
Despite initial hesitations, the production crew fell deeply for Thailand and its culture, with Bernad expressing how hard it is to put emotions tied to their experiences here. "We just fell in love," he noted, illustrating how the country’s warmth and hospitality enriched the storytelling experience for the series and its characters.
With new episodes airing every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and available for streaming on Max, audiences are eagerly embracing the richly woven stories set against the lush Thai scenery. The combination of new characters and vibrant locations is generating excitement and speculation each week—prompting fans to revisit their theories and reactions as the drama unravels.
Stay tuned to learn more about the enchanting world of The White Lotus as the season progresses, and find out what twists await the characters at the luxurious resort.