The White Lotus Season 3 Premieres in Thailand with Mixed Reviews

2025-03-01

The third season of HBO’s The White Lotus has premiered, with the latest installment set in a luxury resort on the island of Koh Samui, Thailand. The season, created by Mike White, continues the show’s signature dark satire of wealth and privilege, though some critics have noted it feels slower and less sharp compared to previous iterations. The story begins with an unidentified corpse and gunshots interrupting a meditation session, setting the stage for the unraveling drama among the resort’s guests.

Key characters include a wealthy financial advisor, Tim Ratliff (Jason Isaacs), and his family, whose dynamics hint at unsettling psychological undercurrents. The Ratliff children, played by Sarah Catherine Hook, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Sam Nivola, deliver standout performances, with Schwarzenegger and Nivola proving their acting chops despite their famous parentage. Walton Goggins also shines as an enigmatic guest, while Natasha Rothwell reprises her role as Belinda, the spa manager from the first season, adding continuity to the series.

Blackpink’s Lisa makes her acting debut as Mook, a member of the resort’s wellness staff. Lisa shared that she battled nerves during filming but found support from her castmates. She also revealed her interest in pursuing action roles in the future. However, some critics argue that the Thai setting and characters are underutilized, with the show failing to fully explore the cultural and class dynamics inherent in its premise.

The season has been met with mixed reviews, with some praising its performances and others critiquing its pacing and lack of satirical bite. Despite these critiques, The White Lotus remains a cultural touchstone, with a fourth season already in the works. Whether the show can recapture its earlier brilliance remains to be seen.

The White Lotus season three review: 'Feels flabby and elongated, with far less satiric bite'

The very slow-burn new series of the satire about a luxury resort is uneven and disappointing.

www.bbc.com

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The White Lotus Season 3 to premiere on a streaming platform on February 16. BLACKPINK's Lisa to make her acting debut.

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Patrick Schwarzenegger opens up about his partnership with Ketel One and Tanqueray Gin ahead of 'The White Lotus' season three premiere.

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Thailand is about to see a significant increase in international arrivals following The White Lotus season set there.

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Carrie Coon looks hot in a tux at the star-studded LA premiere of The White Lotus season 3

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